Eight Reasons for a Saison

March 1, 2010 By Adrian Tierney-Jones

Saison Cazeau (Brasserie de Cazeau)

Refreshing nose with definite notes of elderflower coming through, though they are not overpowering; creamy mouthfeel, more elderflower fruitiness and a sharp finish. 5% ABV

Saison Deluxe (Southampton Publick House)

Flinty, peppery and herby on the nose with an undercurrent of tropical fruit (pineapple) mellowing things out; a creamy mouthfeel, hints of honey, an initial sweetness that is balanced by a peppery spiciness before its dry finish, with some fruit coming back. 7.4% ABV

Saison d’Epeautre (Brasserie de Blaugies)

Brett and hop on the nose; sharp grapefruit notes and a tartness on the palate, the use of spelt in the mash gives a cake-like backdrop to the palate.  6% ABV

Saison d’Erpe Mere (Glazen Toren)

Citrusy fruit and a Burgundy-like earthiness on the nose; palate is bittersweet with citrus fruit and the merest hint of white pepper; dry finish.  7.5% ABV

Saison Dupont (Brasserie Dupont)

Austere and spicy, resiny hop character on the nose; restrained in its sweetness, champagne-like effervescence with a quick drying finish with spice in the background. 6.5% ABV

Saison Voisin (Brasserie des Géants)

Flinty, herbal and spicy on the nose; interplay of herbal and spicy notes on the palate with a restrained sweetness in the background before a dry finish.  5% ABV

Wayan (Le Baladin)

Light and subtle with a gentle carbonation, dryish in the finish with a welcoming lack of sweetness.  5.8% ABV

Helios Ale (Victory Brewing)

Bright spicy nose of aromatic, herbals and candy sweetness; a hint of Sauternes-like dessert wine on the palate that mingles with the traditional herbal/spiciness of saison. Dry flinty finish.  7.5% ABV