Barrique Saison

7% Alc/Vol. Barrel aged. Unfiltered, bottle conditioned and unpasteurised in the trad manner, for full flavour.  Micro batch,1000 litres. Vegan. Label art: Michael O’Brien and Robin Crawford. Seasonal

Saison is the farmhouse ale made in the French speaking Wallonian province of Belgium. Traditionally it was a refresher for tired farm labourers, known as saisonnaires. Citron Soleil is a modern interpretation, a stronger full flavoured beer, brewed with a sprinkling of lemon zest, white pepper and coriander seed. We had intended to add fruit and wild yeasts to sour the brew. A test sample, pulled from the puncheon, resulted in a change of mind. The subtle wine character and ‘oakiness’, from six months in the wood, adds complexity to the sunny spiciness that the French saison yeast is famous for. We decided to bottle it as is. Enjoy this Saison with a pungent washed rind cheese, and good company. Salute!

Food pairing: Witlof gratin, crêpes, soft washed rind cheese.