Ellicottville Brewing Company - French Connection

French Connection pours a glowing golden straw with soft haze and a lively, frothy white head that leaves fine lacing as it settles. The aroma is bright and elegant, offering layers of citrus peel, white pepper, and subtle floral notes, underpinned by gentle oak and soft farmhouse spice. A whisper of vanilla and light toast from barrel aging adds warmth without overpowering the beer’s delicate saison character.

On the palate, French Connection is crisp yet rounded, driven by expressive saison fermentation that brings notes of lemon zest, pear, and soft herbal spice. The barrel influence contributes subtle depth—hints of oak, light tannin, and faint vanilla—while preserving the beer’s refreshing, dry profile. Lively carbonation lifts the flavors, giving the beer a graceful, champagne-like texture that enhances both its brightness and complexity.

As the beer opens, gentle rustic undertones emerge, adding faint earthy and peppery notes that complement the brighter citrus and fruit tones. The finish is dry, clean, and gently warming, with lingering spice, soft oak, and refreshing acidity that invite slow, thoughtful sipping while still remaining highly drinkable.

French Connection can be enjoyed fresh for its vibrant citrus, spice, and barrel-kissed brightness, but it will also evolve gracefully over 1–3 years as the oak, yeast character, and subtle acidity meld into a more rounded, vinous profile. For food pairings, look to roast chicken, grilled seafood, herb-roasted vegetables, and creamy cheeses such as brie or triple-cream styles. Its bright acidity and gentle spice also pair beautifully with charcuterie, light curries, and citrus-driven dishes.

Founded in 1995 in the heart of Western New York’s ski country, Ellicottville Brewing Company is one of the region’s true craft beer pioneers. Opening as a small village brewpub, EBC quickly became a destination for skiers, hikers, and beer lovers alike, drawn by its welcoming taproom and wide-ranging beer lineup. In the early years, the brewery helped introduce locally brewed craft beer to a market still dominated by national brands, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the area’s growing beer culture.

As demand grew, EBC expanded both its brewing capacity and distribution footprint, eventually operating multiple brewpubs across New York State while maintaining Ellicottville as its flagship home. Throughout its evolution, the brewery remained committed to producing beers that balance tradition with innovation—brewing crisp lagers, hop-forward ales, and classic European styles alongside more experimental offerings. In recent years, Ellicottville has invested in barrel-aging programs and mixed-fermentation techniques, allowing beers like French Connection to showcase the brewery’s technical range, blending rustic saison fermentation with the nuanced complexity that only time in oak can provide.