What is a Farmhouse Ale?

A Farmhouse Ale is a very traditional European style of beer, that used to be brewed by farmers from their own grain and for their own drinking. Ultimately, it is an umbrella term for varying styles of beer including Saisons, Biere de Gardes and more that would have been brewed this way.

Nowadays, craft and micro breweries use the terminology a bit more loosely and the farmhouse brewing process is often tenuous. But, it is still a good indicator for the flavour of beer you'll be getting. Farmhhouse Ales are hop-forward and tart, combining bitterness and a sour character.

They have seen a recent surge in popularity, led by heritage and the modern quest for new, funky flavours, not disimmilar to the rise in natural wine.