Shannon utilizes new yeast in creating Super Saison

Image courtesy of
Shannon Brewing Co.

Earlier this month, Shannon Brewing Co. of Keller let it be known a new beer was in the works in the form of Shannon Super Saison. What wasn't immediately revealed, however, is the fact that this imperial Belgian-style saison was brewed with a new yeast strain.

Shannon and another company in Milwaukee, WI, are the first two commercial breweries in North and South America to ferment beer with Fermentis SafAle BE-134. According to Kevin Lane, technical sales manager for Fermentis, the strain is ideal for use in saisons. In addition to lending fruit and spice elements to a beer, SafAle BE-134 is characterized by a particular high attenuation.

The attenuation factor surely played a role in selecting the yeast for use in Shannon Super Saison, which is notable for its added strength.

"Fermentis has been a great partner and we are very proud to be the first brewery in the U.S. to brew with this yeast," says founder Shannon Carter. "Our Super Saison was a true challenge for this yeast. The beer had an original gravity (OG) of 18.7 and a final gravity (FG) of 1.2, giving the beer an ABV of 9.5%. The aroma is beautiful, with hints of citrus and some clove, while the taste is effervescent and refreshing with a slight alcohol kick in the finish."

Lane would appear to agree with Carter's assessment, based on his impression of how the beer turned out.

"I've tasted the beer that Shannon is working on and I am very excited about the finished product," adds Lane. "I will be there when it launches for sure."

Look for Shannon Super Saison to be available for a limited time on draft and in cans. The beer will debut in the brewery's taproom on Friday, June 9, prior to being tapped for Shannon's upcoming Dad Fest event, occurring on Saturday, June 10.