The Hill Farmstead brewers traveled to Brasserie de Blaugies to share in the kindred bond of farmhouse brewing. The result is this classic saison brewed with spelt and an abundance of Amarillo hops. A true expression of noble Belgian tradition and artistic American innovation from the families of Brasserie de Blaugies and Hill Farmstead.
La Moneuse is named for A.J. Moneuse (b. 1768), a famous local bandit and gang leader, and ancestor of the brewers’ family. It is a classic “saison” beer by virtue of its strength and its earthy, aged quality. It has a hardy, semi-dry malt character – fresh, but not overpowering hoppiness, abundant yeasty, fruity flavors and a fairly strong, but pleasant and enticing, mustiness. Among Belgium’s saisons, La Moneuse sits with Saison Dupont on the opposite end of the spectrum from the quirky, thin, fruity varieties. But La Moneuse is quite distinct from the Dupont, which drinks much colder, hoppier, harder-edged, and has no discernible sweetness.
This beer is a warmer, richer, spicier, more vinous, and arguably more approachable saison. Like many saisons, La Moneuse is a little bit over-carbonated, with an aggressive head.
Style: Saison
A traditional style named for John Darby, preacher of temperance whose parishioners were oddly moved by a ‘soft drink’ they insisted was just fig juice . . .
The Blaugies Darbyste is a saison made with wheat and fermented with fig juice. A variant of the Belgian “Wit” or “Blanche” style, but a little drier and a lot more substantial and flavorful. In his Beer Companion, Michael Jackson notes the burgeoning interest in the Belgian style of wheat beers in the U.S. and elsewhere, and adds hopefully that “perhaps an acute traditionalist will bring back the use of figs as a fermentable material.”
The brewery at Blaugies has answered the call. According to Jackson, “The figs are not evident in the flavor, which is light, lemony and dry.” This is a great beer for summer – and the best “blanche biere” of Belgium. Very spritzy, as a saison should be – be careful popping the cork.
Saison D’Epeautre is a saison beer made in a unique traditional style, using spelt and barley malt in the mash. Very dry and light in body, with a hint of wheaty tartness and a hardy texture that expresses the character of spelt, a primitive strain of wheat.
It is one truly feisty brew, with an outrageous pop and a natural long-lasting head. And ah, the aroma! It’s a wonderfully heady, musty, cellar character that is unmistakably Belgian and a lot like champagne. The taste delivers on the promise of the nose. Very enjoyable, and perfect for summer, but wonderful at any time of year.
“A fine revival.” – Michael Jackson
Style: Saison
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