Now, a Saison – or Farmhouse Ale, as it’s often called, is one of those beer styles that quietly sneaks up on you. You might not hear much about it when people are banging on about their latest hazy IPA or pastry stout, but give one a go, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.
The style hails from Wallonia, that peaceful, countryside region in Belgium where beer seems to be part of daily life. You can picture it; rolling green fields, old barns, a few clattering cows, and somewhere in the middle of it all, a farmer with a big copper pot and a plan to make something refreshing to get through the summer.
A Saison is what you might call a “proper worker’s beer” – not too fancy, not too fussy, but made with care and heart. It’s earthy, fruity, a bit spicy, and it’s got that unmistakable liveliness that comes from being brewed the old-fashioned way.
What Makes a Saison So Distinctive
Flavour-wise, it’s one of the most interesting styles out there. You usually get fruity esters, spicy phenols, and a nice little hop bitterness running through it. But what really stands out is how dry it finishes. That dry edge keeps it crisp and refreshing; it’s what makes you want to take another sip… and another.
They can range in colour from pale gold right through to deep amber, and while most sit somewhere around the 5 to 7% mark, a few stronger ones creep a little higher. The bubbles are lively too; the high carbonation gives it that lovely sparkle on the tongue, which makes it feel light even when it’s packing a bit of strength.
And unlike a lot of modern beers that tend to shout about how “experimental” they are, the Saison is a quiet kind of complex. You’ll get flavours of lemon peel, clove, pepper, sometimes a hint of hay or herbs – but it’s all balanced, nothing overpowering.
A Beer Born from Hard Graft
Now, here’s the bit that really gives this style its charm. Back in the day, Saisons were brewed by Belgian farmers during the colder months, then stored ready for the summer. When the hot weather arrived and the farmhands were working long days in the fields, this was their refreshment. A bit of sustenance, a bit of hydration, and a very welcome treat.
The word “Saison” itself means season in French, which is rather fitting; it changed with the rhythm of the year. Every farm had its own recipe, using whatever ingredients they could get their hands on. Barley, wheat, oats, even herbs or spices from the garden. Nothing went to waste, and every batch was unique.
There’s something lovely about that, isn’t there? Each brew was a reflection of the farm and the people who made it. No two Saisons were ever the same, but each one was personal. It’s beer with a fingerprint.
The Yeast Makes the Magic
Modern brewers will tell you that the real secret behind a great Saison lies in the yeast. Those original farmhouse strains, the ones that survived centuries of rustic brewing, are still being used today. They’re lively little things too; they like warm temperatures and tend to do their own thing.
That’s why you get all those fruity, spicy aromas, the yeast creates them naturally during fermentation. Clove, pepper, citrus peel, maybe a whisper of banana; it’s all in there. Brewers often talk about Saisons as being “alive”, and honestly, that’s not far off the mark.
The rest of the recipe is usually pretty simple. Barley for backbone, maybe a touch of wheat or oats to soften things, and a handful of European hops like Saaz or Goldings to add a gentle bitterness. The result is a beer that’s refreshing, layered, and full of personality.
Why It’s Still Loved Today
Saisons might have started life as a humble farmhouse beer, but they’ve found fans all over the world. Modern brewers love them because they’re so flexible; you can stick close to tradition or go off in all sorts of creative directions.
Some add orange zest or pink peppercorns for a bit of flair. Others ferment them with wild yeasts to bring out a funky, slightly sour edge. And of course, there are the barrel-aged versions that soak up flavours of oak, vanilla, or wine – turning a rustic ale into something truly elegant.
Despite all that experimentation, the best ones still have that same spirit as the originals, honest, balanced, and deeply satisfying. They feel like something you’d share with good company after a long day; not a showpiece, just a proper drink.
Ones Worth Trying
If you’ve never had a Saison before, Saison Dupont is the one to start with. It’s the benchmark, golden, peppery, crisp, and endlessly drinkable. There’s a reason people still call it the gold standard.
Closer to home, plenty of British brewers have had a go too. Burning Sky, for instance, do a superb version called Saison à la Provision. It’s bottle-conditioned, a bit tart, and packed with character. Thornbridge have experimented with the style as well, adding their own English finesse, while Wild Beer Co. have taken it in a wilder, funkier direction, true to their name.
It’s nice to see British brewers embracing it, really. We’re good at making beers with a story, and a Saison fits that mould perfectly.
The Food Pairing Bonus
One of the lovely things about Saisons is how brilliantly they pair with food. Their dry, zesty profile makes them a dream with roast chicken, pork, or cheese. I’ve even had one alongside a good curry, and it held its own surprisingly well. That peppery spice from the yeast can really lift a meal.
They’re also brilliant on their own; a proper “sit and think” sort of beer. Something you can sip slowly while putting the world to rights.
A Beer That’s Kept Its Soul
What I really admire about Saisons is that they’ve managed to stay true to themselves. In an age where every other beer is loaded with fruit purée or made to look good on Instagram, the Saison quietly carries on doing what it’s always done; being balanced, refreshing, and full of charm.
It’s a beer with history, and it still tastes like history, not dusty or dated, but alive. Every sip connects you to those Belgian farmhouses and the people who brewed it all those years ago.
So next time you spot one on the shelf or see it listed at your local, don’t hesitate. Pick it up, pour it gently into a glass, and watch that lively fizz rise. Take a moment to appreciate it. You’ll soon understand why it’s such a beloved style.
