Beverage
Saison
Saison is a Belgian farmhouse ale—dry, highly carbonated, peppery-yeast, and often pale with rustic hop or spice edges. Historical summer farm beers were thirst-quenching; modern saisons range from delicate to strong and barrel-aged. Bright acid-dry finish suits chicken, sausages, and vegetable stews; use as a white-wine alternative in pan sauces. Avoid mistaking sweet Belgian golden strong ales for true dry saison.
Also known as: Saison
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Grading systems
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History
Wallonian farmhouse brewing produced seasonal saisons for agricultural labour.
Commercial saisons preserved farmhouse yeast character into bottled trade.
Craft brewing made saison a global specialty dry ale style.