A Salute to Saisons (2020-2021)

Having a 3 Stars Peppercorn Saison while I finish up final paperwork for this job. Has a weird tomato-plant flavor that I just can't enjoy. Hopefully, better stuff at home.

 

That's generally known as a catty off flavor- could either be a contamination or process issue, or even come from certain hops. Scroll down to #11 for more details:
https://learn.kegerator.com/off-flavors-in-beer/

 

Drinking my second bottle of Saison du Row from Trillium & Row34 bottled in mid April. Really nice and complex earthy and floral aroma/flavors, some bubblegum phenols, tea notes, nutty malty grains, hint of peppery spice, hay, mild fruity esters, soft, dry, crisp yet full mouthfeel, refreshing and interesting. A real nice saison to contemplate over. Cheers everyone!



"Our relationship with Row34 extends back to its opening in 2013. Located on the same block as our original Congress Street brewery and retail space, they quickly became a sort of de-facto tasting room for Trillium. Unable to offer guests pours or even samples of our beer, we'd direct guests next door to enjoy Trillium on draft alongside a flight of oysters or their incredible Warm Buttered Lobster Roll.

For our second collaboration together, we landed on a style that both our team and Suzanne Hayes, Beer Director at Row34, have a huge admiration for - traditional Belgian Saisons that incorporate local ingredients. Both of our organizations are focused on supporting local farm and food systems. As founding members of the Northeast Grainshed, it was important to us that this collaboration highlight local grain.

We brewed this special beer with a grist bill consisting of 100% Valley Malt, hopped it with beautiful whole leaf Styrian Goldings, and allowed it to open-ferment in square bottom fermenters with a blend of both Belgian and French Saison yeast strains. After enjoying extended periods of bottle refermentation and cold conditioning, Saison du Row is now ready to be enjoyed.

Pouring a bright straw yellow with a touch of haze, lively carbonation, and beautifully rocky head, Saison du Row is elegant in its appearance. The bouquet of aromas is nuanced, featuring notes of white pepper, clove, lemonade, and a touch of fresh-baled hay. On the palate, we're greeted with secondary notes of black tea, bubblegum, and a gentle floral character. Pleasantly dry, with a cleansing carbonation and gentle bitterness, Saison du Row is built for sipping alongside fresh seafood.

MALT
Valley Pilsner
Valley Munich
Valley Vienna
Valley Spelt
Valley Wheat
HOPS
Whole Leaf Styrian Goldings"

 

Enjoying Harvest by Oxbow. A wet hopped farmhouse ale. Has a slight tartness to it, a nice light farmhouse ale.

 

Oh my, what a Saturday... the future is on the horizon, and those barrels are resting peacefully. Some love for one of my favorites.

 

I dig this ongoing thread for the celebration of a style! Gives me a chance to post when I happen to crack something appropriate...since I so rarely plan ahead for the one-weekend-only threads.
This evening's saison was opened with no expectations.

But if I had some, it seems likely they would have easily been exceeded.

Libertine Edna table saison, 2016 bottling. Capped and corked 750 mL. Lightly tart with a beautiful funk after the last 4 years - earthy, barnyard, minerals. I'm not usually a big fan of French oak, but the spiciness compliments the light peppery phenols perfectly.
Amazing amount of carbonation remains after the intervening years to match the light body.
Really happy with this one. A more "by the book" approach to a saison for sure.
I don't know what the upper end of cellar life would be, but I get no sense that four years is the ceiling for this one.

 

Homebrew Hoppy Saison with El Dorado and Suburban Brett. Thoughts over on WHBAYDN

 

Had dinner at The Black Birch last night to enjoy the warm weather and their tap list did not disappoint. Had pours of 2015 Allagash Cuvée D’Industrial and Oxbow Wet Hop FPA.

 

You got a lot of work to do on that cellar...

 

@Vitacca needs to start the #saisoneverygoddamndayfortherestofmylife thread.

 

Hahahaha that’s a fantastic idea!

 

Just finished an Arizona Wilderness (collaboration with Prairie Artisan Ales) beer called Fernet About It. It's not a saison in my eyes, but the brewer calls it a dark saison. It's modeled after fernets. Here's my post about it in the NBW thread.

 

I need some variety with my Fox Farm. Did your order from Threes come in? I’ve never had a Farmhouse from them...

 

I've had a bottle of Anna in the fridge for a while. I should crack it.

 

First taste of a Suarez Country Beer. Domain #8: Blend of stainless steel saison finished in a foudre for a few months. Light and effervescent, dried apricots, vanilla, 5 Alive. Overall, really well made. I have to admit though...as much as I love this...their lagers are next level.