St-Feuillien Saison

St-Feuillien Saison is being evaluated as a Saison (2015 BJCP Cetegory 25B) offering according to the BJCP Style Guidelines.  This style is typically well carbonated, well attenuated with a complex harmony between phenolics, esters, and hops.  Brasserie St-Feuillien is a fifth generation family-run brewery situated in the municipality of La Roeulx in the Wallonian region of Belgium.  In addition to the Saison, they are also well known for their traditional Abbey styles and their Grisette brand.

This beer pours medium gold in color, displays a slight haze, and sports a white head that quickly retreats to just a rim.  The aroma prominently displays black pepper phenolics with a compliment of tropical fruit esters and biscuity malt; the hops are quite restrained.  The body is medium and is carbonated just beyond moderate in level.  The flavor again highlights the yeast-derived characteristics of peppery phenolics and lighter tropical fruits along with a background of bready malt and just a hint of herbal hops.  The bitterness is a bit restrained lending to a sweeter than typical finish.

This Belgian offering is very enjoyable but presents more like a Belgian Blonde Ale than a Saison.  While this beer has no technical flaws, those seeking out a traditional Saison may be disappointed in the lower-than-typical carbonation, bitterness, and hop profile along with the lightly sweet finish.  Regardless, this is an enjoyable beer.  Especially seek this one out in the canned version to get your Belgian beer fix at the beach, pool, or hike.