My second beer was a step up in complexity, both in process and flavor, from my first, a simple Oatmeal Stout that I might talk about later. This time, it was a Saison, named in honor of Enzo, my poodle who was some where around 13 when he died this Fall. Saison is a farmhouse style of beer from southern Belgium traditionally brewed in the winter to be consumed in the warmer summer months.

Mine was made with a bit of orange peel and coriander in addition to the expected hops and grains, and the fruity, acidic citrus notes come through nicely, as does a mild pepperyness. Out of the keg, this has a thick head that sticks around and leaves good lacing around the glass as it subsides with time. With all that nice bubbly carbonation, you get the oranges when you stick your nose in the glass, along with some distinct but not dominant floral aromas from the hops. The beer itself feels thick but not to the point of becoming syrupy, even after it is left out and looses its carbonation. It has matched well with virtually every food I've tried it with and is pictured here with a hunk of fresh sourdough bread, which it compliments particularly nicely.