Saison and on and on and on

[Rob DeNunzio]

Howdy, amis de la bière belge. I just scribbled out a little piece on saisons, specifically on the wonderful, mutating beers put out by Brasserie Fantôme.

Dany Prignon's creations have long been favorites of mine, ever since I first discovered the flagship Fantôme saison, a guy who sealed his fate in my mind as a brewing genius when I encountered the Black Ghost. The thing I love most about his approach, though, is how it's impossible to pin down: just when I think I've got it figured out, he changes his recipes, on a whim, always leaving me excited to see what's coming up next.

My question for y'all, though, is this: What other brewers do you know who are as constantly shifting as this? Are there any brewers out there I ought to be following for their sheer unpredictability? I love love love farmhouse-styled brews, ones that really show a connection to the land and to the seasons, so if any of you have any suggestions...

[Rob Hansult]

To me, this may be the next great brew threshold for US craft brewers. Can't say I've ever had a really decent Lambic styled craft brew yet. Belgium is King for me, especially Lambic.
But look at the state of the beer world? We've come an awfully long way in a fairly short time. Kinda parallels the explosion of the Wine industry in the 70's & 80's Cali.
Guess I didn't really answer your question, but I DID build up a Thirst!?!
I think Dogfish Head fulfills some of what you're looking for, but not really many real Belgian style brews.
Haven't tasted it but Cantillon makes "IRIS". A Lambic with 100% Malt and 50% fresh Hops along with the standard aged Hops. This sounds right up my alley!