St. Paul, MN – Since its launch in 2009, our rotating Unchained Series has allowed Summit brewers to explore their craft, experiment with ingredients from around the world, and basically ignore budgets altogether. The result? They’ve crafted a total of 24 unique, small-batch beers, each one distinct from those offered in our year-round portfolio. To date, series standouts have included Old 152, a pre-prohibition Kentucky-style ale; Make It So, an Extra Special Bitter infused with Earl Grey Tea; and, most recently, Dark Infusíon, last year’s highly coveted Coffee Milk Stout. You all remember that one?
Following in this anything-goes tradition is Brewer James Birnie’s first Unchained Series beer, a highly carbonated, tart, and refreshing Belgian-style saison. Perfectly suited to usher in the spring season,Unchained 24: Spring Saison and its herbal, spicy, and peppery flavors and aromas will arrive on draught and in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans during the first week of March. We’ve scheduled its first tapping for Thursday, March 2, right here at the Summit Beer Hall.
Brewed to highlight the flavors and aromas generated by yeast throughout fermentation, James used a yeast strain from a small Belgian farmhouse brewery. Additionally, because he wanted a crisp, low-ABV beer, he opted for simplicity in malt. “For the base malt,” James says, “I chose Moravian 37, an heirloom variety grown in North Dakota by the family of our President, Mark Stutrud.” The more discerning among you may recognize Moravian 37 as the same malt used in Summit Pilsener, Maibock and Oktoberfest. (Good job, Grain Gurus.)
“Finally, for hops,” James says, “I used a classic Czech hop, Saaz, and my favorite American variety, Cascade. Paired together, they offer some nice pine and herbaceous notes to the beer.”
With its medley of light and fragrant aromas, as well as its bright carbonation and hop spiciness, try pairing our Spring Saison with foods like grilled lamb medallions, rosemary smashed potatoes, focaccia bread with olive oil and aged Gouda, grilled asparagus, and lemon crème brule. Then, take a long nap if you feel so inclined.
Although more experimental in nature than the beers we typically offer, these releases are brewed with the same uncompromising commitment to quality as our year-round Summit beers. In fact, you folks frequently ask us to re-release your favorites. Like, all the time. But before we start recycling our greatest hits, we’ll release two more brand-new Unchained Series beers in 2017. Our best advice is to get them before they’re gone, or you’ll be sad.
For more information about Summit Unchained 24: Spring Saison, please visit www.summitbrewing.com/brews/spring-saison.
Unchained 24: Spring Saison Information
ABV: 4.7%
IBU: 30
Color: Light Golden Straw (3L)
Malts: Moravian 37, Rye, White Wheat
Hops: Saaz, Cascade
Yeast: Belgian Saison
Serving Tips: Serve in a Lowen tumbler at 45 degrees F.
About Summit Brewing Company
Founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1986, Summit Brewing Company has remained close to its roots, refreshing thirsty folks throughout the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Currently available in 11 states, Summit now produces six year-round premium craft beers, seven occasionals, four seasonal brews, and the limited-release Unchained Series and Union Series. Since our inception, we’ve been a consistent pioneer in the craft beer movement. For everything Summit Brewing, visit summitbrewing.com.