It's disappointing that you don't hear more about French beers. France's neighbor Belgium has some of the best beers in the world. And of course French wines are almost peerless. So why is French beer persona non grata? Lagunitas Sonoma Farmhouse Saison Style Ale isn't French, but it's made in the French style. "Saison" is a French term for "seasonal." Saison beers were first brewed in Wallonia, formerly a French province, now Southern Belgium. They were called farmhouse beers because they were brewed by farmers during the off season. The cold winter months gave farmers plenty of time to stock up for the busy summers when thirsty migrant workers would pass through expecting food, drink and pay in exchange for their labor. As these beers were made by farmers and not professional brewers, there is little standardization among saisons. The one standout quality is a higher ABV (alcohol per volume). Similar to to the first IPAs, saison's were intended to be stored for several months in an era prior to modern refrigeration. The higher alcohol content helped preserve the beer. Lagunitas is based in Petalume, CA, just north of San Fransisco in Sonoma County. Formed in 1993 in Lagunitas, CA, they are now the fifth largest craft brewing company in the U.S. In 2014, they opened a Chicago brewery and tap room in North Lawndale (take the Pink line to California-Cermak from downtown). Lagunitas Saison Style Sonoma Farmhouse Ale Nose: Lemon, Barley. Taste: Lemon, citrus, iced coffee. Color: Satisfying, rich brown. Recommendation: This beer was interesting, but not memorable. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Where to buy: Trader Joe's. -The Oxford Companion to Beer by Garrett Oliver | IPA stands for "India Pale Ale." IPAs were first commissioned by the British East Indian Trading Company. They were looking for a beer that could survive the long voyage by sailing ship from Britain to their holdings in India. |
As if anyone needed proof that I'm not a beer and wine snob, when I first bought the New Belgium Portage Porter (try saying that ten times fast), I had forgotten what a porter was. I was expecting something more like a lager, or a pale ale. On taking my first sip, I was shocked by a caramelly darkness that swirled and lingered on my tongue for several minutes. As I began to recover my senses, the aftertaste was similar to what you might expect after finishing a thick chocolate and peanut butter shake. [[A porter is a nicely-hopped brown malt, developed in London in the 18th century.]] New Belgium is one of my favorite breweries, and they've never let me down. You may recognize the name from their go to beer, Flat Tire. I'm also a fan of their Ranger IPA and Accumulation White IPA, and Snapshot Wheat Beer. Surprisingly, this Colorado company is the third largest craft brewery in the U.S. The brewery was started in 1989 when the founder, Jeff Lebesch, took a bike trip across Belgium and came back with a suitcase full of recipes and a head full of ideas. Belgian beers are my favorite, and New Belgium makes Belgians with a crisp American twist that is irresistible. It all goes to show that you don't need to know what you are talking about to know what you like. (If you're looking for a job, apply here. Seriously. New Belgium is 100% employee owned, and the benefits are intended to keep you happy. How does 18 vacation days sound? And an all expense paid trip to Belgium on your 5 year work anniversary?) New Belgium Portage Porter: Aroma: Nutty, Caramel Taste: Chocolate, fresh roasted coffee. Price: $7.99 Fun Facts: 6% ABV, 187 calories, 38 IBU. Available: January 2015 Recommendation: Buy it before it's too late, and enjoy it ice cold. I don't drink New Belgiums every day, but they are never far from my refrigerator. If you still need convincing about how cool New Belgium is, watch this employee video:
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