Farmhouse/Saison Six Pack

Where are you located? Cape Ann's summer seasonal Sunrise Saison was bottled for the first time this year. It has fruit in it so the purists might not like it, but I know it gets down to NYC and should be sub $8.

 

Liberty Village ships beer, wine and liquor.

http://www.libertyvillagewines.com/

 

This is one of my biggest requests / gripes, too. There are a few decent options mentioned here, but I have to disagree on some . . .

• Hennepin is solid, and goes for probably $8-10/ 4-pack in CNY.
• Sofie I've only had once, because for some reason it's impossible to find around here, but it was pretty nice. Can't speak to the price point, because I've only ever seen it in $8 bombers, and very rarely at that.
• GD Colette I thought was okay, but not far enough above average to justify the $12/ sixer that's typical in these parts.
• Ithaca Ground Break is also decent, and maybe worth the $10/ sixer it costs around here, but usually there are other beers of other styles for the same price that are a better deal, relatively speaking, and so it's not one I go to often.
• Flying Dog Wildeman ("Farmhouse IPA") was alright, and I'd actually get it again, but it doesn't really scratch my saison itch.

Beyond that, I've only heard good things about Tank 7 but it's not available in upstate NY. I really wish Pretty Things would / could put Jack D'Or in sixers or 4-packs, but I have my doubts as to whether or not it'd be reasonably priced.

Speaking of which, how much do Sofie 4-packs go for, typically?

 

I don't know if you get it in Oregon, but Yards Saison is excellent and not too pricey

 

I grabbed a bottle of New Holland Golden Cap in a mixed 6-pack today and it was only $1.50. I'll let you know how it turned out the reviews here aren't bad at all.

 

Hits all the right notes, to quote one reviewer. It's got a bit of sour that seems slightly out of character for a saison to me, but it's pretty darn good for the money.

 

I just drank the bomber of Goose Island Sofie that my girlfriend brought me from her Chicago trip last night and I'll be goddamned if that is not the best saison I've ever had.

That said, I am in Texas... and we're not exactly known for our saisons

 

This is (for me) the only answer. Funky (if not Bretty), hoppy, full-flavored, and spicy/yeasty...tons of character, good price, etc...Collette really disappointed me; it was kind of one-dimensional and not quite enough yeast character...Hennepin is GREAT, but a 4-pk runs like 11 bucks...

 

Anyone have a problem with Golden Cap gushing excessively? The one I had last night kept on for 3 minutes and would not stop, I finally just poured it. I think I lost at least a couple ounces.

 

Not this season, but last year I bought a case, and tons of 'em were gushers. It was to the point that I emailed the brewery to ask if there was any wild yeast used in the brewing (they never got back to me) as I kind of suspected there might be a little something funky in there. To be fair though, I've only bought one six-pack this year because I brewed up my own Dupont 'clone' Last year's though, I had to pop the cap and right into my chalice it went. Don't think I lost much beer.

 

what's funny is, besides barrel-aged or innoculated saisons I can't figure out what would make the beers that much more expensive than others. Isn't this a style that originates from countryside homebrewing? is it the spicing (if any)?

 

I've wondered that, too. Seems like, in theory, it should be a relatively cheap and easy style to brew.

 

I'm guessing you don't get Victory Brewing in OR, but here in the East, Helios Saison is an absolute favorite of mine. The price is exceptional! $3 per 22 oz bomber is a steal for such quality beer IMO.

 

I'm pretty sure it's because: fancy Belgian name = higher perceived value = higher price tag.