ABITA Brewing Company

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BREWS
BOCK
LIGHT
AMBER
WHEAT
GOLDEN
RED ALE
FALL FEST
TURBODOG
ANDYGATOR
PURPLE HAZE
CHRISTMAS ALE
RESTORATION ALE
ROOTBEER
SELECT

MIXES

SELECT

Abita Select is an exclusive premium draft product line from Abita featuring a new style every few months.

 

SAISON

Released February 2004

History
The Saison style is a regional specialty ale not widely know out side its place of origin, the flat farm lands of South Belgium’s Wallonian province.  In fact, some fear the integrity of the style is endangered.  The style originated in the 1800’s by small farmer-brewers as a provisional beer for consumption on the farm.  Before the use of refrigeration, beer was brewed in the colder months to prevent spoiling.  This suited the farmers as they were not as busy in the late winter or early spingspring months when the Saison, or “season”, beer was brewed.  The Saison beer needed to last from the spring through the warm summer.  Therefore, it needed to be robust enough to last through the summer, but not too strong to be a harvest and summer quencher.

Abita's Select Saison
Our Saison was brewed with Pale, Wheat, Cara pils, and Cara Munich malts.  Black pepper and lemon peal were used sparingly to add to the spiciness of the brew.  Special Belgium ale yeast was used to ferment this refreshing brew.  Target and Perle hops were used for bittering and Saaz hops were used for flavor and aroma.  The result is refreshing, dry, pale yellow, light body, zesty brew with tremendous aroma and flavor.  The malt, spices, hops, and esters produce from the ale yeast make interesting aromas of pepper, spice, citrus, yeast, and alcohol.        

Food Pairings
Saison is a very versatile beer style that seems to go well will many types of cuisine.  The light, dry body and abundant aromas and flavors of citrus and spice add to the flavors of boiled, steamed, raw or grilled seafood.  The spicy Saison compliments the spice and sweetness of barbecue ribs and the alcohol, acidity, and carbonation cleanses the palate.  Imagine drinking this rare brew in a field near the rural farm house brewery in Belgium where you purchased it and the cheese you are enjoying.