Our Score: 94/100
First Impressions
Right off the bat, Pure Project’s second batch of their Méthode Traditionnelle, also known as M.T. III, is a peculiar blend of one-, two-, and three-year-old spontaneously fermented ale. This is not your run-of-the-mill brew, and that’s quickly apparent from the first whiff.
Aroma – 12 out of 15
The thing about this ale’s aroma is that it hits you with an unorthodox combination of herbal and floral scents that are reminiscent of gin. To make the smell profile even more interesting, there’s also a scent of musty lemons and grapefruits, balanced by a distinct cellar funk. Overall, the aroma is quite enticing, if not a little bookish.
Appearance – 3 out of 5
On look alone, there’s nothing groundbreaking about it, certainly nothing to knock down the rating. It’s what you’d expect from a traditional blend, nothing less, nothing more.
Drinking the Brew
Flavor – 17 out of 20
As you sip, the uniqueness of the brew becomes apparent. You’ll notice a clash of gin botanicals against woody citrus and grapefruit. This storm of flavors is bizarrely sweet and bitter at the same time, which somehow muddles the acidity. Fluffy carbonation highlights these flavours in such a way that the brew feels lively in your mouth with a sticky tobacco-tar bitterness towards the end.
Mouthfeel – 5 out of 10
The mouthfeel is light, almost too light. Perhaps this is due to the Brett which gives clear but gentle definition. An intriguing undercurrent of faint lemon swings between sweet and tart, adding a complex layer to your taste buds. It’s certainly a restrained yet piquantly detailed brew.
Final Thoughts
Despite its somewhat experimental tendencies, Pure Project’s Lief is an intriguing brew that’s sure to satisfy, if not mesmerize the palate. Its charred lemon aroma, fresh concrete, and hint of brioche overall creates a curious juxtaposition, but one that work well to deliver a captivating experience. The final score of this charming ale lands at a strong 94 out of 100.
How We Review
Our reviews are independent, unbiased, and based on our panel’s professional knowledge combined with personal experience. We aim to provide a holistic view of the beverage considering all the mentioned factors.
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This review gives a detailed description and honest rating of the beer, highlighting its unique and complex aroma. It makes me curious to try it for myself and see if I have the same experience with the gin-like scent.
“The unique blend of herbs, florals, and musty notes in Pure Project’s M.T. III makes for an interesting aroma that is both enticing and a little bookish. Looking forward to experiencing the other aspects of this brew.”
“Pure Project’s M.T. III is a unique and complex blend of flavors, with a distinct aroma that immediately sets it apart from other brews. The combination of herbal and floral scents, mixed with notes of musty lemons and grapefruits, give this ale a truly intriguing character. A definite must-try for beer lovers looking for something different.”
The score of 94/100 for Pure Project’s Méthode Traditionnelle is impressive and it’s clear that this is not your average brew. The unique combination of herbal and floral scents, paired with musty lemon and grapefruit notes, make it an intriguing and enticing choice for any beer lover. Cheers to Pure Project for creating such a remarkable ale!