Spiced Dark Saison for the Holidays?

[Shane-O-Matic]

Please critique. I think I am happy with the grain bill, but I've never brewed (or drank) a dark saison. I am a bit concerned that I might not balance the spices appropriately, though. I want this to be spice forward for the holidays and I want the GOP to give it a little zing, but balance is key to a decent Saison.

Would you drink it?

Feedback is appreciated!!

Title: Tis the Saison to be Jolly
Author: Shane

Brew Method: All Grain
Style Name: Saison
Boil Time: 60 min
Batch Size: 5.5 gallons (fermentor volume)
Boil Size: 7.5 gallons
Boil Gravity: 1.055
Efficiency: 65% (brew house)


STATS:
Original Gravity: 1.075
Final Gravity: 1.012
ABV (standard): 8.29%
IBU (tinseth): 32.75
SRM (morey): 20.37

FERMENTABLES:
13 lb - Canadian - Pale 2-Row (73%)
1.5 lb - American - Caramel / Crystal 80L (8.4%)
3 lb - American - Vienna (16.8%)
5 oz - American - Roasted Barley (1.8%)

HOPS:
0.5 oz - Nugget, Type: Pellet, AA: 14, Use: Boil for 45 min, IBU: 21.26
0.5 oz - Nugget, Type: Pellet, AA: 14, Use: Boil for 15 min, IBU: 11.49

MASH GUIDELINES:
1) Infusion, Temp: 166 F, Time: 60 min, Amount: 6.5 gal, Mash in
2) Fly Sparge, Temp: 166 F, Time: 0 min, Amount: 3.75 gal, Should take a little over an hour with my equipment
Starting Mash Thickness: 1.5 qt/lb

OTHER INGREDIENTS:
7 each - Cardamom, Time: 5 min, Type: Spice, Use: Boil
3 g - Grains of Paradise, Time: 5 min, Type: Spice, Use: Boil
5 each - Star Anise, Time: 5 min, Type: Spice, Use: Boil
1 each - Orange Peel, Time: 5 min, Type: Flavor, Use: Boil

YEAST:
The Yeast Bay - Wallonian Farmhouse
Starter: Yes
Form: Liquid
Attenuation (avg): 84.5%
Flocculation: Medium
Optimum Temp: 68 - 78 F
Fermentation Temp: 70 F

NOTES:
Dark, spiced Saison

Grind spices with Mortar and Pestle

 

[dwhite60]

I think I would replace the roast barley with chocolate malt. Roast is going to add some bitterness you may not want. Otherwise looks okay to me.


All the Best,
D. White

 

[Aristotelian]

Maybe wheat or oats instead of the Vienna?

High alpha hop might clash with or overpower the spices. Not necessarily bad, just depends on what you are going for. Consider same amount of something milder like Saaz or Hallertau for lower IBU.