The first three things I look for when opening and pouring one of my favorite styles of beer ever, Saison (Farmhouse Ale) are #1 a generous, snow white rocky head. # 2 the unmistakable aroma inherent to the style. And, #3 that rugged, slightly hazy orange/ golden glow which is Saison. I got the trinity in this one. A good rocky head formed, though retreated much quicker then I may have liked. This can be coaxed back up though with a bit of a forceful pour. The aromatics stayed true to the style offering citric hop notes and plenty of that ineffable “Farmhouse” goodness. The beer is a bit wild in both aroma and flavor, and this is what I like. The hops are played out as “seasonings”, not as the main course as we find with so many of the modern day IPA’s that force hop bitterness to extreme limits where elegance is often lost. Our palates stateside are often palates of hedonism. I find this in both wine and beer circles. Balance and moderation are lost. The hops here though , as they should, enhance the German Malt and Belgium yeast used creating a wonderful sort of harmony. The hop component also brings to the table a citrus and black pepper element that plays well with the the slightly bisquit flavors coming from the German malt and the inherent wildness of the Belgium yeast. The use of quality ingredients and commitment to the preservation of the style are well observed and appreciated in this bottling. Granted, it’s not Saison Dupont, but it is about as good an introduction to the style that you will find stateside. Saison is the brew that once refreshed farmers coming in from the fields in northern France, and Belgium, and is now refreshing nearly every one who try’s it. I love it with seafood inspired dishes. Think of it perhaps as the Sauvignon Blanc of the beer world. And, the Victory Helios at around 4 Dollars a 22 OZ’er is one Big Bang for the Buck! Thanks Victory.
The Four Dollar Saison-Victory’s “Helios”
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