First Saison Recipe

[Hpal]

Hi, This is my first Saison I'm attempting to brew. I'm going for lightly hopped and letting the yeast build the flavours, I don't want it too thin so I'm mashing at 64 and going for a nice lightish colour. Something easy drinking. Can anyone who has experience with this style offer comment on the recipe, particularly suggested fermentation temp schedule. Cheers

 

[dicko]

A big read here

http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/12252-style-of-the-week-111006-saison/

 

[contrarian]

First saison I made was 60% pils, 40% wheat, cube hopped with citra.

Used the wyeast farmhouse ale, pitched at 20C and ramped up to 29C over a few days.

I mashed low and long, 63C for 120 minutes.

Came out fantastic. A perfect summer session beer (ended up about 4%)

I have limited experience with the style but the main focus needs to be on the yeast and what flavours it brings, the malt and hops are a backdrop to compliment this rather than the main performer so it's worth spending more to get a good liquid yeast. I normally get at least 3 brews out of a liquid yeast so it evens out the cost.

 

[Hpal]

Thanks for the advice
I ended up doing the brew yesterday, cubed, and will ferment on the weekend wrapped up in the electric blanket because its freezing here at the moment. Mashed at 64-65, yeah I know it's high for the style, but I have had not-so-good experiences with beers turning out too dry/watery and thought I'd try to avoid that, so it should be still under 5% but light-med body. Hops and grain bill was just using what I had on hand, excited to see how it turns out!

 

[Hpal]

Had a little taste of the gravity sample yesterday after 5 days fermenting and still bubbling away nicely. Down to 1.004 with Belle Saison yeast and that's even with a 65 degree mash temp, tastes fantastic given how dry it is.

 

[Hpal]

Well the batch of Saison lasted less than two weeks, had a BBQ when it had been about a week in the keg and got cleaned out. Went down a treat, great yeast character and very dry (1.003). Have another batch cubed when I get time. One of the best beers I've made and a great style!

 

[Dae Tripper]

Glad I got you to try one

 

[Hpal]

True mate, I probably wouldn't have otherwise!