Smoked Saison

[MikeMorrison]

I'm going to brew a smoked saison. I recently had a smoked ale and it was super tasty with a subtle smoke flavour from rauchmalt. I thought the smoke would go well with the spiciness of the saison yeast (Wyeast 3711 French saison). I'm going with a simple grain bill-

80% Pilsner
10% crystal 30
10% rauchmalt

I'm not too sure what to do about hops. I allowed for about 25 ibu from Amarillo and some Citra at flameout. I chose the hops based on what I have in my freezer but I'm wondering if those might clash a bit with the smoke. I also have some sorachi ace and some glacier on hand but I wonder if it's worth getting some subtler hops. For the record I love late addition and dry hops with tons of aroma.

Any hop tips?

Mike

[Lucas]

I would also be worried a little bit about the American hops clashing with the yeast and the smoke flavours. From what you have I think I would pick the Glacier, but if given free reign I would opt for something more traditional like East Kent Goldings, Styrian Goldings, or Saaz. I am kind of a purist when it comes to some Belgian styles, though. Try whatever you think you will enjoy!

[MikeMorrison]

Yup. With a straight ahead Saison I'd be more willing to try some big hops but I really don't want to overwhelm the (hopefully subtle) smoke.

[MikeMorrison]

So I let patience prevail and got in some EKG. Pitched 3711 from a previous Saison and it's bubbling away. The smoke was subtle but lovely in the mash and not very perceptible in the boil. Updates when I taste it!

[Keith]

This sounds great. Let us know how it turns out!

[MikeMorrison]

I've had this on tap for a few weeks now. I have to say, it is fantastic. The subtle smokiness works really well with the Wyeast French Saison. It finished somewhere around 1.006. It's quite dry and quite refreshing. I'll make this one again.

[John G]

Sounds interesting. What did you end up using for a hop schedule in the end? I have a nearly full bag of oak smoked wheat malt that I'd like to try a smoked wheat with to compare up against a Grodziskie I have on tap. Something with an OG of 1.050-60 and a good amount of late hops but allow the smoke to show.

[MikeMorrison]

I just used EKG. 1oz at 60 and .75oz at 30
For about 28ibu. Grain was just Pilsner with 1lb each of Rauchmalt and crystal 30. I think the smoked malt and the Wyeast 3711 were the real stars of the show!