Brett Saison

A highly attenuated, effervescent farmhouse ale with peppery saison yeast and earthy Brett funk, finishing very dry. Compared with classic Saison, it is funkier, earthier, and more fermentation-complex.

Defined by Brettanomyces fermentation layered onto saison yeast, adding earthy and funky complexity.

Also known as: Brett Saison; Saison with Brett
Family: Belgian Spicy Ales - Belgian ales with spicy, peppery, or phenolic yeast notes
Variant of Saison - Within the Expressive Ales, defined by a clearly dominant sensory driver such as hop intensity, yeast expression, strength, or acidity.
Variant influence: Secondary fermentation with Brettanomyces increases attenuation and introduces earthy, leathery, and lightly acidic complexity layered onto classic saison yeast expression.
Explore in Explorer →

ABV, IBU and colour

This section summarises the typical alcohol strength, bitterness level and colour range of Brett Saison within the GBI model.

ABV: 6,3%
IBU: 21
Colour: 13,5 SRM / 26,6 EBC

Taste profile

The sensory profile below shows the typical intensity range of the 15 core flavour dimensions.

Colour:
Yellow Amber
Clarity:
Clear Hazy
Aroma – Malt:
Low Medium
Aroma – Hop:
Medium High
Aroma – Yeast:
High Very high
Aroma – Special:
Medium High
Sweetness:
Low
Sourness:
None Medium
Bitterness:
Medium High
Body:
Low Medium
Astringency:
Low Medium
Carbonation:
High Very high
Alcohol Strength:
Medium High
Finish Length:
Long Very long
Oxidation:
None Low

Structurally defined by pronounced yeast character, clear hop presence and clear bitterness.

Built on high attenuation followed by Brett-driven secondary fermentation, extending dryness and structural complexity. Rustic, spicy, lightly funky, and extremely dry with high carbonation and complex yeast character.

Why Brett Saison tastes like it does

These structural drivers explain its characteristic flavour balance.

  • Highly expressive warm fermentation.
  • Strong fruity esters.
  • Medium toast increases toasted/melanoidin character with some sweetness and light astringency.
  • High hop aroma intensity strongly increases bitterness and hop aromatic expression.
  • Herbal or spicy hop character typical of traditional continental varieties.

Style details

  • Origin: Belgium — Originating from Belgian brewing traditions.
  • Glassware: Tulip — Stemmed tulip glass that concentrates aroma and supports a stable head; ideal for aromatic ales and Belgian styles.
    Teku — Modern universal tasting glass designed for maximum aroma capture and sensory evaluation.
    Tumbler — Simple straight-sided tumbler commonly used for lambic, farmhouse ales, and rustic or sour styles.
  • Serving: Bottle — Served from bottle.
  • Conditioning: Bottle Conditioned — Naturally carbonated in the bottle.
  • Aging vessel: Stainless — Aged or matured in stainless steel.
  • Packaging: Bottle — Packaged in bottle.

History

Modern interpretation of traditional saison incorporating Brettanomyces to extend dryness and add earthy complexity.

Related styles

Other variants within the same style group as Brett Saison.

How Brett Saison compares to other beer styles

Comparing styles highlights structural differences in aroma, balance, and intensity across the 15 GBI sensory dimensions.

Brett Saison vs Saison

  • more pronounced special character
  • longer finish
  • higher acidity

Set against Saison, Brett Saison reveals a distinct stylistic contrast. Acidity is more pronounced. In the aroma, it shows more pronounced secondary aromatic notes. On the palate, it presents a longer finish.

Brett Saison vs Grisette

  • much longer finish
  • much stronger alcohol impression
  • more pronounced special character
  • higher bitterness
  • more yeast character

Compared to Grisette, Brett Saison stands in marked contrast. Bitterness plays a more prominent role in the overall balance. In the aroma, it shows more pronounced secondary aromatic notes and a more expressive fermentation character. On the palate, it presents a longer finish and a stronger alcohol impression.

Compare Brett Saison with:

Compare with another style

Select another beer style to see how it compares to Brett Saison.

Best food pairings for Brett Saison

These food pairings complement the dominant sensory traits of Brett Saison.

  • Cheese
  • Salads
  • Seafood

Service & Aging

Practical guidance for serving and handling Brett Saison.

Serving notes

  • Serve cool
  • High foam risk

Pouring technique

  • Fast pour
  • Lively carbonation

Aging potential

  • Can age 2–5 years as Brett character evolves

Common faults

  • Excessive phenolic intensity
  • Acetic acidity
  • Over-dryness

Commercial examples of Brett Saison

The following commercial examples illustrate widely recognised expressions of Brett Saison in the market.

  • Fantôme Saison (Brett examples)
  • Hill Farmstead Arthur

Explore real beers

GlobalBeerIndex is not affiliated with Untappd; link provided for reference.

Brett Saison – Competition results (2025)

Competition categories reflect the official classification used by each event and may include stylistically adjacent interpretations.

Great American Beer Festival 2025

Brett Beer

  • Gold – Galaxidion – (The Big Friendly , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States)
  • Silver – Saison de Banc Vert – (Green Bench Brewing Co. , Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States)
  • Bronze – Thinking of You – (Long Table Brewhouse , Denver, Colorado, United States)

Source: Great American Beer Festival (official website)

World Beer Cup 2025

Brett Beer

  • Gold – Free Range Farmhouse Ale – (Sun King Brewery , United States)
  • Silver – Pear Saison – (Firestone Walker Brewing - Propagator , United States)
  • Bronze – Wild Side – (Jing-A Brewing , China)

Source: World Beer Cup (official website)

Brussels Beer Challenge 2025

Brett Beer

  • Gold – Nature Wild Strawberry Barrel-Aged Beer – (TripSmith Brewing Co. , China)
  • Bronze – Barrel-24 – (Diciottozerouno srl , Italy)
  • Bronze – WF#6 - Celebration – (Cervejas Daoravida , Brazil)

Source: Brussels Beer Challenge (official website)

Scroll to Top