What Saison should I try?

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by MCImes, May 17, 2013.

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  1. MCImes

    MCImes Initiate (0) Dec 31, 2010 Connecticut

    So after looking at Hill farmstead and some of the other sour/wild breweries that seem to be highly sought after, I see many of their beers are saisons.

    Ive probably only had 4 or 5 saisons in my beer drinking career. I dont go out of my way to get them because I have never found one that blew me away, or for that matter Ive never found one that Id like to drink more than a half glass of. I love love love sour/wild/funky beer too.

    I make it a point to eat/drink thing that I dont particularly like because many things are an acquired taste. Most of the beer that I now love,I thought was bad at one point.

    With that pallet training in mind, could you recommend your favorite Saison? preferably available in the Minneapolis area (central, north or west metro is even better, but Ill travel if need be) Done recommend a 'safe' one to start with either. I like to jump in head first.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 MCImes, May 17, 2013
  2. herman77

    herman77 Pooh-Bah (1,672) Jan 24, 2010 Minnesota
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    #2 herman77, May 17, 2013
  3. Mplsmetro57

    Mplsmetro57 Initiate (0) Jan 30, 2013 Minnesota

    Saison Dupont is great. Ommegang's Hennepin is good too.
     
    #3 Mplsmetro57, May 17, 2013
  4. Mplsmetro57

    Mplsmetro57 Initiate (0) Jan 30, 2013 Minnesota

    LOL :slight_smile: Also, Brooklyn's Sorachi Ace.
     
    #4 Mplsmetro57, May 17, 2013
  5. herman77

    herman77 Pooh-Bah (1,672) Jan 24, 2010 Minnesota
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Yes, I really like that one too. Might be one of the best beers Brooklyn makes, very underrated.
     
    #5 herman77, May 17, 2013
  6. Curloftheburl

    Curloftheburl Initiate (0) Apr 1, 2013 Connecticut

    About to try a weyerbacher seventeen tonight, il find out if its good. Hennepin is solid though.
     
    #6 Curloftheburl, May 17, 2013
  7. minnesotaryan

    minnesotaryan Initiate (0) Dec 27, 2010 Minnesota

    surly cynic too.
     
    #7 minnesotaryan, May 17, 2013
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  8. cookiequiz

    cookiequiz Savant (1,119) Apr 15, 2013 California

    Tank 7 is good and should be easy to find.

    edit: Actually I'd try Sofie and Matilda (maybe that doesn't count, though) first if they're distributed in your area.
     
    #8 cookiequiz, May 17, 2013
  9. MCImes

    MCImes Initiate (0) Dec 31, 2010 Connecticut

    Ah, I lied unknowingly. Brooklyn's Sorachi Ace is super awesome. I didnt realize its a Saison. Although I have loved every beer ive ever tried with Sorachi Ace. THose are awesome hops.

    Ill give the DuPont a try. I love belgian funk more than any american/brett funk. American/brett funk is good, but there is just something about the wild belgian yeasts that I love.

    Tank 7 is on my so-so list
    Havent tried sophie or matilda
    Hennepin is good, but nothing special $4$ IMO
    I think cynic is the only surly beer Ive never tried. Ill have to change that.
    Ill have to try the saison brett too.

    Feel free to suggest more too.
     
    #9 MCImes, May 17, 2013
  10. cookiequiz

    cookiequiz Savant (1,119) Apr 15, 2013 California

    How did I forget Prairie? Try anything you can get your hands on.
     
    #10 cookiequiz, May 17, 2013
  11. gatornation

    gatornation Grand High Pooh-Bah (10,388) Apr 18, 2007 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    you could go local with Farm girl also lucette is supposed to release french connection very soon,great divide makes colette and Victory has Swing Saison
     
    #11 gatornation, May 17, 2013
  12. KarlHungus

    KarlHungus Grand Pooh-Bah (3,315) Feb 19, 2005 Minnesota
    Pooh-Bah

    Avec Les Bons Voeux is a great beer that is often overlooked, and can be found at the better beer stores in town.
     
    #12 KarlHungus, May 17, 2013
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  13. MCImes

    MCImes Initiate (0) Dec 31, 2010 Connecticut

    Im aware of many of the saisons available, I guess im looking for a sniper rifle approach (the best) more so than bird shot (try everything). Im only going to try 2 or 3 if I dont find something I love, so they need to count. Im not in for the "try anyhing I can get my hands on". I spend too much money on beer already =)

    I know you only find what you love after you try it, but Im looking for some sort of general consensus on some of the better ones out there, as to limit my 'learning curve'.

    Ill try the Avec Les Bons Veoux too.
     
    #13 MCImes, May 17, 2013
  14. cookiequiz

    cookiequiz Savant (1,119) Apr 15, 2013 California

    Not sure if you were thinking of my post about Prairie here, but if so, I just wanted to clarify that 'anything you can get your hands on' from them will be absolutely memorable. They are all bursting with flavour and exceptionally well balanced. If you'd like one specific recommendation, I'd pick the Prairie Ale.

    (And if you weren't thinking of that post, well, I guess I wanted to post this anyway.)
     
    #14 cookiequiz, May 18, 2013
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  15. jawzman

    jawzman Initiate (0) Mar 20, 2010 Minnesota

    Phantom... End. Of. Thread.
     
    #15 jawzman, May 18, 2013
  16. MCImes

    MCImes Initiate (0) Dec 31, 2010 Connecticut

    Strong advocacy is what im looking for! Thanks! ill have to track them down.
     
    #16 MCImes, May 18, 2013
  17. BrettHead

    BrettHead Initiate (0) Sep 18, 2010 Nebraska

    #17 BrettHead, May 18, 2013
  18. mattafett

    mattafett Initiate (0) Mar 9, 2009 Iowa

    You would do well to trade Surly for Victory Helios. It is dirt cheap and outstanding. Avoid Pretty Things Jack d'Or. It constantly disappoints. Avril is the go to winner here though.
     
    #18 mattafett, May 18, 2013
  19. poopinmybutt

    poopinmybutt Zealot (643) May 25, 2005 Nebraska

    tank 7 and sofie are the best easy to get us versions IMO.
     
    #19 poopinmybutt, May 18, 2013
  20. HighWine

    HighWine Initiate (0) Dec 11, 2010 Illinois

    I love helping people with career aspirations! You're going to go places, my friend.

    For me Boulevard Saison Brett is a record scratch. I way underestimated it before finally trying it. It's fantastic.

    Saison DuPont may be my favorite beer and food pairing, period. The details of the food are unimportant. SDP is the golden retriever of beers when you are eating. It seems to love everything.

    New Glarus Thumbprint Saison is quite good but I think it veers from the style a bit. I'd highly recommend it for drinking but wouldn't use it as a textbook example of the style.
     
    #20 HighWine, May 18, 2013
    BrettHead likes this.
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