Salvaje Saison 0426, cerveza manchega con azafrán

It's a pleasant surprise to sit down at a table in Madrid restaurants like BAS or Kuoco and find, alongside a selection of wines, beers with gastronomic ambitions like this Saison 0426. It's brewed by Cervezas Salvaje in Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real), an interesting microbrewery that, beyond being located on a street called Cabernet Sauvignon, a paradoxical fact, has many merits. Among them is its occasional production of seasonal beers in small batches, allowing them to explore less conventional recipes and local ingredients.

This Saison 0426 is based on the Saison style, traditionally associated with Belgian craft beers, but incorporates an ingredient as characteristic of La Mancha as saffron, from the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) La Mancha Saffron. It's a way of uniting two worlds that, at first glance, seem distant. The result is a golden beer with orange highlights and good aromatic intensity. The saffron is recognizable from the first sip, with floral and spicy notes, but it's not alone: ​​the Saison yeast contributes hints of white pepper, banana, and coriander, making it more complex than a first impression suggests.

Barrel aging enhances the combination. The beer has matured for two months in American oak barrels that previously held white wine. The wood imparts warm and sweet nuances, particularly vanilla and honey, which blend with the spicy notes of saffron and fermentation. At 4.8% ABV, it's neither overly alcoholic nor bitter, yet has the structure to pair with a meal. On the palate, a pronounced carbonation stands out, providing a lively and refreshing attack, and finishing with a dry, clean, and lingering aftertaste.

Its dry, spicy character, along with its effervescence, makes it suitable for pairing with dishes. It goes well with spicy Asian dishes, Mediterranean rice dishes, and light stews, and helps to cleanse the palate. It also complements cheeses, from fresh varieties to aged Manchego, and in desserts, it suggests a vanilla crème brûlée or an almond and honey tart.

Salvaje uses a signature ingredient from La Mancha to craft its own Saison, where yeast, spices, and oak create a complex and balanced blend. It's a seasonal beer for those seeking unique flavors and for those still seeking to be convinced that this beverage deserves a more prominent place on the gastronomic table.