The Gospel of Saison
We get asked all the time about our refrain that we are “spreading the Gospel of Saison” and so we figured it could use some explaining. To be clear, it certainly isn’t some gnostic text excluded from scripture, and of course we claim no spiritual meaning or power within. The word “gospel” was based on a Greek word that literally means “good news” and is often referred to as a revelation or announcement. Which is exactly what we are hoping to do: exclaim the good news of Saison!
Saison is a type of Farmhouse Ale, a style that was typically thought to be brewed in the French and Belgian countryside for personal or estate consumption rather than communal or commercial use. The legend goes that farmers would brew Saison (French for “season”) in the Winter and then ferment it out into the warmer months, where it was used as refreshment for the family and the farm hands. It was typically bottle conditioned, aged for 4-6 months, and brewed with whatever grains and other ingredients were lying around. Now, legends are always clouded in a shroud of mystery and time can sometimes alter the facts a little. More evidence is popping up to show that Saison may have actually been more heavily consumed in the Factories of Wallonia than the fields. But we love the romantic version of the story anyhow!
Saison is our favorite beer style to drink because of it’s refreshing nature, dry finish, and unique flavor combinations. It’s our favorite beer to brew because it is a blank slate.
“I want to make a dry, clean, thirst-quenching Saison.” You can do it.
“Maybe I want to add some herbs, spices, or fruit and play around with flavor profiles.” Sure thing.
“Or, perhaps I’d like to use unique ingredients like teas or adjuncts like rice?” Absolutely.
“I’d like to make a sour beer.” Saison can be tart.
“What about funked out and barrel aged?” Saison loves it.
“High gravity?” Yup. “Sessionable?” That works too. “Hoppy?” Of course!
“Right, but what if I want to brew it with darker malts?” You can do that too with Saison.
Okay, you get the picture. It’s a blank canvas of a beer. Saisons run the gamut, so while they might have some specific style guidelines, we love to experiment and play around with whatever’s on hand and create fun new interpretations all the time. You will always find a few versions of Saison on our taps when you stop by Brouwerij DuBois.
Now, please know that we aren’t JUST a Saison brewery. We certainly get down on lagers, IPAs, dark beers, sours, and everything in between. We just want you to know that we love Saison. A lot. And you should try one sometime. We think that after a sip your eyes will widen as the good news washes over your taste buds and your senses begin to rejoice. You might even finding yourself spreading the Gospel of Saison to your friends!
