Belgium's Favorite Saisons

Working in the fields of Belgian farms at harvest time, seasonal workers would work up quite a thirst. But, with no drinkable water in the fields and the general contamination of water back in the day, farmers turned to their best alternative – beer! Saison (“season” in French) ales were brewed by farmers for their saisonniers (seasonal workers). Saisons, or “farmhouse ales,” are most famously represented by the beers of Brasserie Dupont.

History

Brasserie Dupont was founded in 1920 in the village of Tourpes in the Hainaut province of Belgium and continues to be a working farm. Its roots stretch back to 1759, but Alfred Dupont purchased the brewery for his son, Louis Dupont in 1920. When Louis’ cousin, Sylva Rosier, joined the brewery in 1945, he began experimenting with a number of top-fermented ales. He was quite the visionary and took over management of the brewery in 1964. Eventually, Sylva’s sons, Marc and Claude joined the brewery and were responsible for a number of innovations and significant growth.

Brasserie Dupont was a regional brewery and most sales were local, but by 1986, the brewery began to expand throughout Belgium and internationally. Their American importer popularized Saison Dupont during the 1980’s and exports grew to 40% of Dupont’s business. Saison Dupont uses a combination of Pilsner malt, Munich malt and malted wheat in its grain bill. Hops are East Kent Goldings and Styrian Goldings. The Dupont yeast is a proprietary strain that has been described as “touched by God” for its complex profile of fruit esters and peppery phenols. Its high attenuation results in a dry, refreshing beer.

Products

Dupont’s product line is extensive. It includes:

  • Saison Dupont – a 6.5% ABV ale that is yellow with a big white head with high carbonation, fruity, spicy flavors and aromas and a dry finish.

  • Moinette Blond – an 8.5% strong blond Saison

  • Moinette Ambrée – an 8.5% strong amber ale.

  • Moinette Brune – an 8.5% strong brown Saison

  • Avec Les Bons Voeux de la Brasserie Dupont – a 9.5% Christmas beer that is now produced year-round.

  • Bière de Beloeil – an 8.5% Biere de Garde

  • Bière de Miel – an 98.0% honey beer

  • Biolégère – an organic 3.5% table beer, similar to the original farmhouse ales

  • Blanche du Hainaut – a 5.5% all-organic white beer

  • Foret Saison – a 5.5% organic Saison

  • Monk’s Stout – a 5.2% Belgian-style Stout

  • Bons Voeux (Best Wishes) – an 9.5% New Year’s beer produced in limited quantities and highly sought-after.

  • Redor Pils – a 5.0% Pilsner

Originally Moinette Blond was the brewery’s most popular offering (and still is in Belgium), but total sales of Saison Dupont have eclipsed it. In addition to beers, Dupont makes several excellent cheeses using Saison Dupont and Moinette beers.

Brasserie Dupont is one of Belgium’s iconic breweries and, for many, it has come to define the Saison style.

Charlie GottenkienyComment