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Beer Styles

Saison

Beer style guide

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  • Beer
  • Beer • Farmhouse / Saison
  • 5–7.5% ABV
  • 20–35 IBU
  • low-medium body
  • medium bitterness

At a Glance

90–320Calories
5–7.5%ABV
20–35Bitterness
low-mediumBody
gold to orangeColour

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Saison?

Saison category style used for WhatDrink frontend filtering and taxonomy matching.

Taste profile

medium bitternesslow-medium bodyFunkyPepperySpicyDryBeer
Funky(low)Peppery(medium)Spicy(high)Dry(medium)

Sensory profile

BitternessMild – Intense
Hop characterSubtle – Prominent
Malt / roastPale – Roasty
StrengthSession – Strong
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style group: Beer
  • ABV range: 5–7.5%
  • IBU: 20–35
  • low-medium body

What do these dimensions mean?

Body
low-medium
Sweetness
medium
Acidity
medium-high
Tannin
low
  • Funky · low intensity — Some saisons show rustic fermentation character.
  • Peppery · medium intensity — Saison often shows pepper-like phenolic character.
  • Spicy · high intensity — Saison commonly has yeast-driven spice.
  • Dry · medium intensity — Saison is commonly dry in finish.

Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.

How it’s made

Method
Belgian farmhouse ale with expressive yeast, dry finish, and peppery/fruity notes.
Base materials
pilsner malt, adjunct grains, hops, expressive ale yeast
Fermentation
Warm top fermentation
Ageing
Usually not aged, though mixed-culture variants exist.

How to serve

Serving temperature
6-8°C
Glassware
tulip glass

Frequently asked questions

What is Saison?
Saison category style used for WhatDrink frontend filtering and taxonomy matching.
What does Saison taste like?
Saison is often described as Funky, Peppery, Spicy, Dry. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
What foods pair with Saison?
Saison pairs well with Cheese Board, Chicken, Salads, Seafood. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Saison?
Saison typically has an ABV of 5–7.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 90–320. Strength and calorie content vary by producer and batch.
When should I enjoy Saison?
Saison suits casual social occasions, food pairings and sessions where you want a flavourful but approachable beer. The style profile makes it versatile across a range of settings.
What beers are similar to Saison?
If you enjoy Saison, explore other beer styles with a similar bitterness and body rating using the sensory bars as a guide. Styles with a matching profile score will feel closest in character.
What are some popular examples of Saison?
Many breweries produce Saison across different regions. Seek out local craft examples for fresh flavour, or look for well-reviewed commercial options widely available in bottle shops and pubs.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare beer styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find beers I like?
If you like hoppy beers look for High Bitterness. For smooth, easy-drinking beers choose Soft Bitterness and Light Body. Use the Beginner-Friendly rating to find beers that match your experience level.

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Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.