Saison

What is Saison?

Saison is essentially a homebrew originating in rural areas of Southern Belgium. It often utilizes wild yeasts in production and incorporates local herbs alongside traditional ingredients. 

Saison’s taste is generally dry, lightly sour, and spicy, often with citrusy and fruity notes.

Origin Story

The history of saison takes us to rural Belgium where it was originally brewed on farms. "Saison" means "season" in French, and this beer was traditionally seasonal: brewed in the cooler months and consumed in the summer during farm work. 

It had to be light enough to be refreshing on hot summer days but strong enough to keep in store for several months. Farmers used local ingredients and often added spices and other herbs to give the beer a unique flavour.

Saison has always been an unconventional beer, as it never consisted solely of malt, hops, and water. Wild yeast is frequently used, supplemented by ingredients (e.g. herbs) accessible during the brewing season, and the beer is commonly bottled while still fermenting.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, as industrial brewing became more common, saison began to disappear. However, with the rise of craft brewing in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, this style has been revived. Today, saisons are made all over the world – both traditionally with wild yeast and using more controlled methods.