It's a Saison inspired by those brewed in Wallonia (mainly in the Hainaut region) and in a part of Flanders in the 19th century. Yvan has been studying the subject since 2004, when the book "Farmhouse Ales" was published, for which he wrote the chapter on the history of this style, which is so complicated to apprehend. The Saison de la Senne is somehow the liquid result of his research, uninterrupted since.
The Saisons were part of the broad family of the"Bières de Garde" (Keeping beers), barrel-aged and with a very long shelf life. They were often blended with an old sour beer with a vinous character, which would give it its typical flavor, sought after by the drinkers of the time. The sour beer could have been produced in the brewery itself, but sometimes, as is proven by old documents, the Saison brewers could buy it from the most famous brewers of sour beer at the time: the Lambic brewers. We have chosen this method, and brought Lambic from one of the most famous Lambic brewery in the world: our friends at Cantillon - whom we deeply thank!
The result is an extremely complex but at the same time very refreshing beer (which is characteristic of the style). It somehow resembles a hoppy gueuze with a distinct bitterness. Indeed, the Saisons were generously hopped for the well-known keeping properties of hops. Also, they were often dry-hopped, as is the case here. Saison de la Senne has been barrel-aged for three years before bottling.
Amber in color, its nose reminds one of Lambic, with notes of fallen apples, wood, leather, and the typical funky character of the Bretts. In the mouth, a soft tartness is present, quickly leading to dryness. The aromas of the nose are completed by those of rustic cereals (spelt and rye), quince, green gooseberries and a complex vinous character. The finish is bitter but perfectly in balance.