Craft Beer
Reviving Tradition: A Southern Twist on Belgian Brewing
2025-01-28

The historic brewing site in Maryville, Tennessee, has undergone a transformation while preserving its heritage. Once known for its BlackBerry Farm Brewery, it now operates under the name Peaceful Side. Despite the change, the brewery remains committed to crafting Classic Saison with an authentic Wallonian influence and a hint of Southern charm. This unique blend of traditions results in a beer that stands out in the craft brewing scene. The meticulous brewing process adheres to time-honored techniques, ensuring each batch delivers a distinct flavor profile. With a robust alcohol content and a well-balanced bitterness, this saison is both refreshing and complex.

Embracing Heritage through Craftsmanship

Peaceful Side continues to honor its roots by maintaining the essence of traditional Belgian brewing. The brewery's shift in identity reflects not only a change in name but also a deeper commitment to refining their craft. By integrating Southern influences into the brewing process, they create a distinctive product that appeals to both local enthusiasts and connoisseurs of Belgian-style beers. This approach highlights the brewery's dedication to innovation within the framework of tradition.

Classic Saison, one of the brewery’s flagship offerings, exemplifies this philosophy. Each batch undergoes a rigorous brewing process that begins with carefully selected ingredients. The malt bill includes Pilsner malt, which provides a clean base, complemented by wheat and oats for added complexity. Hops are used sparingly yet strategically, contributing a moderate bitterness that enhances rather than overwhelms the flavor. Fermentation with Belgian yeast strains introduces fruity esters and spicy phenols, creating a harmonious balance between sweetness and spice. The result is a beer that pays homage to its Wallonian origins while embracing the subtleties of Southern culture.

Innovative Techniques Meet Timeless Recipes

Beyond the name change, Peaceful Side focuses on perfecting the art of brewing. Their approach combines modern brewing methods with classic recipes, ensuring consistency and quality in every batch. The brewery’s commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous attention paid to each stage of the brewing process. From selecting high-quality grains to controlling fermentation temperatures, every detail contributes to the final product’s character. This dedication to craftsmanship sets Peaceful Side apart in the competitive craft beer market.

The all-grain brewing method employed by Peaceful Side allows for greater control over the flavor profile. A 5-gallon batch size ensures that each brew receives individualized care, resulting in a more nuanced and flavorful outcome. The brewhouse efficiency of 72% underscores the brewery’s proficiency in extracting maximum potential from their ingredients. An original gravity of 1.052 and a final gravity of 1.005 contribute to a balanced body and mouthfeel. The 31 IBUs provide just enough bitterness to complement the beer’s natural sweetness, while the 6.1% ABV offers a satisfying yet approachable drinking experience. Through these precise brewing practices, Peaceful Side crafts a Classic Saison that embodies both tradition and innovation.

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