Down on the Farm

This post is about Belgian beer; farmhouse ales to be specific. For more info on other types of Belgian beer like Abbey Ales, Lambics, Gueuze or Flemish Ales, keep reading my blog… I’ll get to those.

Classic Belgian farmhouse (I didn't paint this)

Generally speaking, farmhouse ales were made with whatever was lying around the farmhouse when the farmer (or his wife) decided to brew. As a result, different fruits often show up, or sometimes none at all. Fermentation was natural and wild as these styles predate the discovery of hybridization of yeast strains. Traditionally, farmhouse ales had lower ABV as they were served to the farm hands on hot summer days to quench their thirst (as water wasn’t safe to drink).

Belgium and Northern France have a long tradition of brewing simple, earthy beers. While sometimes made in small breweries in remote villages or farms, they are often brewed on a larger scale, especially the witbier style. Some of these beers contain unmalted grains.

Witbiers are an ancient type of white ale made from malt, oats and a large proportion of unmalted wheat that gives the beer a cloudy haze. Witbier is wonderfully fruity with bitter orange peel and coriander added to increase bitterness without adding additional hops. ABV in a witbier is usually between 4.8% and 5.2% and is best served in a French “jelly” glass.

Makes you want to swim in Saison... makes me want to swim in Saison

Farmhouse breweries are said to have first produced the saison style from unsold barley after the harvest. Traditionally fermented in open vats in the attics of barns, these ales have a unique flavor produced by the wild yeast present in the Flanders region of Belgium. Saisons are dry, crisp, and complex with an assortment of spiciness and early flavors produced by the unique yeast. A Saison’s ABV usually falls between 4.5% and 8.0% and is best served in a large tulip glass.

Biere de Garde is French for "beer to keep" and was originally brewed by farmers in the spring to consume throughout the summer. These blonde ales were the top-fermenting interpretations of bock beers originating in Northern France. They have a light color and slight malt sweetness. Expect the ABV in a biere de garde to range from 4.5% to 8.0% and it best served in a large tulip glass.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!