Saison and Hops Suitable for Brewing a Laugh-Out-Loud Batch

Reading Time: around 16 min

Saison is the chameleon of the beer world. Tailor-made for your adventurous palate and as quirky as your uncle’s dance moves at family gatherings. Think of it as your beer companion for all seasons.

Where the yeast struts its stuff, and the hops play second fiddle.

You’re not just brewing beer. You’re orchestrating a delicate dance between spicy, fruity flavors and a subtle but unmistakable hop character. Ok, I got carried away, but you get it.

Choosing hops for a saison is like pairing a fine wine with cheese. You want harmony, not a food fight in your mouth. Too many IBUs and your saison’s unique yeast character gets bulldozed.

Go for hops that know how to share the spotlight

Earthy, herby, and with just a whisper of bitterness. It’s a balancing act where Hallertau and Kent Goldings could win the popular vote. Laying down those pleasant vibes without stealing the show.

Key Takeaways

Saison beer is a flavorful symphony orchestrated by yeast with hops playing a supporting role.
Aim for hop harmony. Favoring varieties that complement, not overpower, the saison’s yeast-driven character.
Earthy and modestly bitter hops like Hallertau and Kent Goldings are the go-to choices for a beautifully balanced saison.

Saison: A Brief History

So, you’re diving into the eclectic world of saisons, are you? Let’s swing open the barn door and peek into the rustic roots of this quirky yet sophisticated beer style.

From Farmhouse to Fancy

Picture this: Belgium, a few hundred years ago. No Netflix, just long, long hours of back-breaking fieldwork. What could possibly quench the thirst of those hard-working souls? Enter saison, the farmhouse ale.

Brewed during the cooler months to dodge spoilage.

It was served to farmhands come summer. They had good taste, your kind of folks! And despite its humble farmhouse origins, saison has danced its way up. From a seasonal worker’s refresher to a craft beer darling adored for its complexity.

The Belgian Connection

Now, let’s fast forward to modern Belgium, where saisons still hold a coveted spot in the country’s beervana. It’s like the Belgian beer scene invited every flavor to the party.

Fruity, spicy, and sometimes with a funky twirl.

This is a style defined by its variety, where one saison may whisper gently in your palate, and another belts out bold hoppy notes. You just can’t nail down a Belgian saison, it’s like trying to herd cats.

Saison Flavor Profile and Specs

Hey there, my fellow beer enthusiast! Strap in, ’cause we’re about to embark on a flavor ride through the world of Saison. A bold, bubbly beer that’s like a carnival in a glass.

Main Characteristics

Yeasty aromas: spicy, fruity, earthy, mild funkiness
Hoppy aromas: herbal, floral, earthy, citrus, fruity
Malty aromas: bready, subdued sweetness, fruity, rustic
IBU bitterness: 20 to 38
Alcohol level: 3.5% to 9.5% ABV
SRM color range: 5 to 22

Spicing It Up

When you take a swig of Saison, it’s like your tongue hits a spice market at full speed. The traditional Saison is like a stand-up comic cracking peppery zingers with each sip. Spices – they aren’t just for pumpkin lattes.

In your Saison, expect a symphony where each note is a spice.

Ranging from coriander to a sassy touch of clove.

The Fruit Basket

Imagine bobbing for apples in a barrel, but instead of water, it’s Saison. You’ve got the fruity esters throwing a party, with citrus as the guest of honor. You’ll catch hints of lemon and the occasional flash of orange right before a berry crashes the bash.

And it’s not just any berry; it’s the life of the party.

Adding both sweetness and zing.

ABV, IBU and SRM of Saison

Let’s talk numbers, shall we? Saison usually swings wide between 3.5 to 9.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it can sneak up on you like a ninja in a liquor cabinet. Now, IBUs – or how we measure bitterness – range around 20 to 38.

That’s enough bite to keep it interesting, but not so much that you’ll feel like you’ve licked a pine tree. And last, SRM (that’s color, for the uninitiated), can range from pale gold to amber. A hue range that’d give sunsets a serious complex.

To be exact it’s anything between 5 and 22 of SRM.

So, my friend, when you’re brewing your own or picking a bottle, remember.

A Saison is as complex as your ex, but a whole lot more enjoyable.

The Science of Saison Yeasts

Ready your lab coats and beer goggles, because we’re diving headfirst into the zany world of Saison yeasts. Where fermentation is less predictable than my Uncle Leo at a family barbecue. Here, the yeast is the life of the party.

Kicking out flavors faster than a jukebox on a Saturday night.

