Farmhouse Ale (Scandinavia)
Farmhouse ale is best described as an ancient type of beer brewed by European farmers using its grains and hops. These beers are made with techniques not used in modern brewing, and because they are brewed in various European regions, samples are incredibly versatile and often include a variety of different sub-styles that are unique to the region.
Farm beers were made where people grew grain and were a common style in Northern Europe in the early 20th century. These beers were part of everyday life. In some places, it was prepared and consumed on special occasions, while in regions where grain was abundant, it was consumed daily.
The choice of grain was dependent on availability, the most common being barley, but rye or oats were also used. Techniques were also different, and other ingredients were often added to the brew, such as herbs and spices. This is why the specimens varied considerably, but most were fresh and dry and had a somewhat earthy character.
Examples of the variety include Bière de garde (France), Saison (Belgium) and Sahti (Finland).