In Tension - Rhubarb Saison

In Tension

Rhubarb Saison · 8.7% ABV

Released when it was ready.

What to Expect

Style: Rhubarb Saison
Feel: Dry, bright, expressive — deliberately held in balance
Challenge level: Moderate

Good if you like:
Saison · farmhouse ales · mixed fermentation beers
Dry, structured beers with acidity rather than sweetness

Introduction

In Tension is a rhubarb saison shaped by time, oak, and restraint. Rather than pushing fruit forward, it focuses on balance — allowing acidity, spice, and saison character to sit together without one element dominating. This is a beer that rewards patience, both in how it was made and how it’s enjoyed.

Flavour Profile

Fresh rhubarb contributes a clean, linear acidity that lifts the beer without becoming sweet or heavy. The saison base remains dry and lightly spiced, with subtle peppery notes from fermentation and botanicals. Oak ageing adds softness and depth, while the finish is crisp, structured, and gently drying — sharp in places, but always controlled.

How It Was Made

This beer was brewed as a saison and given extended time to develop before release.

• Aged for 21 months in Moscatel barrels, allowing oak and acidity to integrate naturally
• Transferred onto rhubarb for a further 3 months, focusing on structure rather than fruit intensity
• Bottle conditioned and rested until carbonation reached the right level

Why it matters:
Rhubarb demands restraint. Given time, its sharpness settles into balance — creating tension rather than excess.

Ingredients & Details

Grain: Simpsons Golden Promise · Aromatic · Munich · Wheat · DRC · Crystal · Red Rye
Botanicals & Fruit Additions: Rhubarb · Coriander seed · Bitter orange peel · Grains of paradise
Hops: Styrian Goldings
Yeast: BE-134
ABV: 8.7%
Allergens: Contains barley and wheat

When & How to Enjoy

Best for: Food-led drinking, slow evenings, or sharing
Serve: Lightly chilled, in a stemmed glass
One tip: Allow the beer to warm slightly in the glass — its balance becomes more expressive with time.

Food Pairings

In Tension works particularly well with:

• Grilled seafood and shellfish (prawns, octopus, scallops)
• Lightly spiced dishes with citrus or herbal notes
• Soft and fresh cheeses (goat’s cheese, young sheep’s cheese)
• Vegetable-led plates (grilled fennel, asparagus, summer greens)

Why it works:
The beer’s acidity and dryness cut through richness, while its subtle spice and oak complement fresh, savoury flavours without overwhelming them.