Yeast Strains Unleashed

When it comes to Saison yeast, think of Wyeast 3711, the French Saison yeast, as your trusty sidekick. This little critter is famous for its robust flavor profile. Producing a spectrum of fruit esters that’ll dance on your palate like nobody’s watching.

Imagine a fruit salad having a disco in your beer.

With notes of citrus and pepper crashing the party.

But it’s not just about fruitiness. You’ll also get a complexity that’s as intriguing as a Sherlock Holmes novel. Wyeast 3711 isn’t just a one-trick pony. It’s the workhorse that powers through to create a dry, but oh-so flavorful finish.

The one that’ll make your taste buds write thank-you notes.

Fermentation Frenzy

Hold on to your hydrometer. The fermentation of saison yeast is like a roller coaster designed by a mad scientist. Rev up your engines at temperatures ranging from 70°F to 95°F (21°C to 35°C), because this yeast loves it hot.

The hotter it gets, the more it teases out intricate flavors.

Beckoning you into a world of taste much like a siren’s call.

But remember, with fermentation it’s go big or go home. You’ll want to ensure a vigorous fermentation because saison yeast thrives on attention. It’s the diva of the yeast world, needing a bit of coddling with oxygen and a cozy fermentation blanket.

In return, it’ll award you with a dry as a bone finish that complements those fruit esters like a fine cheese pairs with wine. So go ahead, be a little extra, and watch the fermentation magic happen. These tiny yeasts don’t just ferment.

They throw a full-blown shindig in your brew.

Making every sip as lively as a New Year’s Eve countdown.

Grain Bill Breakdown

I get it, you’re on a quest to craft the most authentic, eyebrow-raising Saison this side of Belgium. Let’s dig into the guts of the thing. The grain bill, where a majority of the flavor starts.

Wheat and Barley Showdown

Ah, the timeless battle between wheat and barley. Grains so versatile yet so distinct, like distant cousins who only get along at family reunions. When we talk Saisons, Pilsner malt is your solid base.

The foundation upon which you’ll paint your grain masterpiece. Think of it as the reliable friend who always shows up. Unlike Barry, who bailed on helping you move last summer.

Grain Type	Amount	Notes
Pilsner Malt	70%	The backbone, keeping it light and dry with a touch of sweetness.
Wheat Malt	20%	Adds that silky mouthfeel and cloudy mystique.
Vienna Malt	5%	Snaps a bit of toasty complexity into the mix.
Munich Malt	5%	A touch of rich malty goodness straight from Bavaria.

Now, don’t forget about oats or they’ll sulk in the corner. They throw some creaminess into the fray. Just in case you need your Saison to have the smooth moves of a Casanova.

Specialty Malts and More

Here’s where you get to put on your wizard hat and start experimenting. Some folks like to toss a bit of Vienna or Munich malt into the cauldron for a toasty twist. It’s like adding a dash of nutmeg to hot cocoa.

Unexpected, but makes your taste buds throw a party.

Vienna Malt: Just a sprinkle will do. It’s like turning up the volume on your favorite song. Just a notch.
Munich Malt: For a malty chorus that hums harmoniously with the other grains.
Specialty Malts: Now, tread lightly. You want a hint of character not a flavor smackdown.

Mix and match, play a little grain alchemy, and find the balance that makes your palate do the happy dance. Remember, the goal is to keep it drier than a comedian’s wit. No cloying sweetness here. This ain’t a dessert beer!

Malt Name	Min of Lb per gallon	Max of Lb per gallon	Min of Lb per batch [5gal]	Max of Lb per batch [5gal]	Average of Lb per gallon
Pilsner Malt	0.03	4.32	0.15	21.58	1.43
Wheat Malt	–	2.7	–	13.5	0.29
Munich Malt	0.02	2.1	0.08	10.48	0.25
Vienna Malt	0.01	2.91	0.05	14.55	0.35
2-Row Pale Malt	0.02	3.64	0.11	18.18	1.35
Rye Malt	0.01	3.67	0.05	18.36	0.28
Malt Extract	0.03	2.69	0.16	13.47	0.77
Acidulated Malt	–	0.83	0.02	4.17	0.08
CaraMunich	0.01	1.1	0.04	5.49	0.1
Pale Ale Malt	0.05	3.21	0.26	16.05	1.26

Malt Name	Min of Kg per liter	Max of Kg per liter	Min of Kg per batch [20ltr]	Max of Kg per batch [20ltr]	Average of Kg per liter
Pilsner Malt	–	0.52	0.07	10.34	0.17
Wheat Malt	–	0.32	–	6.47	0.03
Munich Malt	–	0.25	0.04	5.02	0.03
Vienna Malt	–	0.35	0.02	6.97	0.04
2-Row Pale Malt	–	0.44	0.05	8.71	0.16
Rye Malt	–	0.44	0.03	8.8	0.03
Malt Extract	–	0.32	0.07	6.46	0.09
Acidulated Malt	–	0.1	0.01	2	0.01
CaraMunich	–	0.13	0.02	2.63	0.01

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

Decoding Hops for Saison Brewing

Let’s hop to it! In the world of Saison brewing, hops are more than a footnote. They’re the secret handshake between flavor and aroma that only you, the brewmaster, can perfect.

