Au Baron Cuvee des Jonquilles

Cuvée des Jonquilles is a saison from Au Baron, listed in the easy-drinking beer range. The name points to jonquils, the wild daffodils of early spring, which suggests a light, springlike take on the style. The details on file don't give an ABV, IBU or tasting notes, so what follows describes how saisons typically behave. Treat it as a guide to the style rather than a measured profile of this bottle. Saisons are farmhouse ales, and the usual signature is a pale gold to straw color, high carbonation and a dry finish. Expect a peppery, slightly spicy note from the yeast, often with citrus-peel or orchard-fruit aromas, and a modest grainy malt base that stays out of the way. Bitterness in the style is usually moderate and serves mostly to keep the beer crisp. Because this one is sorted with the easy-drinking beers, it is likely to sit at the lighter, lower-alcohol end of the saison range. That would make it a beer for steady sipping rather than slow contemplation. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 6 to 9°C (43 to 48°F). Straight from a very cold fridge, the yeast-driven spice and fruit are muted. Give it a few minutes in the glass and they open up. A tulip glass or a stemmed goblet suits it best. The narrowing top holds the foamy head and concentrates the aroma, and the bowl leaves room for the lively carbonation. Pour in two stages, gently at first and then a little more firmly, to build a head without stirring up too much sediment if the bottle is refermented. At the table, the dryness and carbonation cut through richness, so saisons handle foods that can overwhelm milder beers. Good matches include roast chicken with herbs, grilled white fish, mussels, goat cheese salads, soft washed-rind cheeses and charcuterie. The peppery yeast character also works with lightly spiced dishes, such as a mild curry or herbed sausages. Heavy red-meat sauces and very sweet desserts are better paired with something else.