The Wide Street House Saison is a Belgian-inspired farmhouse ale brewed with precision and patience by Wide Street Brewery in Ireland. This beer's character is rooted in traditional Belgian brewing techniques, particularly the two-month fermentation at high temperatures using the saccharomyces var. diastaticus yeast strain. This yeast, renowned for its ability to fully ferment sugars, produces a dry, effervescent beer with complex notes of banana, pepper, and a light spice.
Wide Street Brewery also incorporates a generous addition of Saaz hops, a classic European hop variety favoured for its delicate floral aromas and mild bitterness. The combination of these hops with the yeast’s natural fruity and spicy character creates a well-balanced, highly drinkable beer that’s perfect for those who enjoy complex, refreshing flavours.
Brewery Information:
Wide Street Brewing is located in Ballymahon, Co. Longford, Ireland, and is known for its passion for Belgian-style brewing. The brewery focuses on mixed fermentation beers, showcasing their expertise in creating beers with distinctive character. This Irish brewery uses both traditional and modern brewing techniques, pushing the boundaries of classic styles like Saison.
The use of the Belgian saccharomyces var. diastaticus yeast is a nod to the brewery's dedication to authenticity. Paired with a fermentation period that lasts up to two months, Wide Street ensures that every bottle of their House Saison delivers a complex, full-bodied flavour profile.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Pale golden with a slight haze and a frothy white head.
- Aroma: Fresh citrus, banana, and floral hops with a hint of pepper.
- Flavour: The beer starts with fruity banana and citrus notes, followed by light peppery spice from the yeast. The medium bitterness from the Saaz hops rounds out the palate.
- Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied with high carbonation, leaving a crisp, dry finish.
Food Pairings:
Wide Street House Saison’s complexity makes it a versatile beer for food pairings:
- Seafood: The citrus and spice flavours complement dishes like grilled prawns, calamari, or fresh oysters.
- Salads: Pair it with a goat cheese salad or a zesty vinaigrette-based salad to enhance the beer's fruity and floral notes.
- Spicy Dishes: The effervescence and dry finish balance out the richness of mildly spicy foods, like Thai curries or grilled sausages.
The Wide Street House Saison is a fine example of how traditional Belgian brewing techniques can be applied in modern Irish craft brewing. The combination of the diastaticus yeast strain, extended fermentation, and Saaz hops delivers a complex yet refreshing beer that’s perfect for any occasion.
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