Since its launch in 2009, Summit Brewing’s rotating Unchained Series has allowed its brewers to explore their craft, experiment with ingredients from around the world, and basically ignore budgets altogether.
The result? They’ve crafted a total of 24 unique, small-batch beers, each one distinct from those offered in our year-round portfolio. To date, series standouts have included “Old 152,” a pre-prohibition Kentucky-style ale; “Make It So,” an Extra Special Bitter infused with Earl Grey Tea; and, most recently, “Dark Infusíon,” last year’s highly coveted Coffee Milk Stout.
Following in this anything-goes tradition is Brewer James Birnie’s first Unchained Series beer, a highly carbonated, tart, and refreshing Belgian-style saison. Perfectly suited to usher in the spring season, Unchained 24: Spring Saison and its herbal, spicy, and peppery flavors and aromas will arrive on draught and in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans during the first week of March. The brewery has scheduled its first tapping for Thursday, March 2, at the Summit Beer Hall.
Brewed to highlight the flavors and aromas generated by yeast throughout fermentation, Birnie used a yeast strain from a small Belgian farmhouse brewery. Additionally, because he wanted a crisp, low-ABV beer, he opted for simplicity in malt.
“For the base malt,” James says, “I chose Moravian 37, an heirloom variety grown in North Dakota by the family of our President, Mark Stutrud.”
The more discerning may recognize Moravian 37 as the same malt used in Summit Pilsener, Maibock and Oktoberfest.
“Finally, for hops,” Birnie added, “I used a classic Czech hop, Saaz, and my favorite American variety, Cascade. Paired together, they offer some nice pine and herbaceous notes to the beer.”
With its medley of light and fragrant aromas, as well as its bright carbonation and hop spiciness, try pairing our Spring Saison with foods like grilled lamb medallions, rosemary smashed potatoes, focaccia bread with olive oil and aged Gouda, grilled asparagus, and lemon crème brule. Then, take a long nap if you feel so inclined.
Although more experimental in nature than the beers we typically offer, these releases are brewed with the same uncompromising commitment to quality as our year-round Summit beers.
For more information about Summit Unchained 24: Spring Saison, click here. www.summitbrewing.com/brews/spring-saison.
Unchained 24: Spring Saison Information
ABV: 4.7%
IBU: 30
Color: Light Golden Straw (3L)
Malts: Moravian 37, Rye, White Wheat
Hops: Saaz, Cascade
Yeast: Belgian Saison
Serving Tips: Serve in a Lowen tumbler at 45 degrees F.
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