Episode 450 - Saison is the Reason

ABV Chicago Craft Beer Podcast

Who says you need a reason to saison? Saison is all the reason you need. On this landmark episode, we again drink five different takes on our favorite style of beer - but we pepper this one with some interviews. You’ll hear from Sarah Flora from Flora Brewing on how she ended up releasing a saison with Chicago’s Pilot Project, in addition to how the art world brought her to be one of the most popular homebrewers on social media. Then we hear from Sway Brewing and Blending’s Matt Sampson on how a side project of a side project ended up releasing exquisite saisons in 16 ounce cans out of Door County, Wisconsin. And Afterthought’s Mike Thorpe phones in briefly to talk about his Revolution collab. As a bonus, you get to listen in as Ryan experiences a beer as he never has before: blasted through his nasal cavities at an extreme rate of propulsion. If that’s not enough, there’s brewery theme parks, heavy bubbles, and a popcorn-based TikTok challenge. It’s episode 450 - something had to explode.

Interview with Sarah Flora - (00:10:11 - 00:23:35)

Interview with Matt Sampson - (00:43:15 - 00:53:37)

Interview with Mike Thorpe - (01:13:44 - 01:15:32)

Beers Reviewed

Flora Brewing/Pilot Project Brewing - Blossom Tonic (Saison w/ tart cherry juice, rosemary, and coriander)

Young Blood Beer Company/Fair State Brewing Cooperative - Death, Taxes, and 1-94 Construction (Dry-hopped Belgian-style saison)

Sway Brewing + Blending - A Lovely Place to Be (Foeder-fermented mixed-culture spelt saison)

Seedz Brewery - Green Bottle Saison (Whole leaf hoppy saison)

Revolution Brewing Company/Afterthought Brewing - Foreknowledge (Dry-hopped saison)