Understanding the Key Ingredients: Hops, Saison, and Brett
When it comes to craft beer, every brew master knows the importance of three key ingredients – hops, saison, and brett. While these may be familiar terms for those well-versed in the art of brewing, for many, they remain shrouded in mystery. So, let’s unwrap this mystery and dive deep into the world of hops, saison, and brett.
About Hops
First, let’s delve into hops. Most commonly associated with beer, hops are flowers (also known as seed cones or strobiles) of the hop plant. They are primarily used in brewing for their bitterness, flavor, and preservation qualities. But did you know that hops have a myriad of other applications too? It turns out, these green flowers are quite the versatile ingredient outside of brewing as well.
Hops beyond Brewing
Hops can also be used in a variety of culinary applications. These range from infusing hop-flavored vinegar for your salad dressings, adding them to stews, or even a hop-infused cheesecake if you’re up for something novel! That’s not all – hops also have medicinal properties. They are often used as a sedative to treat sleep disorders, anxiety, tension and restlessness.
Focusing on Saison
Next, let’s talk about saison – a term often thrown around in the brewing world. Saison, French for season, is a pale ale that is highly carbonated, fruity, spicy, and typically brewed in the cooler, less active months in farmhouses in Wallonia, Belgium.
Exploring Saison
Historically, saison was a refreshing ale provided for farmhands during the harvest season. These days, it has found its footing as an authentic style of craft beer. Known for its unique flavour profile which is a balance of fruity and spicy notes, saison is a versatile beer that pairs well with a range of foods. It acts as a palate cleanser, making it a great accompaniment for meals like seafood, cheese platters, and spicy Asian dishes.
Demystifying Brett
Finally, let’s get into Brett, or Bretttanomyces – a type of yeast associated with the fermentation and aging process of several well-known beer styles including lambics, gueuzes, Flanders red ales and American wild ales.
Brett Beyond Beer
Despite being considered a spoilage yeast in some beer styles, when used intentionally, Brett can contribute unique and desirable flavors to beer, such as fruity, horse blanket or barnyard characteristics. While not for everyone’s tastes, beers with Brett are critically acclaimed and sought after by beer enthusiasts who love its funkiness. Beyond beer, Brett is also used in certain wine types enhancing their complexity and taste.
Wrapping Up
All in all, even though they are quintessential in the brewing world, hops, saison, and Brett boast a wider range of uses and capabilities beyond just beer. They are critical for a variety of culinary applications, from flavoring foods and treats to enhancing the complexity of wines. Not to mention, they even have medicinal uses. So, the next time you sip on your favorite craft beer, take a moment to appreciate the depth and versatility of these ingredients.
