One of the (many) things that I love about craft beer are the seasonal releases that breweries put out. I have many “go to” beers that I habitually grab off the shelves and am always happy with those choices. But the beers that get me really excited are the ones that are only available at certain times during the year, the ones I look forward to, the ones I have to search out. This week, Brewery Vivant, a Grand Rapids brewery, releases their spring seasonal, Zaison.
Zaison follows all of Brewery Vivant’s beers by being “Belgian inspired”. Saison style beers are traditonally brewed in the southern region of Belgium as a way to welcome spring. Vivant’s version is an Imperial Saison, meaning not only does it have that distinct Belgium taste from the yeast used, it’s also higher in alcohol. The term “imperial” in American brewing is used to imply big, bold beers, usually brewed with double or triple the amount of grains and or hops. All this malt means more alcohol, and in the case of Zaison it clocks in at 9.0% ABV (alcohol by volume). Which means watch it! It’ll pack a punch!
Enhanced with tellicherry black peppercorns and orange peel, this is a delicious beer, especially with food. Try it with barbecue for a Belgian twist on a classic American dish, or go simple and let it shine with a well curated cheese plate. And be sure to use a tulip glass for this special beer, it will concentrate all of those amazing esters and really bring out the flavor.
You can grab a four pack of cans of Brewery Vivant’s Zasion starting Tuesday May 20 at D&W Fresh Market. There are also tons of fun release parties all around the state:
May 20th - ZAISON RELEASE at Brewery Vivant on Cherry Street & statewide!
May 20th - Zaison launch party, Speak-EZ, Grand Rapids
May 20th - Zaison launch party, Hunter's Ale House, Mt Pleasant
May 20th - Zaison launch party, Clubhouse BFD, Rochester Hills
(leading into a week of funk including special tapping of Escoffier ('11) and Coq D'Or (Golden Bretta Ale)
May 20th - Zaison launch party, Alamo Draft House, Kalamazoo
May 20th - Zaison launch party, Zingerman's Roadhouse, Ann Arbor
(rumor has it the Zaison recipe was concieved right here while enjoying delicious roast beast!)
May 21st - Zaison launch party & tap takeover @ Crunchy's, East Lansing
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