Hop Varieties: A Spectrum

You’re like a kid in a candy store when it comes to choosing hops for your Saison.

Here’s the scoop:

Bittering Hops: Go easy, tiger. You want bitterness, but let’s not turn this into a face-puckering affair. Traditionally, a Saison beer is not overly bitter. Try keeping your total International Bitterness Units (IBUs) modest, near 30 IBU.
Aroma Hops: Think of aroma hops as the life of the party, but you’re not looking for rowdy guests. Keep it sophisticated with European varieties. Floral, spicy, minty. Those subtle notes that invite curiosity without a punch. Saaz, with its herbal notes, or Saphir, for a hint of citrus and spice, could be your best pals.

Bitter and Aromatic Roles

When you’re pondering over the bitter and aromatic tango, balance is your dance partner.

Bittering Role: Alpha acids, remember them? They’re what give beer its bitterness when boiled. Your alpha acid percentages don’t need to swing high; about 25-30 IBUs will do the waltz nicely. Opt for hops with moderate alpha acids and watch the clock. 60 minutes boiling should suffice.
Aromatic Role: Dry hopping can be your secret handshake. Maybe toss in something exotic like Ahtanum or go Kiwi with a little Green Bullet. These hops will be all about giving your beer a perfume that even Cleopatra would envy.

Remember, a good Saison is like a symphony, and every hop adds its own note. Keep it classy, keep it a bit wild, but always keep it balanced. Cheers!

Hopping Stages and Amounts

Ready to brew a Saison that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha? Saisons are like the jazz of the beer world. A little bit funky, a whole lot of soul, and you can improvise to your heart’s content.

Let’s talk hops for your farmhouse fiesta.

Noble hops are your go-to dance partners here. Think Saaz and Hallertau. They’re like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers of the hop world. They bring the classic European flair that a Saison demands, with subtle spice and a touch of floral elegance.

Now, picture this: you’re about to brew, and it’s showtime for your hops. Start with Hallertau. For a 5-gallon batch, you’ll want to throw in a generous 1 ounce at the 60-minute mark. This is where you lay down the groove.

Setting up the bitterness that’s smoother than a silk robe.

But wait, you’re not done yet! With 15 minutes left on the clock, it’s Saaz time. Toss in another ounce. Maybe even 1.25 oz. This is where you’ll get those spicy, earthy notes that’ll make your Saison pop like a cork from a champagne bottle.

Feeling adventurous?

Why not dry hop with another ounce of Saaz a few days before bottling?

It’s like adding a feather to your cap, giving your beer that extra zing.

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
Saaz	Aroma	–	1	0.02	5	0.17
	Bittering	0.02	0.91	0.09	4.55	0.22
	Dry Hop	0.05	0.8	0.27	4.01	0.23
	First Wort	0.03	0.55	0.17	2.73	0.21
	Flavor	0.02	0.67	0.09	3.33	0.16
	Mash	0.18	0.44	0.91	2.22	0.27
	Whirlpool	0.03	0.67	0.13	3.34	0.18
Saaz Total		–	1	0.02	5	0.18
Styrian Golding	Aroma	0.03	0.74	0.14	3.71	0.14
	Bittering	0.04	0.91	0.18	4.55	0.21
	Dry Hop	0.04	1	0.19	5.01	0.19
	First Wort	0.05	0.4	0.23	2	0.14
	Flavor	0.03	0.55	0.15	2.73	0.15
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.5	0.2	2.5	0.17
Styrian Golding Total		0.03	1	0.14	5.01	0.17
East Kent Golding	Aroma	0.01	1.19	0.03	5.93	0.15
	Bittering	0.02	0.63	0.12	3.17	0.19
	Dry Hop	0.04	0.36	0.18	1.82	0.12
	First Wort	0.02	0.48	0.12	2.38	0.18
	Flavor	0.02	1	0.12	5	0.13
	Mash	0.05	0.48	0.24	2.38	0.27
	Whirlpool	0.03	1	0.13	5.01	0.18
East Kent Golding Total		0.01	1.19	0.03	5.93	0.16
Amarillo	Aroma	0.02	0.77	0.12	3.86	0.23
	Bittering	0.01	0.37	0.07	1.87	0.13
	Dry Hop	0.03	1.01	0.13	5.07	0.19
	First Wort	0.01	0.2	0.05	1	0.1
	Flavor	0.02	0.46	0.1	2.28	0.11
	Hop Stand	0.09	0.27	0.45	1.34	0.2
	Mash	0.08	0.45	0.41	2.27	0.21
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.8	0.23	4	0.24
Amarillo Total		0.01	1.01	0.05	5.07	0.19
Citra	Aroma	0.01	0.7	0.07	3.5	0.16
	Bittering	0.03	0.56	0.13	2.78	0.11
	Dry Hop	0.01	0.89	0.05	4.44	0.22
	Flavor	0.03	0.38	0.13	1.88	0.11
	Hop Stand	0.03	0.29	0.17	1.47	0.15
	Mash	0.09	0.44	0.45	2.22	0.27
	Whirlpool	0.03	0.8	0.15	4	0.2
Citra Total		0.01	0.89	0.05	4.44	0.17

