Blind-Tasting and Ranking 35 of the Best American Saisons
American saisons from funky to tart
By Jim Vorel
Of the top 20, we have a number in our store
1. Side Project Brewing Saison Du Blé (not available, Side Project Cellar only)
City: St. Louis, MO
2. Prairie Artisan Ales, “Prairie Ale” (in stock)
City: Tulsa, OK
3. Side Project Brewing Saison Du Fermier (not available, Side Project Cellar only)
City: St. Louis, MO
4. Prairie Artisan Ales Somewhere (arrives tomorrow!)
City: Tulsa, OK
5. Brewery Ommegang Hennepin (in stock)
City: Cooperstown, NY
6. Boulevard Brewing Co. Tank 7 (in stock)
City: Kansas City, MO
7. Crooked Stave Vielle Artisanal Saison (in stock)
City: Denver, CO
11. Crooked Stave Surette Provision Saison (in stock)
City: Denver, CO
12. 2nd Shift Mullineaux Batch 3 (we are on batch #5)
City: St. Louis, MO
13. Firestone Walker Opal (in stock)
City: Paso Robles, CA
16. 2nd Shift Brewing Mullineaux Batch #2 (in stock)
City: St. Louis, MO
18. Urban Chestnut Apotheosis (in stock)
City: St. Louis, MO
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This one arrives this week
4. Prairie Artisan Ales Somewhere
City: Tulsa, OK
ABV: 7%
Key ingredients: Citrus fruit
The verdict: Lighter bodied than one would expect for 7% ABV, Prairie’s “Somewhere” is a moderately tart, refreshing, highly fruity blend of farmhouse ale and American sour. The aromatics are uniquely tropical, with a blast of melon and citrusy notes presumably imparted by the use of whole citrus fruit in the kettle. A detractor might accuse it of going a little one-note on tartness and fruit flavors, but we couldn’t deny how tasty this juicy sweet blend was. With more than a little residual sweetness, it manages to still be refreshing thanks to that solid backbone of sourness. Classic saison characteristics are tougher to pick up, with just a hint of spice and grain that can be perceived behind it all. Still, delicious stuff for lovers of fruity sours.
City: Tulsa, OK
ABV: 7%
Key ingredients: Citrus fruit
The verdict: Lighter bodied than one would expect for 7% ABV, Prairie’s “Somewhere” is a moderately tart, refreshing, highly fruity blend of farmhouse ale and American sour. The aromatics are uniquely tropical, with a blast of melon and citrusy notes presumably imparted by the use of whole citrus fruit in the kettle. A detractor might accuse it of going a little one-note on tartness and fruit flavors, but we couldn’t deny how tasty this juicy sweet blend was. With more than a little residual sweetness, it manages to still be refreshing thanks to that solid backbone of sourness. Classic saison characteristics are tougher to pick up, with just a hint of spice and grain that can be perceived behind it all. Still, delicious stuff for lovers of fruity sours.
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