Each beer style has its own unique fruity or spicy characteristics, and Saisons are no exception, appealing to a wide range of beer drinkers, including those who typically might not choose beer as their first beverage option. Saisons are usually light to medium in the body and heavily carbonated with fruity aromas and flavors such as peach, apricot, and orange.
It’s one of the favorite beer styles for summer, with a spicy and complex flavor. What makes this beer so special is its slightly tart character from the yeast, which adds a unique flavor.
Let’s learn more about this beautiful beer style and explore some of the interesting things behind it, highlighting its distinctive style that sets it apart from other beers.
What is Saison beer?
The rustic Belgian saison beer, otherwise known as the Farmhouse Ale, traces its roots to Wallonia- a small town in Belgium.
Meaning ‘Saison’ also known as ‘season’ in French, Sasion beer is a Belgian beer that was originally brewed by farmers (mainly in a farmhouse brewery) during the hot summers to quench their thirsts with something light and invigorating.
Like pale ale and wheat beer, Saisons have a distinct flavor character that sets them apart from other styles. It usually has a light to medium body with high carbonation levels and a fruity aroma. The belgian style saison is celebrated for its diverse characteristics, including a wide range of flavors from spices and fruits to variations in hop character, underlining the style’s guidelines and its susceptibility to a wide window of expression.
As mentioned earlier, Saison is typically spicier than other beers due to the use of Saison yeast strains, and the typical noble hops used in this style also contribute to its unique flavor.
Additionally, Saisons are generally lower in alcohol than other styles of beer, making them the perfect summer refreshment.
Overall, Saisons are a hugely popular beer style that offers a unique flavor and aroma profile that is difficult to find in other beers. The bière de saison has a significant history of production in Wallonia, Belgium, highlighting its importance in the region’s brewing heritage.
Are a Saison-style beer and farmhouse ale the same?
Yes, Saisons and farmhouse ales are essentially the same beer style. As discussed above, Saison beers originated from Wallonia where they were brewed in a farmhouse brewery by local farmers.
Saisons have become popular all around the world due to their light yet complex flavor profiles that make them extremely session-able during hot summers.
In recent years, craft brewers have started experimenting with Saisons by incorporating other ingredients such as herbs, spices, and fruit to create unique flavor profiles.
Overall, Saison-style beers offer an easy-to-drink beer that is both light and flavorful. Whether it is called a Saison or a farmhouse ale, this beer style is sure to delight anyone who enjoys a light and refreshing beverage.
How Saison beers are brewed?
Just like any other beer, the saison beer style is brewed with grains such as barley or wheat, hops, and yeast, but it stands out due to its variability and the brewer’s interpretation which can significantly influence its taste profile.
The key difference between saison beers and other styles of beer lies in the type of yeast used for fermentation; saisons require the use of a special strain known as ‘Saison yeast’ (a type of lager yeast), which has a unique flavor profile. The use of wild yeast in brewing mixed-culture saisons is crucial for creating complex, fruity, and spiced flavors, making it a distinctive feature of this beer style.
Pilsner malt, Saison Dupont, Vienna Malt, wheat malt, and Munich malt are some of the typical grains used to brew saisons. Hops such as Hallertau Mittlefruh, Saaz, and Goldings are also commonly used to achieve their desired bitterness.
Single-hop beer brewed with a Saison yeast strain is becoming popular as it allows brewers to highlight the hop character without obscuring other flavors. Saison Renaud mystic brewing is a good example of this type of beer.
The fermentation process for saison beers is typically longer than other styles due to the higher alcohol content and it usually takes up to 4-5 weeks for the beer to fully mature.
At last, saisons are usually bottle conditioned with priming sugar, resulting in a highly carbonated beverage that is light and refreshing.
What makes a farmhouse beer different?
The Belgian yeast culture and the Belgian tradition of brewing farmhouse ales make it distinct from other types of beers.
The yeast used in this beer contains a special set of enzymes that break down proteins and starches, producing phenols and esters which are responsible for the unique flavor of Saisons.
Farmhouse beers typically have a high degree of attenuation, meaning that they ferment out to a very dry finish. This helps create the uniquely crisp and refreshing character of these beers.
Additionally, farmhouse ales are traditionally brewed with local ingredients such as grains, spices, and herbs, which contribute to its flavor profile and give it a more rustic character.
Finally, Saisons are typically brewed with a lower alcohol content than other beer styles, making them the perfect refreshing summer drink. With their light and complex character, Saisons are increasingly becoming popular amongst craft beer lovers all around the world.
In the broader family of rustic, artisanal European beers, styles such as ‘bière de garde’ exemplify the ‘bière de’ tradition, showcasing the rich diversity and heritage of farmhouse brewing.
Conclusion
All in all, farmhouse ales and Saison beers offer a unique flavor profile that is difficult to find in other types of beers. With their rustic character, these beers are perfect for those who enjoy a light and refreshing beer. So, if you’re looking to try something new, give Saison or farmhouse ale a go! You won’t be disappointed.