Saison is a classic style of beer that originated in the French speaking region of Wallonia in Belgium. The history of Saison dates back to the 18th century when the style was first brewed by farmers in the region for their seasonal workers during the hot Summer months. The word 'Saison' means 'Season' in French and reflects the seasonal nature of this beer style.
At the time, the availability of refrigeration was limited, and farmers needed a beer that could withstand the heat of Summer without spoiling. The resulting beer was typically light in colour, highly carbonated, and had a dry finish. It was also brewed using a mix of local grains and hops, which gave it a unique flavour profile.
Saison was not widely available outside of Wallonia until the 20th century. During World War II, the German occupation of Belgium disrupted the production of traditional beers. This led to the rise of pilsners and other light lagers as the dominant beer styles in the country. It wasn't until the 1970s that the popularity of Saison beer began to grow again, as Belgian brewers began experimenting with the style and exporting it to other countries.
Today, Saison is a popular beer style among craft brewers around the world. While traditional Saisons are still brewed in Wallonia using locally sourced ingredients, many modern versions of the style incorporate a wide range of flavours and ingredients. These can include fruits, spices, and various types of hops and grains.
