What is saison “funk”?

[JonGardner]

Does anyone want to try to describe the taste of a saison “funk” for me?

 

[Hoochin'Fool]

I've heard it described as "hot summer day in a barnyard". I tried Lift Bridge "Farm Girl" some 10 or 12* years ago (and I would personally add: "with subtle hints of manure in the aroma") -- haven't been brave enough to try another saison since.

But then I loathe Bleu Cheese (and anything remotely like it), so maybe/probably it's just me.

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*I could be off a little -- it was a long time ago, when people were still excited to go on brewery tours for father's day. I see that since 2021, Lift Bridge is now calling it a "golden ale". They do mention that got rid of the most "polarizing aspects" of the beer. I'd give it a second chance, but not a fan of golden-ale's either!

 

[Miraculix]

It is specific esters and phenols produced by saison yeasts. It sometimes goes into the direction of hay or horse blanket, but can also be lemon-ish and a mix of everything.

 

[DBhomebrew]

Be careful to separate saison 'funkiness' from Brett 'funkiness'. Saisons can and are often brett'd, but probably more often not.

Hay and barnyard sound brett-y to me. Lemon, tart, black pepper, etc sound saison-y.

Drew Beechum's take on the style(s), tasting notes for many of the available yeasts near the bottom...
https://www.maltosefalcons.com/blogs/brewing-techniques-tips/a-guide-to-saisons-and-saison-yeasts

 

[odie]

I just think of it as a Belgian hefe...

 

[Cellar_Dweller]

Be careful to separate saison 'funkiness' from Brett 'funkiness'. Saisons can and are often brett'd, but probably more often not.

Hay and barnyard sound brett-y to me. Lemon, tart, black pepper, etc sound saison-y.

Drew Beechum's take on the style(s), tasting notes for many of the available yeasts near the bottom...
https://www.maltosefalcons.com/blogs/brewing-techniques-tips/a-guide-to-saisons-and-saison-yeasts

Bang on.