Meer over Saison
Which saison are you looking for?
The BJCP divides saison by strength; colour is separate from that:
- Table saison: 3.5–5%. A grisette is a table-strength saison made with wheat.
- Standard saison: 5–7%.
- Super saison: 7–9.5%.
Every strength can be pale or dark. A dark saison is copper to dark brown, maltier and less noticeably bitter.
Why saison is so dry
Commercial saison yeasts are usually diastatic strains: they also ferment longer sugar chains that ordinary brewer's yeast leaves behind. That is why a saison never ends up sweet or heavy, and it can taste more bitter than the IBU figure suggests. The peppery spiciness usually comes from that yeast; according to the BJCP, spices are unusual, although they are allowed. A light sourness is allowed too, but a saison should not be sour and bitter at the same time. The style guides differ on Brettanomyces: the BJCP does not consider it typical, while the Brewers Association allows low Brett notes in the classic saison.
What you will find at Hoptimaal
A small, changing selection. From Belgium, Brasserie Dupont, the brewery of the best-known modern saison. From Canada, Brasserie du Bas-Canada, and from the Netherlands De Kromme Haring, ROTT. and Katuiner. For every beer you see the current Untappd score. Can't find your saison here? Related styles are blond, tripel and witbier. If you want dry and fresh with sourness instead of bitterness, take a look at sour beer.
Serving
Saison has very high carbonation and, according to the BJCP, a dense, lasting head. It is unfiltered and often bottle-conditioned, so a layer of yeast at the bottom is normal and not spoilage. Whether you pour it along is a matter of taste.
Buy saison at Hoptimaal
At Hoptimaal you buy saison online or in our shop at Leeghwater 5 in Amersfoort. You order per bottle, so a single bottle to try is fine too. Order before 3 pm on working days and we ship the same day. Shipping within the Netherlands is free from €75.
Tip: add a tripel to your order. According to the BJCP, a pale super saison resembles a tripel, but is often grainier and more rustic. Side by side is the best way to taste that difference.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between saison and farmhouse ale?
According to the BJCP, farmhouse ale is mainly an American name; it is not common in Europe. That saison was originally a farmhouse beer for field workers is hearsay. In the oldest sources, from 1823, saison is a beer made by professional brewers, mainly in Liège; the oldest written version of the farmhouse story that historian Roel Mulder found dates from 1989.
Are there spices in saison?
Usually not. According to the BJCP, spices in saison are unusual, although they are allowed as long as they do not dominate. The peppery note you taste comes from the yeast.
Is saison a summer beer?
Not necessarily. There are light table saisons, but also super saisons up to 9.5%. And according to the oldest sources, the name refers to the brewing season: saison was brewed in winter and only drunk months later. More in the Beer School on saison.
