New limited edition ale, Saison, brings a unique taste of traditional Belgian beers

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has drawn upon historic brewing processes to launch a new limited-edition beer with a very different style and flavour to the rest of its range.

The Kentish brewer’s team have taken inspiration from Belgian beer styles, originally designed to quench the thirst of farm workers, to create Saison (5.5% ABV).

It was crafted in the Small Batch Brewery, which was commissioned last year and is a 15-barrel kit installed at its historic Faversham site. In comparison, the main brewhouse has a minimum batch size of 110 barrels.

Saison is the fourth beer to emerge from the Small Batch Brewery. It is a light-coloured farmhouse ale with a slight natural haze that’s dry and refreshing, with notes of banana and clove.
 
The beer was fermented at high temperatures, which is the traditional method of producing this style, and Lallemand’s Belle Saison yeast was used, which can ferment sugars that standard brewers’ yeast cannot. Crafted on a base of lager malt with East Kent Goldings hops added at the boil kettle stage, most of the aroma and flavours come from the yeast.
 
The result is a beer with a lower sugar content and drier characteristics, giving this limited edition brew a unique position in Shepherd Neame’s award-winning range.
 
Brewing Manager Rupert Hodgkins, who helped design and brew the beer with Technical Brewer Danielle Whelan, said: “Saison is one of my favourite styles, both for its individuality and rich history. Initially brewed by farmers in the cooler months of the year, it was designed to be a sustaining yet refreshing beverage for the farm workers at harvest time. The beer was originally kept in storage tanks for several months, which is the origin of the name.
 
“Popular around the globe, we hope discerning drinkers in our pubs will also enjoy the unique flavours Saison offers – we’re hoping it causes quite a stir!”
            
The Small Batch Brewery’s other creations have been New World XPA (5.1%), Unfiltered Pilsner (4.4%), and First Drop Session IPA (4.3%), which has now been incorporated as a permanent addition to Shepherd Neame’s portfolio.

Director of Brewing Mike Unsworth added: “It’s been great for our team to experiment with new styles and flavours, and Saison is a good example of this. The Small Batch Brewery has allowed us to develop a greater range of beers and showcase the brewing skills within our team.”