Saison du Fermier has become our flagship in my eyes. It was our first Missouri Saison, released for the first time at our very first release on September 13th, 2013. It is what put our Saison production on the map. Being such an important part of who we are as a brewery, I might have become a little overprotective of this beer and what I want it to be before I blend and release it to you. Hence, the more than 2 years since its last release! I was just waiting for the right barrels and the right blend to re-release my favorite Saison.
Every blend starts as a spelt Saison that is fermented-in and aged-in Chardonnay barrels with our Missouri cultures. From American oak to French oak, 225 liter barrels to Puncheons and Foedres, I have experimented with every blend, always trying to figure out what works the best with our production methods and with our cultures. Although I have never settled on what exactly is the best, as every Saison du Fermier brew presents itself differently and is an expression of the time and the barrels, I do have favorites, and there is just no substitute for barrel-fermenting Saison du Fermier in 225 liter Chardonnay barrels.
For the 4th Blend of Saison du Fermier, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the best Chardonnay barrels I have ever used for a portion of the final beer. Through our friends at Vinoteca, we imported White Burgundy barrels from Sylvain Langoreau St. Aubin in Gamay France. When these barrels arrived back in January of 2017, we quickly brewed Saison du Fermier to allow it to ferment-in and age-in these amazing barrels. The wines of Burgundy, both white and red, are some of my favorites. So, getting these barrels to use for my favorite Saison was a nice addition to the lineage of the Saison du Fermier blends. After 5 months of maturing in the French Oak, we racked and blended these barrels with a portion that was aged in American Oak before bottle conditioning the blend for the release.
Along with the to-go release of Saison du Fermier Blend 4, we are debuting Cassis du Fermier, Saison du Fermier that at maturity, was racked to red wine barrels with Black Currants and allowed to re-ferment and age to maturity before being bottle conditioned prior to its release. Pouring a color that doesn't even look like beer and being absolutely juicy and rich on the palate, Cassis du Fermier is our newest fruited interpretation of our beloved, barrel-fermented, spelt Saison that I hope you will enjoy.
Saison du Fermier allocations will be based on the turnout for the release and the bottles will be $25 to take home. Cassis du Fermier will only be available for on-site enjoyment. Both will be available at both The Brewery and The Side Project Cellar at opening.
Thanks again for all of your love of our oak aged beers and I am really excited to be able to once again share Saison du Fermier with you!
Cheers,
Cory King
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