Saison de Pipaix
(ABV 6%) from Brasserie à Vapeur has an immense depth of complexity and a superb blend of tastes. Each batch goes through three fermentations before it is transferred to the cellar. It uses Pilsner and Munich malts, Hallertau hops, and six spices: pepper, ginger, curacao, sweet orange peel, coriander and star anise. It has a gorgeous orange color with orange notes in a light malt aroma. A marvelous mix of fruity flavors - mostly apple, orange, and lemon - leads to a dry finish with a great deal of acidity lingering on the palate.Located in Pipaix-Leuze, Belgium, Brasserie à Vapeur ("Steam Brewery") began as a farmstead brewery operated by successive generations of the Cuvelier-Biset family from 1785.
By the late 19th century, when the steam engine was installed, it was operating as a commercial brewery. Surviving both World Wars, in 1985 the brewery was sold by Gaston Biset to Jean Louis Dits, a history teacher, and his wife Anne-Marie "Sittelle" Lemaire. Their plan was to preserve the historic steam-powered brewery, and keep its oldest beer, the Saison de Pipaix, in production.
Today, the last Saturday of each month is brew day, when Brasserie à Vapeur opens to the public; Jean Louis demonstrates his process, and a large banquet is served in the adjacent farmhouse courtyard.