What is Saison Craft Beer?
Saison is a pale, dry, slightly tart, Belgian-style farmhouse ale. It is usually highly carbonated and very refreshing. The base malt for Saison is typically Pilsner, with a small amount of wheat malt. The hops are typically noble hops such as German Hallertau Mittelfrüh or Czech Saaz. The overall character of Saison should be dry, slightly tart, and spicy from the yeast strain used. Alcohol content is typically around 6-8% ABV.
When pairing food with Saison, look for dishes that are not too heavy or rich. Seafood, poultry, salads, and light cheeses are all good options. Avoid anything too spicy or sweet as it will clash with the beer's flavour profile.
Colour & Aroma of Saison Craft Beer
The colour of a Saison beer can range from straw-like yellow to amber, and the aroma is often citrusy and spicy. Some brewers will add fruits or spices to the brew kettle to give the beer extra flavour. The taste is usually slightly tart and dry, with a slightly floral or herbal finish.
What does Saison Craft Beer taste like?
Saison craft beer is unique in that it can taste different depending on the brewer. Some brewers will add different spices or fruits to their beer, which can give it a variety of different flavours. However, most Saisons are generally citrusy and dry with a slightly spicy finish.
Clarity of Saison Craft Beer
When looking for a good saison, it's important to pay attention to the clarity of the beer. A well-made saison should be clear and bright, without any sediment or haze. If you see any particles floating in your beer, it's a sign that the brewer didn't take proper care in brewing the beer.
A great way to judge a saison's clarity is to hold it up to the light. If you can see through the beer easily, it's a good sign that it's well-made. If the beer is cloudy or opaque, it's likely not as fresh as it could be, and may not taste as good either.
Carbonation of Saison Craft Beer
When it comes to carbonation, there are a few things that you need to take into account when brewing a saison. The amount of sugar that is used in the brewing process will affect the level of carbonation in the final product. If you use too much sugar, the beer will be over-carbonated and can end up being quite dry. On the other hand, if you use too little sugar, the beer will be under-carbonated and can end up being quite sweet. The type of yeast that you use will also affect the carbonation levels. A higher attenuating yeast will produce a drier, more highly carbonated beer while a lower attenuating yeast will produce a sweeter, less carbonated beer.
The level of carbonation in a saison is usually between 2.5 and 3.5 volumes of CO2. This is on the higher end of the spectrum for most beers but it helps to create the characteristic dryness that is often associated with this style. When serving, it is best to pour it into a glass with plenty of room so that all of the bubbles can rise to the top and create a nice head on the beer.
Popular brands of Saison
There are many popular brands of Saison, such as:
- Dupont
- Chimay
- Orval
Each of these brands has its own unique flavour and history. For example, Dupont is a classic Belgian Saison that has been brewed for over 200 years. Chimay is a well-known Trappist beer that is brewed in the Abbey of Notre Dame de Scourmont.
Orval is another classic Belgian beer that is fermented with wild yeast to give it a unique flavour.
Conclusion:
Saison is a refreshing, flavourful beer that is perfect for summertime drinking. It is typically light in colour and body, and has a slightly tart flavour. The ales are usually moderately priced, and there are many different brands and styles to choose from.
Overall, saisons offer a unique flavour profile that is great for any beer lover. They are easy to find and relatively affordable. With so many options available, everyone can find the perfect saison to suit their taste.
No matter which variety you choose, it's sure to be a flavourful and enjoyable beer.
