Holiday Ale - French Saison Yeast?

[Mutchinator]

I am getting ready to start a holiday batch - based on Midwest Supplies Holiday Ale. Looking for something a little more "funky" and was planning on adding some late addition chocolate and orange peel - and couple this with the Wyeast French Saison yeast.

Am I treading in deep waters here? Or does this sound like a legitimate concoction?

 

[avidhomebrewer]

Haven't tried chocolate in a batch like this yet, but orange peel and the yeast you suggest will make a great batch. I would steer clear of the chocolate, personally.

 

[dwarven_stout]

I like chocolate and orange together quite a bit in candy. Never tried it in beer, but I imagine it would be good if done right. Be careful with the French Saison... it'll take your beer dry as a bone.

 

[godofcheese]

It really depends on what you are looking for. The french saison yeast will strip out almost all the sweetness from your beer and will leave a bit of spiciness. I don't think that would go with the chocolate personally.

 

[Germelli1]

If you are a fan of dark chocolate, then it might be glorious (although it could be a bust too haha). That yeast will dry the hell out of your beer though

 

[Mutchinator]

Thanks for the feedback...I am looking for that "funk" the saison should give and was planning on adding 2 lbs of Orange Blossom Honey + some additional hops to a) bring back some of the sweetness/citrus and b) the hops should keep it more "beery"

 

[dwarven_stout]

Thing is, saison yeasts don't give much "funk". Citrus, peppery spice, tropical fruit, sometimes banana are all common flavors from different strains, but nothing that I would really consider funky.