A proper beer, with a proper story behind it.
The style hails from Wallonia, that peaceful, countryside region in Belgium where beer seems to be part of daily life. You can picture it; rolling green fields, old barns, a few clattering cows, and somewhere in the middle of it all, a farmer with a big copper pot and a plan to make something refreshing to get through the summer.
A Saison is what you might call a “proper worker’s beer” – not too fancy, not too fussy, but made with care and heart. It’s earthy, fruity, a bit spicy, and it’s got that unmistakable liveliness that comes from being brewed the old-fashioned way.
What Makes a Saison So Distinctive
Flavour-wise, it’s one of the most interesting styles out there. You usually get fruity esters, spicy phenols, and a nice little hop bitterness running through it. But what really stands out is how dry it finishes. That dry edge keeps it crisp and refreshing; it’s what makes you want to take another sip… and another.
They can range in colour from pale gold right through to deep amber, and while most sit somewhere around the 5 to 7% mark, a few stronger ones creep a little higher. The bubbles are lively too; the high carbonation gives it that lovely sparkle on the tongue, which makes it feel light even when it’s packing a bit of strength.
And unlike a lot of modern beers that tend to shout about how “experimental” they are, the Saison is a quiet kind of complex. You’ll get flavours of lemon peel, clove, pepper, sometimes a hint of hay or herbs – but it’s all balanced, nothing overpowering.
A Beer Born from Hard Graft
Now, here’s the bit that really gives this style its charm. Back in the day, Saisons were brewed by Belgian farmers during the colder months, then stored ready for the summer. When the hot weather arrived and the farmhands were working long days in the fields, this was their refreshment. A bit of sustenance, a bit of hydration, and a very welcome treat.
The word “Saison” itself means season in French, which is rather fitting; it changed with the rhythm of the year. Every farm had its own recipe, using whatever ingredients they could get their hands on. Barley, wheat, oats, even herbs or spices from the garden. Nothing went to waste, and every batch was unique.
There’s something lovely about that, isn’t there? Each brew was a reflection of the farm and the people who made it. No two Saisons were ever the same, but each one was personal. It’s beer with a fingerprint.
The Yeast Makes the Magic
Modern brewers will tell you that the real secret behind a great Saison lies in the yeast. Those original farmhouse strains, the ones that survived centuries of rustic brewing, are still being used today. They’re lively little things too; they like warm temperatures and tend to do their own thing.
That’s why you get all those fruity, spicy aromas, the yeast creates them naturally during fermentation. Clove, pepper, citrus peel, maybe a whisper of banana; it’s all in there. Brewers often talk about Saisons as being “alive”, and honestly, that’s not far off the mark.
The rest of the recipe is usually pretty simple. Barley for backbone, maybe a touch of wheat or oats to soften things, and a handful of European hops like Saaz or Goldings to add a gentle bitterness. The result is a beer that’s refreshing, layered, and full of personality.
Why It’s Still Loved Today
Saisons might have started life as a humble farmhouse beer, but they’ve found fans all over the world. Modern brewers love them because they’re so flexible; you can stick close to tradition or go off in all sorts of creative directions.
Some add orange zest or pink peppercorns for a bit of flair. Others ferment them with wild yeasts to bring out a funky, slightly sour edge. And of course, there are the barrel-aged versions that soak up flavours of oak, vanilla, or wine – turning a rustic ale into something truly elegant.
Despite all that experimentation, the best ones still have that same spirit as the originals, honest, balanced, and deeply satisfying. They feel like something you’d share with good company after a long day; not a showpiece, just a proper drink.
Ones Worth Trying
If you’ve never had a Saison before, Saison Dupont is the one to start with. It’s the benchmark, golden, peppery, crisp, and endlessly drinkable. There’s a reason people still call it the gold standard.
Closer to home, plenty of British brewers have had a go too. Burning Sky, for instance, do a superb version called Saison à la Provision. It’s bottle-conditioned, a bit tart, and packed with character. Thornbridge have experimented with the style as well, adding their own English finesse, while Wild Beer Co. have taken it in a wilder, funkier direction, true to their name.
It’s nice to see British brewers embracing it, really. We’re good at making beers with a story, and a Saison fits that mould perfectly.
The Food Pairing Bonus
One of the lovely things about Saisons is how brilliantly they pair with food. Their dry, zesty profile makes them a dream with roast chicken, pork, or cheese. I’ve even had one alongside a good curry, and it held its own surprisingly well. That peppery spice from the yeast can really lift a meal.
They’re also brilliant on their own; a proper “sit and think” sort of beer. Something you can sip slowly while putting the world to rights.
A Beer That’s Kept Its Soul
What I really admire about Saisons is that they’ve managed to stay true to themselves. In an age where every other beer is loaded with fruit purée or made to look good on Instagram, the Saison quietly carries on doing what it’s always done; being balanced, refreshing, and full of charm.
It’s a beer with history, and it still tastes like history, not dusty or dated, but alive. Every sip connects you to those Belgian farmhouses and the people who brewed it all those years ago.
So next time you spot one on the shelf or see it listed at your local, don’t hesitate. Pick it up, pour it gently into a glass, and watch that lively fizz rise. Take a moment to appreciate it. You’ll soon understand why it’s such a beloved style.
A proper beer, with a proper story behind it.
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