Some Herbs in Your Beer? The Saison du Buff

Typically, we don’t dedicate full posts to reviewing just one beer, but this one is a unique craft beer that everyone should try.

What makes this beer so cool? Well, first, it includes herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley and sage as ingredients. Second, three of the country’s best craft breweries joined up to collaborate on one beer. Dogfish Head, Stone, and Victory created a brew that I believe will satisfy all, and can be paired to just about anything. In fact, I challenge you to find a meal that this delicious beer does not sit well with.

Often times I have trouble describing a beer as “delicious” because most people associate that word with food. You call beers “strong” or “hoppy” or “full,” but not delicious. However, after drinking this brew, I’m hoping most will change their minds (especially those people who think it’s civilized to drink beer the color of piss).

The beer has a subtle citrus flavor from the hops used and then the herbs give it a fresh, earthy undertone. The herbs complement the uniqueness of the saison yeast, giving it the flavor of a dry-hopped brew.

The Dogfish Head—Stone—Victory triumvirate created the group “BUFF” (Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor) to “free flavor” through linking the savory tastes of herbs to the malty and hoppy undertones of a pale ale. The result: success. The name refers to the yeast (saison) and the group of brewers making the beer (BUFF).  The three breweries use the same ingredients at each brewery, all using the same recipe. Personally, I think it’s great to see breweries connect from coast to coast to use the best ingredients and create a solid product. While other breweries have trouble giving their beer any flavor, these three breweries are able to come up with new flavors together, without losing their own brand.

Again, as far as what to eat it with—have it with anything. I even think you can have it as a snack. Unfortunately, the beer is under limited distribution, so it’s hard to find. I’d give a hat tip to the distributor I got mine from, but they were so salty and “unhelpful” that giving them any form of a plug is undeserving. So good hunting, and let us know if you find any other collaboration brews out there worth trying! You’re welcome.