Overall Impression:
A pale, refreshing, highly-attenuated, moderately-bitter, moderate-strength Belgian ale with a very dry finish. Highly carbonated,
and using non-barley cereal grains for complexity, as complements the expressive yeast character that is fruity, spicy, and not overly phenolic.
Aroma:
Quite aromatic, with fruity, spicy, and hoppy characteristics evident. The esters are fairly high, and are reminiscent of citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons. The hops are moderate and are fruity and have a soft, spicy alcohol note (low intensity). Spicy notes are typically peppery rather than clove-like. The malt character is typically slightly grainy in character and low in intensity.
Flavor:
Medium fruity and spicy flavors, supported by a low to medium soft malt character, often with some grainy flavors. Bitterness is typically moderate to high, although sourness can be present in place of bitterness (both should not be strong flavors at the same time). Attenuation is extremely high, which gives a characteristic dry finish essential to the style; a Saison should never finish sweet. The fruity character is frequently citrusy (orange or lemon), and the spices are typically peppery. Allow for a range of balance in the
fruity-spicy characteristics; this is often driven by the yeast selection. Hop flavor is low to moderate, and generally spicy or
earthy in character. The balance is towards the fruity, spicy, hoppy character, with any bitterness or sourness not overwhelming these flavors.
Mouthfeel:
Light to medium body. Alcohol sensation varies with strength, from none in table version to light in standard versions, to moderate in super versions. However, any warming character should be fairly low. Very high carbonation with an effervescent quality. There is enough prickly acidity on the tongue to balance the very dry finish.
Style Comparison:
At standard strengths and pale color (the most common variety), like a more highly-attenuated, hoppy, and bitter Belgian blond ale with a stronger yeast character. At super strength and pale color, similar to a Belgian tripel, but often with more of a grainy, rustic quality and sometimes with a spicier yeast character.
Commercial Examples
Brigand, Delirium Tremens, Dulle Teve, Duvel, Judas, Lucifer, Piraat, Russian River Damnation
