A green bottle? Uh-oh, aren’t we told to fear green bottles? Well, if you have a thing against green, you might be in trouble. More on that later… The label seems to be telling us something in its own quirky, quaint, noueau-vintage vaudevillian sort of way. Depicted is a magician, conjuring up a series of ghosts or Fantômes—what does it mean? By opening this bottle, are you going to physically manifest these spirits? Wouldn’t it be hilarious if the beer was an ectoplasmic green color, as if the brew itself was the Fantôme? Well, onward we go; gather the necessary tools: you’ll need a bottle cap opener and a corkscrew to release this beast, but it’s worth it. Pour the beer into the proper glassware, but don’t be spooked—we’ll just say it—the beer is unusually colored. From bottle to bottle, the hue can vary; we’ve seen anything from bright neon green to an olive-toned color with any neon glow only conjured when held to light, especially the light of a computer screen. The head starts out well proportioned, but it quickly dematerializes into total nothingness, so, along with the color and the spontaneous decapitation (of the beer, not the drinker—this is a friendly spirit after all), you’re left with a very unusual looking brew. Ah, the Fantôme is up to her usual trickery. The brewer almost never gives up his secret spices, and this beer is no different, so we’re left to our senses to decipher the ingredient list. On the nose, we got notes of raspberries and nectarines, as well as wafts of lemon and lime, with a delicate spiciness as well. As it warms, notes of green tea really take hold. Perhaps a hint of dill? Aside from the prominent fruit notes, expect a sturdy backdrop of “saison-ness”—think straw and a slight bit of funky, musty yeastiness. The flavor starts with a malty, citrusy sweetness that almost instantly is supplanted by a balancing tartness. The two hang in such balance that the beer finishes refreshingly dry. Green tea notes come through, as do the fruity notes noted in the aroma (especially raspberry, lime and lemon), plus suggestions of kiwi. When melded with the acidity, the fruity character helps to give distinct notes à la granny smith apples. As it warms, some suggestions of ginger ale develop. This is a complex, if not mysterious beer, with quite a lot going on. In the finish, expect a nice, clean wheaty twang and dryness, with almost no alcohol detected. At full warmth, and toward the end of the bottle especially, earthier, minerally notes not unlike spinach make an appearance, as do particles of green sediment. Yes, green sediment. Don’t freak, just embrace the uniqueness of the experience. Overall, this intricate, beguiling, spooky brew is fruity, spritzy, earthy and refreshing. People may be put off by the color, but they’d be depriving themselves of a truly rare treat. This ain’t no St. Patty’s Day green beer, this is the Fantôme’s version, and it really is something we are thrilled to share with our members. We’ve quite selfishly bought up most of the bottles that are being brought into in United States, which was a small quantity to begin with, so, enjoy it, and hoard it from the nonbelievers!