Top Ten French and Belgian Saisons Brewed in North America
The Top Ten French and Belgian Saisons are golden to deep amber in color. There may be quite a variety of characters within this style. Generally: They are light to medium in body. Malt aroma is low to medium-low. Fruity esters dominate the aroma, while hop character, complex alcohols, herbs, spices and even clove and smoke-like phenolics may or may not be evident in the overall balanced beer. Malt flavor is low but provides foundation for the overall balance. Hop bitterness is moderate to moderately assertive. Herb and/or spice flavors may or may not be evident. Fruitiness from fermentation is generally in character. A balanced small amount of sour or acidic flavors is acceptable when in balance with other components. Earthy, cellar like, musty aromas are okay. A very low level of Brettanomyces yeast character may be evident. ABV: 4.40% – 10.0%. IBU: 20-40.
1. Saison Du Bois – Lynnwood Brewing – North Carolina
2. Chapeau Gris – Quarter Barrel Brewery – Ohio
3. Saison Trystero – Our Mutual Friend Brewing – Colorado
4. Classic Saison – Blackberry Farm Brewery – Tennessee
5. Spring City Saison – Raised Grain Brewing – Wisconsin
6. Soleil Saison – 12 Degree Brewing – Colorado
7. Dirty Frenchman – Cherry Street Brewing – Georgia
8. Arthur – Hill Farmstead Brewery – Vermont
9. FiFi – Locavore Beer Works – Colorado
10. Allagash Interlude – Allagash Brewing Company – Maine