The Romans loved Gloucester – founded in 49AD under Emperor Nerva, it was named ‘Colonia Glevum Nervensis’. By AD97 it was the preferred place for retired Roman soldiers to enjoy a more leisurely life. Perhaps it was during a retired pastime that after many disastrous attempts of wine making, eventually the veterans realised that hops grow better in colder climates and so started experimenting with brewing beer. As a toast to their determination to find an alternative to wine raise a glass or two of this aromatic and fruity Saison and salute their ingenuity.