Dark Winter Saison Recipe IV (2024)

FAQs

What spices are in saison? ›

Spices such as coriander, sweet or bitter orange peel, grains of paradise, cardamom and ginger are among many that can be found in saisons. Spices are best added in late additions (with 0–5 minutes left in the boil) or added in the secondary fermenter.

Saison can be brewed with both soft and hard water. Some parts of Wallonia have water that is moderately high in bicarbonates and sulfates and I find that elevated Sulfates reinforce the desired dry finish. Targeting a sulfate range somewhere between 50-150 ppm is appropriate. I would keep Chloride below 50 ppm.

This meant that farmers often brewed saisons with wheat, oats and spelt on top of their own malted barley, giving these beers a complexity of character in the body and an inviting, pale color.

Meaning “season” in French, Saison was brewed at the beginning of winter and conditioned in time for farm hands to quench their thirst during summer field work. “At harvest time, larger farms would hire outside labor called seasonal workers (les saisonniers),” writes Yvan De Baets in Farmhouse Ales.

To be considered a true saison, the beverage must use Belgium saison yeast. While brewers create variety using different grains or fruits, they must have this common ingredient. This strain is sourced from the Wallonia region of Belgium and produces flavors and aromas considered earthy, peppery, and spicy.

Where the malt selection will shine in an IPA, yeast will define a saison. Yeasts such as Lallemand Belle Saison will add the spicy, peppery flavours typically associated with a saison. They will also ferment out most of the sugar giving a really dry, crisp finish.

Belle Saison is a Belgian-style ale yeast selected specifically for its ability to create Saison-style beers. Belle Saison lets brewers create Saison-styles easily and with all the expected characteristics noted for this classic style. Classified as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae var.

Saison – A Member of the “Farmhouse Family”

The term “Farmhouse Ale” is an overarching classification, encompassing and unifying many unique substyles of beers, including “funky” styles like Saison, Sahti, Gotlandsdricka, Biere de Garde, and others.

Saison is an ale style of beer that originated in southern Belgium. Also called "farmhouse ale," it's a rustic beer that, unlike other styles, is open to the brewer's interpretation. Saisons often use wild, top-fermenting yeast and a variety of local ingredients, including various grains.

Sour beers may be either a lager or ale, while Belgian saisons are ales. The two beer styles tend to be equally refreshing and highly carbonated. Depending on the brewer's approach, saisons might have a slightly tart taste, but they are generally not as puckery as sour beers.

What spices does season all have in it? ›

It's a carefully crafted blend of salt and savory spices, including paprika, black pepper, onion and garlic, and a hint of chili pepper. This all-purpose blend of spices tastes great on ribs, beef and pork.

Quite aromatic, with fruity, spicy, and hoppy characteristics evident. The esters can be fairly high (moderate to high), and are often reminiscent of citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons. The hops are low to moderate and are often spicy, floral, earthy, or fruity.