Questions tagged [saison]

Saison (French, "season") is a broadly defined pale ale that in modern versions is generally around 7% abv, highly carbonated, fruity, spicy and is influenced by Saison Dupont Vieille Provision.

Saison (French, "season") is a broadly defined pale ale that in modern versions is generally around 7% abv, highly carbonated, fruity, spicy and is influenced by Saison Dupont Vieille Provision. As a beer style it originated from beers brewed during the cooler and less active months in farmhouses in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium, and then stored for drinking by the farm workers during the summer months. It is believed that these farmhouse beers would have been of a lower abv than modern saisons - probably initially around 3 to 3.5% abv on average, rising in the early 20th century to between 4.5 and 6.5% abv. Modern saisons are brewed in a range of countries, particularly the USA, and are often bottle conditioned.

Saison / Farmhouse Ale on Beeradvocate

Saison on Wikipedia

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What gives a "smoky" beer a smoked flavor?

I recently started getting interested in smoked beers. Quite a few years back, Shiner had a seasonal called Smokehouse. I didn't care for it. However, I've recently been intrigued by varieties of smoked saisons, ipas and marzenbiers. What makes a…
The Answer
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What are the defining characteristics of a Saison? What should I expect when I drink one?

I'll be the first to admit that I have, at best, the palate of a highly experienced amateur. I can tell an IPA from a Stout from a Doppelbock primarily on the common visual, olfactory, and above all else tastes that are found throughout any example…
LessPop_MoreFizz
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What glass shape is most commonly used for Saison's?

Is there a widely accepted glass shape/type for Saison's (and if so, what is it)? Is a different glass used for French Saison's vs. Belgian Saison's vs. other common Saison styles?
Sam Whited
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