Maggie’s Farmhouse Ale
Terrapin’s newest side project series is on Atlanta shelves now. Maggie’s Farmhouse Ale follows up 90 shelling for a late summer entry.
While an old style, the popularity of farmhouse ales has grown over the past few years. Farmhouse ales can be further broken down into 2 subcategories based on geographic region. France — Biere de Garde (keeping beer), and Belgium — Saison (season.)
Saison’s originate from low ABV pale ales produced in farmhouses in Belgium, specifically Wallonia (a French speaking area, thus the French overtones in many saison brews.) Originally produced in order to refresh (and hydrate?) farm workers, the style has grown from there. While originally low ABV, 3-4% it’s decisively harder to find one that low now.
Saison’s are typically bottle conditioned (adding a small amount of yeast, sugar, or wort) and often times corked. A strong characteristic of Belgian beers, the yeast strains involved in saisons add to its unique flavor.
With that bit of background, here’s a little info from Spike, owner/brewer of Terrapin Brewery –
Welcome to the next version of Terrapin’s Side Project series of beers. Volume #7 “Maggie’s Farmhouse Ale.” Brewing this style of beer was as exciting as it was challenging because of it’s high fermentation temp. (90 F) and its finicky yeast strain. You’ll get all the aroma and flavors you’d expect from a farmhouse ale out of Maggie’s. The nose is a combination of grassy and spicy yeasty notes with an underlying bready earthiness character. The flavor is slightly sweet up front with a tartness in the middle followed with a white pepper/tart finish. Maggie’s offers the beer lover an old world style that is very pleasing to drink by itself or paired with fine foods. Cheers! Spike
ABV: 6.0%
Malts: 2-Row Malt, Vienna, Rye, Wheat, Flaked Oats, Acidulated
Hops: Super Styrian, East Kent Golding, Hallertau Hersbrucker
