Saison’s are also commonly referred to as ‘farmhouse ales’. They were originally styled as a beer for farm workers – thirst quenchers after a hard days work in the fields. This offering from a small village brewery justifies the increasing popularity of saisons.
The beer pours a straw yellow, and is working overtime producing a creamy white head which billows in the glass. The smell is all about the yeast – rich bold and intriguing. Zesty fruits and grassy blossoms do their best to compete with the musty ‘horse blanket’.
The flavour comes in waves, and changes on the way through. At first there is the luxury of the citrus fruits, followed by biscuit malts. Then the spices hit with a peppery hop spike.
The aftertaste is long, and continues to be a combination of opposites like sweet lemon. The carbonation is good, and the finish is slightly dry, urging another sip.