A Different Saison

[Sandy Feet]

I tried toying with an idea that didn't work out so out getting the keg clogged, but I was looking at some recipe guidelines. What I found is that a Saison can have up to 20% Vienna. Has anyone tried a high Vienna content Saison? This is just for looking out in the future at some point, but I like the idea. I think I have better luck with the French yeast strain, so I may go back to that next time.

 

[Megary]

I don't use Vienna when making a Saison/Farmhouse, but I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. And I don't think 20% is all that high for Vienna, but that's just me. Honestly, a Saison is mostly about the right yeast and properly handling fermentation, so whether you use Pilsner + Munich or Pilsner + Vienna, I doubt anyone would know the difference. Good luck with it, I do love a good Saison.

 

[Dave Y]

I’m intrigued by this. I use Pils & Munich 1, but I could easily swap out the Munich for Vienna.

 

[FleetingSmoke]

Oh good, another idea to add to my menu of new recipes to try. It does sound very interesting that is for sure.

 

[Sandy Feet]

I haven't quite got my Belgian down. The French yeast is more predictable. Predictable, in that it it will be drier than hell. 1.002ish dry, and it has a nice character. I have been wanting to shake things up a little with a Saison. I did a lemon one that I liked. I did a blueberry one that I liked. I was trying to do late addition Saaz with this one and a small dryhop, but that clogged the living shit out of my keg. I have to work for the beer at this point.
I had one at a brewery that is now closed. I loved it. It was a little darker in color, and a little breadier which is why I started thinking about going heavy on the Vienna.

 

[Minbari]

I don't use Vienna when making a Saison/Farmhouse, but I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. And I don't think 20% is all that high for Vienna, but that's just me. Honestly, a Saison is mostly about the right yeast and properly handling fermentation, so whether you use Pilsner + Munich or Pilsner + Vienna, I doubt anyone would know the difference. Good luck with it, I do love a good Saison.

Agree with this. Saison has such bright, sour flavors. Willing to bet malt content has very little impact