Episode 223 - The Science of Saison

Few styles are as satisfying as a perfectly executed saison. It's no wonder that the devotees of this heterogeneous style are as passionate as they are, passing on the latest fad IPA to reach for some stubby green bottle with the hard-to-pronounce Belgian name. This show is dedicated to saisons of much variation, and we're joined by saison lover and brewer Mike Thorpe of Afterthought Brewing in Lombard. Though Mike's mixed culture and oak-aged saisons are being made in extremely limited volume, the beer is already approaching expert levels of refinement. For this show, we drink seven distinct saisons or farmhouse ales from all over to experience the variations in the style while Mike gets technical about the process. There's a lot about Afterthought, but we also just luxuriate in the wonders of saison and what makes it different than just about any style. Also, there's a huge development in the Craig Eating Celery Saga that you won't want to miss. And if you truly love saisons, check out our Illinois Craft Beer Week event, Saisonathon, at Pub Royale on Monday, May 21st. More details here: bit.ly/Saisonathon2018 Beers Tasted Brasserie de la Senne - Taras Boulba Blackberry Farm Brewery - Classic Saison Jester King Brewery - Le Petit Prince Afterthought Brewing Company - Saison Meer: Lilac Brasserie Fantôme - Fantôme (Saison) Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - L'épouvantail Noir Brouwerij De Ranke - XX-Bitter