What do you know about Saisons?
“Saison: Also known as ‘farmhouse ale’, is a Belgian style that was originally brewed during the cold months in order to last through summer. The flavor tends to focus on the earthy yeast and heavy spices, although fruit and tartness are common. Saisons are highly carbonated and tend to be dry. Typical alcohol content varies widely from 5-9%. The Beer Tutor”
“Bier de Garde and Saison: Pale Ales brewed in the Flanders area of Northern France and in Belgium during the Autumn and Winter and stored for Summer drinking (de Garde) or for drinking fresh (Saison/Season). Traditionally served to farm labourers in the field as “liquid bread”. Alex Barlow – All Beer Guide”
That’s all very well but there’s no better way to learn than by experience and tasting their wonderfulness. Light, hoppy, MASSIVELY refreshing and bursting with fruit and biscuit flavours, they are absolutely
perfect for the Summer months.
After discussing this on Twitter (where else) it seems pace was gathering in getting our Sais-On collectively in another tasting day. We’ve opted for Saturday 15th of September to try and avoid the Leeds International Beer Festival and Borefts later that month.
So whats the idea?
No suggested beer lists although I’ll list a few suggestions later for anyone that is totally new to the style, just grab some of your favourites and drink them, preferably with a few friends as beer always tastes better when shared with your buddies. Hopefully a few of the countries top bars will join in as usual and put a few specials on for your enjoyment, if yours isn’t one of them, ask why and tell them to get their fingers out.
As promised here’s a few suggestions to look out for, it’s by no means comprehensive and there are a few listed that may not even still be available, but ideas at least to get you started on your very own Saisonathon.
Saison Cazeau
Saison Dupont
Nøgne ø Saison & India Saison
Saison Dottignies
Dupont Moinette Biologique
Flying Dog Wildeman IPA, fermented with Saison yeast
Marble/DarkStar Saison
St-Feuillien Saison
Ilkley Siberia Rhubarb Saison
Red Willow “Faithless XIV
Summer Wine Brewery Lime and Coriander Saison
Urthel Saisonaire
Saison Silly
Belgoo Saisonneke
Grassroots/Tired Hands “Wachu Saison
Jandrain IV Saison
The Bruery Saison Rue
8 Wired Saison Sauvin
Dark Star Saison
Bristol Beer Factory Saison
Fantome Saison
Saison d’Erpe-Mere
Please feel free to retweet, re-blog, share or better still write your own post, let’s get this party of the Summer Saison!
Cheers
I would also add Urthel Saisonniere and (for something slightly different) Silly Saison. I’ve also heard good things about (but have not yet tried) Belgoo Saisonneke. I think that what is likely to come out of this is how different the Belgian Saisons are and how similar the non-Belgian interpretations are (generally speaking spicy notes from whichever Belgian yeast is used and quite a good slug of hops). This is, I know, something of a generalisation but not too far off the mark I think.
Consider it done John, got loads of Urthel in too, can’t believe I forgot it
Cheers
Dark Star Saison (the first in the UK?)
Bristol beer factory saison
Fantome Saison
Added mate, thanks are you in it?
Excellent stuff Phil, get write up. I can’t wait to round off the summer with this.
Cheers fella, you get those Geordies organised and we’ll be laughing!
Looking forward to this Phil, nice one!!
Me too, glad it’s catching folks imagination and hopefully gathering pace, fingers crossed we get a god interaction on the day 🙂
I’d add Saison d’Erpe-Mere. It’s a Flemish Saison. Quite outstanding.
Consider it done
This is a great idea, Phil. Saison has been one of my favourite styles since trying Dupont years ago. It deserves to remain the gold standard. I’ll be in Brussels that weekend too – perfect!
What better place to be for a Saisonathon, make sure you send me updates and pictures so we can see what you get up to
Cool, Brooklyn Sorachi Ace & Brooklyn BAMboozle are both listed as saison and have both recently been imported to the Uk again. Sorachi Ace is outstanding IMHO.
Matt, thanks for this, be in to see you soon mate
Saison Voisin from Géants is another nice one worth mentioning. And Ellezelloise Saisis.
Two I’ve not tried Joe, have you got them lined up yourself, not seen them I don’t think?
Nice one Phil….I would have added Silly Saison which is cheap and cheerful and one of my favourites….but someone already has 🙂
Looking forward to it!
Anyone in Ireland watch out for the Spelt Saison made by Trouble Brewing (with just a little help from me!). Available in a small few pubs around Dublin at the moment and on cask only.
Sounds great, can you send me some details, pics, notes or mini review (whatever really) and I’ll add to the pre and post round up?
Cheers
Blog post on the brewday here http://littlepeculier.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/just-another-trouble-maker/
And a post about the launch here http://littlepeculier.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/festival-season/
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Now I see what’s going on. I just needed to right hashtag to search. I’m in.
Excellent news, what are the chances of getting some guys involved over in the US, a few blog posts & tasting events?
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Thanks for the link
I have handed out a few bottle of Weird beard sunshine saison prototype this month… good timing! Trying to figure out how to get you a bottle!
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