Dogfish Head / Victory / Stone Saison du BUFF

January 14th, 2013 by Scott in Other Beer Reviews

First of all, a big congratulations to the unofficial (because I just made this up right now) Beers and Ears running team! Josh ran the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon Katie and Ed ran the Walt Disney World Marathon, and Jenn and Patrick both ran the Goofy Challenge (that’s the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon and Marathon)! I’ll let them tell their own stories when they get back.

In the meantime, I’m drinking the 2012 edition of a collaboration beer between Dogfish Head, Victory, and Stone called Saison du BUFF. Back in 2003 the owners of the three breweries got together to create a beer together; the result is what I’m drinking tonight.

I’m not sure we’ve reviewed many saisons on here so let’s briefly discuss the style. The template for the modern saison is the Belgian-brewed Saison Dupont which is served at Be Our Guest Restaurant if you happen to be in Walt Disney World. Saisons are also known as farmhouse ales and were brewed in the warmer months to hydrate the workers on a farm. Many historical representations were low alcohol, but Saison du BUFF comes in at 7.7% ABV which is typical for a modern saison. To add to the herbal character of the beer Saison du BUFF includes parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Saison du BUFF is a cloudy yellow colored beer with a half-inch or so quickly dissipating head. Grassy, floral scents fill the nose with a good swirl. The herbal tastes come out quickly and richly with a bit of hoppy bitterness on the back end. The liquid is a little bit on the thin side but the taste lingers on the palate for a while. Carbonation is fairly high.

Overall, a fine beer especially if you like the herbal grassy qualities.

On a side note, I’ll be in the World in June on a big family trip. It’s been a while since I’ve been down there, but you can be sure I’ll be trying out some of the beer while I’m there!