The Mescan Westport Saison is a standout offering from Mescan Brewery, a small yet distinguished brewery based in Westport, County Mayo. Named after St. Patrick's brewing companion, Mescan Brewery has built a reputation for creating Belgian-inspired beers with an Irish twist. Founded by two veterinary surgeons turned brewers, Mescan’s philosophy centres around producing natural, unfiltered beers that are both true to Belgian tradition and reflective of the wild, rugged beauty of the west of Ireland.
Mescan Westport Saison is a prime example of the brewery’s commitment to crafting complex, flavourful beers. This Saison is brewed using a mix of traditional yeast strains, including wild yeasts, which gives the beer its signature funky and earthy character. Mescan Brewery takes great pride in its fermentation process, which occurs at higher temperatures, allowing the yeast to impart a variety of fruity and spicy notes.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Mescan Westport Saison pours a hazy, golden-yellow colour with a robust, foamy white head. The beer’s unfiltered nature contributes to its cloudy appearance, while the carbonation gives it a lively, effervescent quality.
- Aroma: On the nose, this Saison offers an inviting blend of citrus, spice, and floral notes. Hints of lemon zest, white pepper, and a subtle earthiness from the yeast come through strongly, making the aroma both refreshing and intriguing.
- Flavour: The flavour of Mescan Westport Saison is wonderfully balanced, with bright citrus notes upfront, followed by peppery spice and a slight herbal bitterness. The wild yeast adds complexity, providing a gentle funk that complements the beer’s refreshing character.
- Mouthfeel: Light-bodied and highly carbonated, the beer has a crisp, effervescent mouthfeel that makes it highly drinkable. The finish is dry and clean, leaving a lingering note of spice and citrus.
Brewery Information:
Mescan Brewery was established in 2013 by Cillian and Bart, two former vets who traded in their stethoscopes for brewing kettles. Named after St. Patrick’s personal brewer, Mescan focuses on producing Belgian-style beers in the wilds of Westport, County Mayo. Their brewing philosophy combines traditional Belgian techniques with the natural beauty and purity of the Irish landscape. All of their beers are naturally carbonated, unfiltered, and unpasteurised, offering a truly authentic taste experience.
Mescan Brewery has received praise for its commitment to quality and innovation, producing a range of beers that have gained a strong following both in Ireland and internationally. Their focus on small-batch brewing ensures that each beer is crafted with care and attention to detail, making Mescan one of the most exciting breweries on the Irish craft beer scene.
Food Pairings:
Mescan Westport Saison’s crisp and refreshing character makes it a versatile beer for food pairings. Here are some suggestions:
- Cheeses: Pair this Saison with semi-soft cheeses like brie or camembert. The beer’s citrusy and spicy notes complement the creamy texture of these cheeses, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
- Seafood: The bright citrus flavours in the beer make it a perfect match for seafood dishes, especially grilled prawns, oysters, or a classic fish and chips. The dryness of the Saison helps cut through the richness of the seafood, while the carbonation refreshes the palate.
- Light Salads: Mescan Westport Saison is a great companion for light, summer salads with vinaigrette dressing. The beer’s acidity mirrors the tartness of the dressing, while its peppery spice adds complexity to the dish.
- Roast Chicken: The herbal notes in the beer work well with roasted poultry, enhancing the flavours of herbs like thyme and rosemary used in the cooking process. The beer’s carbonation also helps cleanse the palate between bites.
Mescan Westport Saison is a must-try for fans of Belgian-style ales and those looking to explore the world of Irish craft beer. Its complex yet refreshing flavour profile, combined with the expertise of Mescan Brewery, makes it a standout option in the growing craft beer Ireland scene. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a meal, Mescan Westport Saison delivers an exceptional drinking experience that captures the spirit of both Belgian brewing tradition and Irish craftsmanship.
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