PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland’s craft brewing new school and old school came together to create Saison ├Ç Fleurs. Breakside Brewery and Widmer Brothers collaborated to craft this lively farmhouse-style ale brewed with chrysanthemum, jasmine, and Szechuan peppercorns.
Saison ├Ç Fleurs, the second release in Widmer Brothers Brewing’s 30th Anniversary Collaboration Series, is a unique take on the traditional farmhouse ale that marries rich floral and tropical notes and white pepper yeast character. The use of tea flowers and Szechuan peppercorns also gives Saison ├Ç Fleurs distinctive spice flavors of the Far East. The recipe was created collaboratively with the vibrant late spring and early summer seasons in mind.
Saison ├Ç Fleurs is the second of six Widmer Brothers limited release collaboration beers with Oregon breweries to be released this year as part of a series that commemorates Widmer Brothers’ 30 year history. The collaboration series is a celebration of the brewery’s 30th anniversary, the Oregon brewing community, and the unique camaraderie between craft brewers.
“We just celebrated our fourth anniversary this year and Widmer Brothers is celebrating their 30th,” said Ben Edmunds, brewmaster at Breakside Brewery. “It was a lot of fun to come together and use our combined knowledge and different brewing approaches to create Saison ├Ç Fleurs. The beer is infused with each brewery’s personality and style, and is a great beer to drink while celebrating the 30th anniversary.”
“We’ve wanted to brew a beer with the Breakside team for a while now, and the 30th anniversary was the perfect opportunity,” said Ben Dobler, innovation brewer at Widmer Brothers Brewing. “It’s always fun to work with good friends, especially when we’re talking about the creative brewing minds at Breakside, Ben Edmunds and Jacob Leonard. We’re really happy with Saison ├Ç Fleurs and are looking forward to sharing it this summer.”
Saison À Fleurs will be available in the coming weeks in 22-ounce bottles and on draught, with limited distribution in select markets, including Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Minneapolis, New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia.
There will be release parties for Saison À Fleurs in Tacoma, Wash., at The Red Hot on June 4 at 5:00 p.m., and in Portland at Saraveza on June 13 at 6:00 p.m. Patrons will have the opportunity to meet brewers from both breweries and sample the unique beer alongside a special, extremely limited gin barrel aged version of the beer.
The next beer in the 30th Anniversary Collaboration Series will be brewed with Bend, Ore.’s 10 Barrel Brewing and will be available in mid-July.
About Saison À Fleurs
Inspired by the vibrant late spring and early summer seasons, Saison À Fleurs is a lively farmhouse-style ale brewed with chrysanthemum, jasmine, and Szechuan peppercorns. This unique take on the traditional farmhouse style ale marries rich floral and tropical notes and white pepper yeast character with distinctive spice flavors of the Far East.
ABV: 6.7%
IBU: 25
OG: 15.5P
AE: 3P
COLOR: 9 SRM
About Widmer Brothers Brewing
Founded in 1984, Widmer Brothers Brewing is celebrating 30 years of beer in 2014. Founders Kurt and Rob Widmer helped lead the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when, in their 20s, they began brewing unique interpretations of traditional German beer styles. In 1986, Widmer Brothers Brewing introduced the original American-style Hefeweizen, which elevated the brewery to national acclaim. Since then, the brewery has continued to push the boundaries of craft beer, developing a variety of beers with an unapologetic, uncompromised commitment to innovation.
Based in Portland, Ore., the brewery currently brews a variety of beers including Hefeweizen, Upheaval IPA, Alchemy Pale Ale, Drop Top Amber Ale, a full seasonal lineup, and a series of limited edition beers. For more information about Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit www.widmerbrothers.com.