Family Belgian Ale Style Saison
Country USA (NY) ABV 7.7%
Producer Brewery Ommegang (Duvel)
Price $$$ Packaging 12oz/355ml, 25.6oz/750ml bottle
Characteristics Unusual, refreshing, yeasty

Overview Perhaps it isn’t fair to hold up Hennepin as an example of how American breweries are helping revive the saison style and breathe new life into it, since Ommegang is owned (and occasionally assisted) by the Belgian brewery Duvel. But this is life, where a lot of things aren’t fair, so we’ll do it anyway.

Flavors and aromas Banana esters and floral notes make up the light nose here. The palate is also light—easygoing and refreshing—but there are some odd darker funky notes here, suggesting there’s a bit of Brettanomyces character (see the style guide for more on this term) in play. There’s a complex interplay of flavors that are challenging to unpack, but probably worth the effort.