Existent is a Belgian-style Saison by Stillwater Artisanal Ales that’s sweet with dark fruit and chocolate; balanced with brown bread and roast. Read More

Overview for the Saison
Also known as a Farmhouse Ale, the Belgian Saison originated as a rustic ale provided for farmhands in French-speaking Wallonia. The modern Saison by Dupont was produced in the 1920s. Its mouthfeel is dry and ranges from light to medium with high carbonation. Typically golden in color, the style can also appear amber or brown. Its palate is either bittered or soured with citrus fruit flavors, earthy or spicy hops, and possibly spiced. Darker versions may be a little sweeter. Regardless of the variation, the Saison yeast character is an absolute must.
Style Expectations
Most commonly, a pale, refreshing, highly-attenuated, moderately-bitter, moderate-strength Belgian ale with a very dry finish. Typically highly carbonated, and using non-barley cereal grains and optional spices for complexity, as complements the expressive yeast character that is fruity, spicy, and not overly phenolic. Less common variations include both lower-alcohol and higher-alcohol products, as well as darker versions with additional malt character.
Appearance
Pale versions are often a distinctive pale orange but may be pale golden to amber in color (gold to amber-gold is most common). Darker versions may run from copper to dark brown. Long-lasting, dense, rocky white to ivory head resulting in characteristic Belgian lace on the glass as it fades. Clarity is poor to good, though haze is not unexpected in this type of unfiltered beer. Effervescent.
Aroma
Quite aromatic, with fruity, spicy, and hoppy characteristics evident. The esters can be fairly high (moderate to high), and are often reminiscent of citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons. The hops are low to moderate and are often spicy, floral, earthy, or fruity. Stronger versions can have a soft, spicy alcohol note (low intensity). Spicy notes are typically peppery rather than clove-like, and can be up to moderately-strong (typically yeast-derived). Subtle, complementary herb or spice additions are allowable, but should not dominate. The malt character is typically slightly grainy in character and low in intensity. Darker and stronger versions will have more noticeable malt, with darker versions taking characteristics associated with grains of that color (toasty, biscuity, caramelly, chocolate, etc.). In versions where sourness is present instead of bitterness, some of the sour character can be detected (low to moderate).
Flavor
Medium-low to medium-high fruity and spicy flavors, supported by a low to medium soft malt character, often with some grainy flavors. Bitterness is typically moderate to high, although sourness can be present in place of bitterness (both should not be strong flavors at the same time). Attenuation is extremely high, which gives a characteristic dry finish essential to the style; a Saison should never finish sweet. The fruity character is frequently citrusy (orange or lemon), and the spices are typically peppery. Allow for a range of balance in the fruity-spicy characteristics; this is often driven by the yeast selection. Hop flavor is low to moderate, and generally spicy or earthy in character. The balance is towards the fruity, spicy, hoppy character, with any bitterness or sourness not overwhelming these flavors. Darker versions will have more malt character, with a range of flavors derived from darker malts (toasty, bready, biscuity, chocolate, etc.) that support the fruity-spicy character of the beer (roasted flavors are not typical). Stronger versions will have more malt flavor in general, as well as a light alcohol impression. Herbs and spices are completely optional, but if present should be used in moderation and not detract from the yeast character. The finish is very dry and the aftertaste is typically bitter and spicy. The hop bitterness can be restrained, although it can seem accentuated due to the high attenuation levels.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body. Alcohol sensation varies with strength, from none in table version to light in standard versions, to moderate in super versions. However, any warming character should be fairly low. Very high carbonation with an effervescent quality. There is enough prickly acidity on the tongue to balance the very dry finish. In versions with sourness, a low to moderate tart character can add a refreshing bite, but not be puckering (optional).
Reviews
Sour Saison
Saison • New Belgium Brewing Company
Sour Saison is a Belgian-style Saison by New Belgium Brewing Company whose palate is a complex blend of sour, funk, sweet, spice, and bread. Read More
Above The Clouds
Saison • 3 Stars Brewing Company
Above The Clouds is a Belgian-style Saison by 3 Stars Brewing Company that blends citrus and pepper with sourdough bread and fruity esters. Read More
Siren’s Saison
Saison • Biscayne Bay Brewing Company
Siren’s Saison, a Belgian-style Saison by Biscayne Bay Brewing Company has strong wheat flavor, hints of fruit and spices with a fizzy feel. Read More
Prince & Pauper
Saison • MikkellerMikkeller
Prince & Pauper is a Belgian-style Saison by Mikkeller and Omnipollo that blends funky yeast, floral hops, lemon, and spices. Read More
Undefeated Saison
Saison • Funky Buddha Brewery
Undefeated Saison, a Belgian-style Saison by Funky Buddha Brewery is a vinous blend of Champagne yeast, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape musts. Read More
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