Sanctuary – Steamworks Brewing (Blasted Church Vineyards)


From Steamworks Brewing in Burnaby BC in collaboration with Blasted Church Vineyards in Okanagan Falls comes their “Sanctuary” a Saison with Gewurztraminer Grape Must.  The beer pours a cloudy yellow colour with a white head.  The aroma consists of citrus, yeast, spices, Gewurztraminer Grape and wheat.  The flavour is of lemony citrus, spices, wheat, yeast funk, mild Gewurztraminer Grape and pith.  The alcohol content comes in at 7.5%.  This is an absolutely delicious blend of both beer and wine.  Make sure to rush out and buy your bottles before it sells out.

Commercial Description:  Trying to decide between a glass of wine or pint of beer? Now you can have both, with the release of “SANCTUARY”; the heavenly new collaboration beer from Steamworks Brewing Co. and Blasted Church Vineyards. Sanctuary is a bottle conditioned Saison featuring Gewürztraminer grape must and is a departure from the ordinary for both producers.  The making of the beer has been a true labour of love for the brewers and vintners involved. The process started with Blasted Church pressing fresh Gewürztraminer grape must from their Okanagan Valley fall 2017 harvest. The must was then rushed to Steamworks brewery and added during fermentation within 24 hours. The beer was then bottle conditioned for over 2 months in a special facility kept at an optimal temperature.  All of this effort has led to a truly unique and spectacular flavour profile. Subtle grape and fruit notes give way to an effervescent mouthfeel and dry finish with a floral yet mildly spicy saison character.

 

 

Sirens Chai Saison – Britannia Brewing Company


From Britannia Brewing Company in the Richmond with a tasting room in Steveston Village comes their “Sirens Chai Saison”. The beer poured a copper orange with a white head. The aroma consists of chai tea, orange, anise, spices and yeast. The flavour is of chai tea, mild funk, anise, spices, orange with a saison yeast finish. The alcohol content comes in at 5.7% with an IBU of 22. I am not a huge tea fan but this one was quite ewnjoyable. 

Commercial Description:  The Sirens call to lure you into this refreshing and effervescent farmhouse ale.  Kettling a local chai tea blend of rooibos, orange, star anise, clove and pepper all adding up to give off a unique spice aroma that compliments our Belgian yeast.

Stone Fruit Hibiscus Saison – Old Yale Brewing


From Chilliwack’s Old Yale Brewing comes their “Stone Fruit Hibiscus Saison”.  The beer pours a cloudy orange colour with an off white head.  The aroma consists of stone fruits like peach, overall fruity esters, hibiscus and some sweetness.  The flavour is of stone fruit, hibiscus, citrus rind, yeast, mild spices, low bitterness and wheat.  The alcohol content comes in at 6%.  This is not your typical saison but it is really well crafted and full of flavour.

Dark Cherry Sour Saison – Kettle River Brewing Co


From Kettle River Brewing in Kelowna comes their “Dark Cherry Sour Saison”.  This beer comes from the lot BR4.  The beer pours a very cloudy reddish brown colour with a tan head.  The aroma consists of cherry, tartness, oak and some tannins.  The flavour is of oak, red wine tannins, cherry, malts, earth and some bitterness.  The alcohol content comes in at 5.5%.  This is not a perfect Sour Saison but I would not hesitate to purchase more bottles if I was back in Kelowna.  It was definitely a tasty one.

 

Brett Zeste Saison – Microbrasserie Le Castor


From Microbrasserie Le Castor in Rigaud Quebec comes their “Brett Zeste Saison”.  The beer pours a cloudy orange with a white head.  The aroma consists of lemon, citrus zest, mild brett funk and some sweetness.  The flavour is of citrus zest, lemon, yeast, wheat, rye spice, pepper, herbs, resin, mild Brettanomyces and some bitterness.  The alcohol content comes in at 5%.  This was a very interesting Saison and I would recommend picking up a bottle if you can find it.

Commercial Description:  As spring breezes refresh our spirits and make us think of warmer months ahead, so too will this tribute to traditional Belgian farmhouse ales. Brewed with authentic saison & wild Brettanomyces yeasts, we have added a lot of citrus zest & juice to the mix. Throw in some cracked pepper, and classic rustic yeast character, and you’ve got a refreshingly dry companion to your summer thirst.