I didn’t realize it at the time, but we have actually had Saison as a theme twice before. So this was our third time celebrating what was once an illegal beer… since the original Saison brewers (Belgian farmers) were not allowed to brew outside of the cold months, and Saison is typically brewed towards the end of harvest (Summer) to quench the thirst of the hard-working farmhands.

Saisons are meant to quench thirst, shove some earthy & cereal notes up your nose and be quite pleasant on the tongue. We had a wide range this time around, some quite true to the style, some with a nice hop kick and others with that sweet funky Brett punch (my favourite). This was also the first time in a while that we had so many Beerstitutioneers together in person and that really, truly felt great for all of us. We even had a small pool to cool down in during another hot, humid summer’s eve.

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Beer Ye! Beer Ye! Onto the Beers!

L’avouène Du Gosford (La Grange Pardue)

Brought by: Corey
My first foray into this “ferme-brassicole” and I brought because it is the perfect execution of exactly what a regular Saison should be. It was to serve as our “baseline” for the rest of the evening… and it did not disappoint! Nice cereal and hops running through smoothly and an easy dry finish. Summer!!
BRSTº Rating: 3.75/5

Saison 5 Poivres (Bockale)

Brought by: Dave
Kristen described this perfectly when she said it was “more flavourless” than the prior beer. Good saison but nothing to write home about. The pepper is present but mild ….
BRSTº Rating: 3/5

Bison (Saint-Bock)

Brought by: Nick
It has been decided that this is definitely a Splitster beer – that is, you cannot drink one of these yourself, you must split it with someone. It’s got a Banana Boat taste, sunscreeny, like a re-made piña colada. Some lemon on the nose and vanilla & bread in mouth.
BRSTº Rating: 3/5

450 (Harricana)

Brought by: Laurent
Could drink this all day, it’s so good. Nice hop for a saison, with the hints they label – lemon, mango. Great!
BRSTº Rating: 4/5

Saison Houblonnée (Shelton)

Brought by: Anna
For a saison I am in!! Nice hop, nice little lemon vanilla. Dry and great!
BRSTº Rating: 3.75/5

Collabo (Dunham)

Brought by: UnclePhil
Way less honey hit then I expected and a very nice Brett that’s unexpected! Great!
BRSTº Rating: 3.5/5

Saison Érables (Naufrageur)

Brought by: Kristen
Another Érables beer and we’re still looking for one that’s drinkable. Tastes like maple water and beer… meh. Very meh.
BRSTº Rating: 2.5/5

Saison (La Sirène)

Brought by: Chris Le Wolf
Another surprise entry from TheWolf – This is the perfect wild saison for me – sweet tart, sour and Bretty. Great!
BRSTº Rating: 4/5

Saison Rayée (Castor)

Brought by: Jude
This is strong, and wonderful, and all the things you want in a Saison with the added bonus of wine barrel aging… so, so good!
BRSTº Rating: 4.5/5 (WINNER!) 🏆

Thorador (Simple Malt)

Brought by: Corey
This has wonderful little kicks of Brett, mouth feels like champagne, and is refreshing. Citrus and lemon kicks too. Very good!
BRSTº Rating: 3.5/5

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Final Recap

Our winner of BRSTO Volume 69 is Castor’s Saison Rayée, which was many people’s favourite of the night and beat out La Sirène’s Saison by a hair in points. La Sirène did however win Surprise of the night and 450 wins for Most Sessionable.