Pretty Things East Kent Saison

I found a good stock of Pretty Things beers at Craft Beer Cellar in Newton last week, so my tribute to their beer will continue for a few more weeks. One of the beers was probably the last new beer Pretty Things brewed, East Kent Saison. This beer was brewed in honor of the migrant workers that would come out of the cities to harvest the crop of hops in England in he 20th century. These people were poor and the entire family worked hard for a pittance, but their harvest was key for the development of the vibrant brewing culture in Britain. Pretty Things East Kent Saison was the first, and apparently only, beer in a series of saisons named for the patron saint of hop pickers. You have to wonder if they intended on making a whole series of unique saisons before the decision was made to end the “project”. I noticed a discussion by fellow beer enthusiasts on twitter when this beer was released, and it came to two conclusions; that the beer was great and that it would be ignored by too many beer drinkers who only care about hop-bombs, barrel aged stouts and other beers you need to wait in line for. Pretty Things East Kent Saison is available while supplies last on draft and in 22 oz. bottles.

Pretty Things East Kent Saison pours a clear straw yellow with a solid white head. The scent is a mixture of spicy yeast and floral hops. The saison yeast leads the flavor, notes of peppercorn, coriander and green apple. This is complemented by a full dose of Old World hop flavor, touches of cut grass, earth, pine and herbs along with a mild bitterness. The malts round out the flavor with hints of white bread and crackers. East Kent Saison is very light and easy to drink at 5.6% ABV, it would have been a killer summer beer but works for any season. The finish is crisp and dry with some lingering herbal notes. This is a quintessential Pretty Things beer, well crafted, tells a story and ultimately underappreciated because it doesn’t fall into one of the few buckets that drive beer hype. Pretty Things East Kent Saison is worth a shot while it’s still around. Hoppy Boston score: 4.25/5

Previous Pretty Things Reviews:

Pretty Things Babayaga, BREWERY OVERVIEW, Pretty Things Jack D’Or, Pretty Things Lovely Saint Winefride, Pretty Things Bocky Bier, Pretty Things/Naparbier There’s No Place Like There, Pretty Things Grampus, Pretty Things Barbapapa, Pretty Things Meadowlark, Pretty Things/Yeastie Boys Our Turn, Your Turn.