The Beer Farmers- Saison

The Beer Farmers- Saison Review

In the picturesque Pemberton Valley lies a 120-year-old, 4th generation farm that until recently focussed on growing organic potatoes. But the Millers have turned their farm into one of the most ambitious breweries in the province, including growing their own hops and barley. While other breweries might have expanded into farming, The Beer Farmers are true farmers turned brewers. A nice reversal of the oft told tale of a husband/wife team where hubby handles the brewing while wife handles the advertising/sales/money, the brewing at the farm is handled by wife Brenda, who tries to include as much farm grown ingredients as she can.

One of the Beer Farmers “locally grown beer” series is the Saison. It pours orange with a massive, tightly bubbled, white head that lasts forever and has great lacing. Brewed with “Pemberton hops and belgian yeast”, the aroma has a noticeable bubblegum note indicative of belgian yeast but not the strong peppery note associated with saison yeast. There is also a nose of blueberry, grass, lavender and subtle spice. This saison is nicely dry, has great fermentation characteristics from the yeast, and has good fruit notes, particularly orange. There is a very soft savioriness that some might identify as cardamom-like. This beer finishes long and dry.