2012 - Year of the Saison?

December 2011

As we look ahead to 2012, the Americans will no doubt continue to play an influential role, but expect a shift away from the IPA, and an increase in popularity for other styles. In recent years, they have been busy recreating and reinterpreting the traditional Belgian farmhouse beer, Saison. Ben's prediction is for 2012 to be the year of the Saison.

For a while now, the British beer scene has largely been about hops, hops, and more hops. The American craft brewers have had an undeniable influence here in recent years, and their love affair with the hop has been well documented. The ‘American IPA’ has been the in-demand style around the UK, and a great many brewers have been fashioning their own interpretations of the style. Here at James Clay, imports from America have been increasingly popular, and have seen year on year sales growth of 35%.

Three key factors are likely to play a role in the increased popularity of other styles.

First, consumers are becoming better educated when it comes to beer, and are increasingly open to new styles and flavours. A great many are now very familiar with big hoppy beers, and are looking to try something else. This search will be greatly aided by the ever-increasing demand within the trade for new beers, and new styles, that enable them to offer a point of difference from the competition. As the market becomes more saturated with big hoppy beers, more bars and pubs will seek alternatives to complement their range and offer something new and different to their drinkers. Likewise, expect British brewers to continue experimenting with new styles.

Second, the increasing interest being shown in beer and food will continue to gather momentum, which will help to further educate both consumers and members of the trade about the vast array of beer styles that exist, and how well suited to food they are.

Third, the increase in the popularity of American hops combined with a rather lacklustre harvest for 2011 means that demand is likely to exceed supply in 2012, leaving some brewers short on raw materials to create their American-style ‘hop-bombs’. During the second half of 2012, this may lead to a shift in focus to alternative hops, herbs and spices as influential ingredients that can significantly affect the flavour of beer.

With their ever-present influence exerting itself over the UK scene at the moment, the Americans are likely to once again shape the direction we take. In recent years, they have been busy recreating and reinterpreting the traditional Belgian farmhouse beer, Saison. As a style, it lacks a very precise definition, which for much of the American brewing fraternity is precisely the appeal. According to Phil Markowski’s entry in The Oxford Companion to Beer, “For many modern brewers ‘Saison’ is a nearly blank canvas; its definition, a moveable feast...Many American craft brewers embody the creative ‘no rules’ approach that has long defined Saison.” Increasing numbers of brewers have turned to the style as a great opportunity to flex their creative muscle and come up with new and original beers, with some exceptionally good results.

Generally, they have been exceptionally dry and fruity affairs, showcasing a variety of flavours, depending on whether hops, herbs or spices (or a combination) have been used, and offer brilliant thirst quenching refreshment, without the palate ravaging bitterness of the American IPAs. Excellent both with food and on their own, these beers have been increasingly noticed for their complexity and uniqueness.

During 2012, expect British brewers to follow their American counterparts, and expect also to see increased interest in the Belgian originals and the progressive recreations from elsewhere. Already in 2011, Brooklyn Sorachi Ace and Nøgne Ø Saison have been some of the most talked about beers to arrive in the UK, and the recent addition of Saison Dupont to the James Clay portfolio has been very positively received.

During 2011 there has also been the odd whisper within the trade around French craft beer, and whilst it won’t be taking the spotlight away from the Americans any time soon, there could be some increased interest in the Biere de Garde style, the French relative of Saison, which tends to be a touch maltier, richer and more full-bodied. Don’t be surprised if it starts to crop up as a point of difference for one or two.

Saisons available from James Clay:

Saison Dupont - 24 x 330ml - 6.5% abv

Saison Scilly - 24 x 300ml - 5.0%

Nøgne Ø Saison - 12 x 500ml - 6.5%

Brooklyn Sorachi Ace (coming 2012) - 12 x 750ml - 7.6%

If you would like to enquire about stocking Saison beers please contact us on 01422 377 560.