On the craft trail with Mescan and Wide Street. A couple of very enjoyable saisons

On the craft trail with Mescan and Wide Street 

A couple of very enjoyable saisons. 

Saison: a brief overview

Saison is a traditional farmhouse style from Wallonia, a French-speaking region in the South of Belgium. It was originally brewed in the winter to be enjoyed by the farmhands during the hot sunny months. We don’t get much of either saison or sun here! 

Wide Street say theirs is a classic representation of the Belgian Saison style while Mescan founder Bart is a Belgian national.

Mescan Westport Saison 5.8% ABV, 330 ml bottle Bradleys

full of concentrated flavour and refreshing

Beautiful gold colour, soft white head, clear body and crowds of bubbles. Aromas include clove and citrus notes. There is immediate engagement on the palate. It is dry and light, effervescent and full of concentrated flavour. It is refreshing, and also very well balanced, with the New World hops matched by the earthy spicy yeast flavours. 

Not just an excellent saison but also yet another superb beer from Westport's Mescan and Very Highly Recommended. It is the kind of beer that, once it hits the palate, makes you take notice. You may also want to note that it has an ABV of 5.8%.

With its slightly bitter finish, Saison goes well with spicy dishes such as curries or chicken wings. "Our Saison is a real thirst quencher!”, say Mescan. For more pairing ideas check their Food Pairing Wheel here. 

* If you'd like to visit Mescan at their brewery between Westport and Louisburg, they are open to visitors most Friday afternoons through the summer - online booking is required here.

Wide Street House Saison 5.5% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

Their yeast plays a key role in this Highly Recommended beer.

Light orange, quite hazy, with a soft white head that sinks slowly. Aromas include clove and citrus notes. It is dry and light on the palate, effervescent, full of concentrated flavour and with a touch of pepper. It is refreshing and also very well balanced. Highly Recommended 

Their yeast plays quite a role in the two-month fermentation, and it is the Saccharomyces cerevisiae var diastaticus saison strain (don't know of any abbreviation!). They have also employed their favourite hop, Saaz, in the process, and that provides a medium bitterness backed up with the citrus and clove.  The punters obviously like this one, and it has been “promoted” to their core range.

Where do you find Wide Street? They are based in Ballymahon, Co. Longford, on the edge of the Royal Canal Greenway. “If you are cycling around or holidaying in the area, please drop us a message and we would be delighted to show you around the brewery.” If you come by car, you should easily find parking. It is a wide street. Really!