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
Saaz	Aroma	0.03	7.49	0.69	149.78	1.24
	Bittering	0.13	6.81	2.63	136.17	1.62
	Dry Hop	0.41	6	8.17	120	1.75
	First Wort	0.25	4.08	4.96	81.7	1.58
	Flavor	0.13	4.99	2.63	99.86	1.2
	Mash	1.36	3.33	27.23	66.57	2.05
	Whirlpool	0.19	5	3.8	100	1.38
Saaz Total		0.03	7.49	0.69	149.78	1.35
Styrian Golding	Aroma	0.2	5.56	4.08	111.11	1.08
	Bittering	0.26	6.81	5.26	136.17	1.54
	Dry Hop	0.29	7.5	5.76	150	1.43
	First Wort	0.34	3	6.81	59.91	1.05
	Flavor	0.22	4.08	4.36	81.7	1.09
	Whirlpool	0.3	3.75	5.99	75	1.29
Styrian Golding Total		0.2	7.5	4.08	150	1.24
East Kent Golding	Aroma	0.05	8.89	1	177.78	1.15
	Bittering	0.18	4.75	3.64	95	1.42
	Dry Hop	0.27	2.72	5.45	54.47	0.91
	First Wort	0.18	3.57	3.63	71.43	1.34
	Flavor	0.18	7.49	3.64	149.78	1.01
	Mash	0.36	3.57	7.26	71.43	1.97
	Whirlpool	0.2	7.5	4	150	1.31
East Kent Golding Total		0.05	8.89	1	177.78	1.23
Amarillo	Aroma	0.18	5.79	3.57	115.74	1.75
	Bittering	0.1	2.8	2	56	0.98
	Dry Hop	0.2	7.6	4	152	1.39
	First Wort	0.07	1.5	1.5	29.96	0.76
	Flavor	0.15	3.41	3	68.18	0.81
	Hop Stand	0.68	2	13.62	40	1.5
	Mash	0.61	3.4	12.17	68.08	1.62
	Whirlpool	0.34	5.99	6.81	119.83	1.77
Amarillo Total		0.07	7.6	1.5	152	1.41
Citra	Aroma	0.11	5.24	2.24	104.85	1.17
	Bittering	0.2	4.17	4	83.33	0.79
	Dry Hop	0.07	6.66	1.5	133.14	1.66
	Flavor	0.19	2.81	3.84	56.17	0.82
	Hop Stand	0.25	2.2	5	44.05	1.11
	Mash	0.68	3.33	13.62	66.57	2.01
	Whirlpool	0.22	5.99	4.44	119.83	1.51
Citra Total		0.07	6.66	1.5	133.14	1.24

Crafting the Perfect Recipe

When it comes to brewing an outstanding Saison, like a tightrope walker in a strong wind, balance and precision are everything. You’re walking that line between quirky yeast character and a crisp, refreshing finish.

Let’s dial in the details.

The Balancing Act

The right hops in a Saison can make your beer sing like a soprano in a shower. But get it wrong, and it’s more like a bullfrog in a tutu. We’re aiming for harmony, not drama. Your mission is to complement the signature spicy, fruity yeast profile. Not drown it in hoppy bravado.

Aim for a restrained bitterness with total IBUs around 25-30. Saisons often play well with noble-style hops, so if you’re scratching your head, here’s your cheat sheet:

For Subtlety: Choose Fuggle or Styrian Goldings for a gentle floral touch.
For Spice: Add a pinch of Saaz to get that classic European zing.
For A Twist: A dash of New World hops like Amarillo could amp up the citrus notes. Just don’t overpower the yeast’s charm.

