Tis the Season for Saisons

So according to Beer Advocate:  “Saisons are sturdy farmhouse ale that was traditionally brewed in the winter, to be consumed throughout the summer months. Not so long ago it was close to being an endangered style, but over recent years there’s been a massive revival; especially in the US. This is a very complex style; many are very fruity in the aroma and flavor. Look for earthy yeast tones, mild to moderate tartness. Lots of spice and with a medium bitterness. They tend to be semi-dry with many only having touch of sweetness.”

So it’s not quite summer, and most of us aren’t thirsty farmhands who have been working in the field all day, but it doesn’t mean we aren’t thirsty and looking for a complex and delicious way to quaff our thirst. Right now we have The Bruery’s Seven Grain Saison on draft. The Bruery makes several saisons, including Saison Rue, my favorite. Saisons are not like IPAs, not every brewery makes them, so it’s unusual that a brewery makes one, let alone more than one!

The Bruery describes their Seven Grain Saison like this: “We’ve been hard at work on a recipe that includes – you guessed it – seven different grains. Let’s see if I can name them all: barley, wheat, rice, oats, corn, rye and…spelt. Yep, I think that’s it. The result is a perfect summer beer. It’s about 5% ABV and displays a nice fruity yeast character that finishes dry and slightly hoppy. It’s seven kinds of wonderful!”

I think so too! And I’ll be drinking this and wishing spring rain would pass and summer sun would come back!