Hopefully by now you will have all caught up with Thursday’s news that we have just released a new seasonal Spring Saison beer. It is our own take on the Belgian Classic and is out just in time to enjoy as the evenings get brighter. Our head brewer Conor has been working on this for a while now and we are delighted to say it was worth the wait. It is also just available in time for us to bring to to The Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair which kicks off on Friday 27th February.
At this point it is fair to say that some of you may actually be wondering what a “saison” is so without turning this into a history lesson here is a brief background. Saison is a light, refreshing ale originally brewed in farmhouses in the French speaking regions of Belgium for field workers. It was traditionally brewed for the fall season to refresh farm workers during the harvest. “Saison” is the French word for season, as saison’s were most frequently brewed in the autumn/winter seasons and then stored for the following harvest.
Our Spring Saison is for craft beer drinkers looking to try something a step beyond a pale ale. The beer is brewed using a special yeast strain which gives it a unique spice aroma and flavour. There are also notes of stone fruit and a touch of honey sweetness which we think makes our saison a very approachable beer.
The proof is in the pudding however and although we will be seen as being biased in saying it tastes great, we can’t wait for you all to try it and to let us know what you think…
Tasting Notes
Colour/Appearance: Golden Yellow
Aroma: Clove spice with subtle stone fruit and malt sweetness
Flavour/Aftertaste: Clove dominates but the fruit is more pronounced. Also a touch of honey sweetness which gives way to a long drying finish.
Food Pairings: Farmhouse style dishes such as roast chicken or soft ripened cream cheese. However it would also complement a nice curry but is still light enough to go with something like Salmon.
ABV: 4.4%
IBUs: 26IBU
Plato: 10.8
Serve temperatures: 6-10o
Release Date: February 2015
Availability: Available on draught (30 Litre keg only)
O’Hara’s Brewery/Carlow Brewing Company is an independent Irish family owned brewery located in the heart of Ireland's historical malt-growing “Barrow Valley” region.