Off Color Apex Predator
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Tasting Notes
Apex Predator pours with the dry, spritzy character typical of a well-made saison, with aroma notes of cracked pepper, lemon zest, hay, and mild earthiness from the yeast. On the palate, expect a mix of fruity esters — stone fruit, maybe a hint of banana — alongside a firm, bone-dry finish that keeps things from getting sweet. The body is light to medium, carried by lively carbonation. The finish is clean, slightly tart, and lingers with a faint herbal quality that invites another sip.
About the Brewery
Off Color Brewing is based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2013 by John Laffler and Dave Bleitner. The brewery built its reputation on producing unusual, historically-inspired styles — think gose, sahti, and other categories that most American craft breweries were ignoring at the time. They're known for their adventurous but technically precise brewing and have maintained a relatively small, focused footprint within Chicago's competitive craft scene.
Food Pairings
Saison's dry, peppery character works well alongside a roast chicken seasoned with thyme and lemon, where the herbal notes in the beer mirror the aromatics on the plate. A simple frisée salad with lardons and a mustard vinaigrette plays off the beer's earthy yeast and slight tartness. Soft, washed-rind cheeses like Taleggio find a natural partner here because the funk in both aligns rather than clashes. Mussels steamed in white wine and shallots are a classic match — the beer's carbonation and dryness cut through the briny richness without overwhelming it.
Style Guide
Saison originated in the Wallonia region of southern Belgium, where farmhouse brewers historically produced it as a seasonal ale for field workers during harvest months. The style is defined by its dry finish, elevated carbonation, and expressive yeast character — fruity esters, spicy phenols, and a slight tartness are all hallmarks. It sits apart from Belgian witbier, which leans sweeter and relies on wheat and coriander, and from tripel, which is heavier and more alcohol-forward. The ABV range is wide, running roughly from 5% to 8%, with dryness and yeast complexity being the consistent throughline.