Remember, it’s like adding seasoning to a dish.

You want a pinch of salt, not a mouthful of ocean.

Original and Final Gravity

Strap in, because we’re talking numbers, and precision is your new best friend. Your typical Saison recipe should start with an original gravity (OG) around 1.040 to 1.080. This number is like the pre-game pep talk. It sets the stage for how your beer will evolve.

Endgame is the final gravity (FG), and it should be low, usually between 1.002 to 1.014. This isn’t just random number dropping. A low FG means a dry, crisp finish that’ll make your taste buds throw a party. The yeast is the MVP here.

Gobbling up the sugars like there’s no tomorrow.

Leaving you with that characteristic Saison mouthfeel.

Carbonation and Conditioning

Let’s get bubbly! Saisons are synonymous with high carbonation. It’s one of the style’s hallmarks, giving it that lively mouthfeel that dances on your tongue like a disco ball on overdrive. Aim for a CO2 volume between 2.5 to 3.5.

Here’s your handy to-do for bottling day:

Rack your beer into a bottling bucket.
Sprinkle in the priming sugar like fairy dust.
Bottle with conviction, cap, and stash ’em in a warm spot.

Give those bottles a couple of weeks to condition, and the result? A carbonation level that’ll make each sip pop like a chorus of Rice Krispies in milk. Snap, Crackle, Pop!

Seasonal Brewing Tips

You’re about to dive into the wonderful world of saison brewing, where the time of year is as crucial as the yeast you pitch. Get ready to make beers that laugh in the face of the sun and whisper sweet nothings to the snowflakes.

Heat of Summer

When summer cranks up the thermostat, it’s your saison’s time to shine.

Embrace the heat, because saison yeast loves a good sweat. It’s the CrossFit enthusiast of the fermentation world. Fermenting at higher temperatures, think around 80°F (27°C), you’ll get a beer bursting with flavors that might make you forget…

…you’re not actually sipping cocktails on a beach.

Best Hops for Summer:
- Amarillo: For a citrus tingle.
- Motueka: Toss this in for a hint of lime as refreshing as an AC breeze.
- Citra: Because it’s not a summer party without a tropical punch.

Remember, saisons are the cool kids of the summer beer world. They’re supposed to be a bit funky and complex. Just like your one friend who wears sunglasses at night, they’ve got a character that’s hard to pin down.

Chill of Winter

Winter’s chill means layering up and pretending you enjoy the cold. But fret not, your saison can provide a warm hug on the inside. Cooler temperatures will tame your saison yeast. Making it less rowdy and providing a cleaner profile.

That lets your chosen hops sing arias without the yeasty opera.

Best Hops for Winter:
- East Kent Goldings: The ol’ reliable for a touch of earthiness.
- Willamette: Adds layers like the five you’re wearing to stay warm.
- Styrian Goldings: For a subtle spice that’s as comforting as grandma’s blanket.

When you’re brewing in winter, think of it like bundling up. Keep the fermentation cozy, but not too toasty. Stick to the lower end of your yeast’s comfort zone, making sure not to let the beer become as bland as snow.

Keep it crisp, but with enough edge to cut through those hearty winter stews.

Now, grab your hops and get to it. Your saison’s not going to brew itself! Stay cool in the heat, stay toasty in the cold, and whatever you do, don’t forget to have fun. After all, brewing’s a party, and seasons are just themes.

Pairing and Enjoyment

When you think Saison, picture a symphony of flavors that play well with a cornucopia of dishes. It’s not just a beer. It’s your gastronomic wingman. Quite literally.

Saison on the Dinner Table

Food pairing with Saison is like setting up two best friends on a blind date. Exciting and bursting with possibilities. With its rustic charm, your Saison becomes the life of the party when the right hops are in the mix.

Here’s the lowdown on hops and how they’ll make your next meal sing:

East Kent Goldings: Picture your Saison wearing a top hat. These traditional hops add a subtle, refined bitterness. Perfect for dishes like grilled chicken or poached salmon.
Saaz: It’s the friend who gets along with everyone. Think of pairing a Saaz-hopped Saison with a creamy pasta or a hearty sausage platter.
Styrian Goldings: These will toss an earthy spin on your Saison, ideal for mingling with roasted veggies or a funky cheese board.

Remember, pairing is an art, not a science. So don’t be afraid to play matchmaker and experiment with your food pairings.Who knows, you might just create a match made in culinary heaven.

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com