Smylie Farmhouse 4Pk is a Belgian-style saison brewed by Smylie Brothers Brewing Company in Evanston, Illinois, at 5.5% ABV, sold in a four-pack format. Driven by an expressive Belgian yeast strain, this farmhouse ale has earned an 85 on BeerAdvocate and holds a 3.5 rating on Untappd across more than 2,200 check-ins. Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5% | Origin: Evanston, Illinois, USA | Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale | Brewery: Smylie Brothers Brewing Company Production & Heritage Smylie Brothers Brewing Company operates out of Evanston, Illinois, on Chicago's North Shore, producing a roster of styles rooted in traditional European brewing techniques adapted for Midwestern tastes. The Farmhouse ale is fermented with a Belgian yeast strain that drives the beer's signature fruity and spicy character, a hallmark of the saison tradition that originated in the farmhouses of Wallonia. The result is a sessionable, dry-finishing ale that stays true to the style's rustic roots without overcomplicating the grain bill. Tasting Notes Aroma: Light stone fruit esters and peppery spice rise from the glass, followed by a subtle graininess. The Belgian yeast strain announces itself immediately with classic farmhouse aromatics. Taste: The entry is crisp and lightly fruited, giving way to a mid-palate defined by dry, bready malt and restrained spice from the yeast. The body remains light enough to stay refreshing while delivering genuine complexity—fruity esters and a gentle peppery bite build without becoming heavy. Finish: Dry and clean, with lingering spice and a faint mineral quality. The finish encourages the next sip rather than demanding contemplation. How to Drink Smylie Farmhouse Pour into a tulip glass or Belgian-style goblet to release the yeast-driven aromatics; serving temperature around 45–50°F brings out the best balance of fruit and spice. This saison also works in several cocktail and beer-cocktail contexts: Saison Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade for a tart, effervescent warm-weather drink that amplifies the beer's citrus-adjacent fruit notes. Farmhouse Michelada: The dry, spicy profile pairs naturally with lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice for a savory riff on the classic. Beer Mimosa: Substitute for champagne alongside fresh orange juice—the yeast spice adds dimension that sparkling wine cannot. Best For Weekend backyard grilling sessions where a low-ABV, flavorful beer keeps the day going Introducing craft-curious friends to Belgian-style ales without overwhelming bitterness or high alcohol Pairing experiments at a dinner party focused on cheese and charcuterie Supporting a local Illinois brewery with a well-executed, traditional European style Frequently Asked Questions What does Smylie Farmhouse taste like? Smylie Farmhouse is crisp, dry, and light-bodied with fruity esters and peppery spice produced by its Belgian yeast strain. It drinks refreshingly clean with more complexity than its 5.5% ABV might suggest. How does Smylie Farmhouse compare to Saison Dupont? Saison Dupont, widely regarded as the benchmark for the style, comes in at a higher 6.5% ABV with more assertive carbonation and bitterness. Smylie Farmhouse is a lighter, more approachable take on the saison tradition that trades some of that intensity for easy-drinking sessionability. Is Smylie Farmhouse good for beginners? Yes—its modest 5.5% ABV, clean finish, and balanced fruit-spice character make it an excellent gateway into Belgian-style farmhouse ales for drinkers more familiar with lagers or wheat beers. Where is Smylie Farmhouse made? Smylie Farmhouse is brewed by Smylie Brothers Brewing Company in Evanston, Illinois, a city directly north of Chicago on the Lake Michigan shoreline. What foods pair well with Smylie Farmhouse? Grilled chicken or pork benefit from the beer's dry spice cutting through char and fat. Aged Gruyère and other nutty, semi-hard cheeses mirror the yeast complexity. Mussels steamed in white wine echo the Belgian heritage. Fresh salads with goat cheese and vinaigrette match the ale's acidity and lightness. Roasted root vegetables complement the subtle grain and pepper notes. What sizes does Smylie Farmhouse come in? Smylie Farmhouse is available in a four-pack format, which is the standard retail packaging for this expression. Is Smylie Farmhouse worth the price? Smylie Farmhouse positions as an accessible, everyday craft saison—priced in line with other local Illinois craft four-packs, it delivers legitimate Belgian-style character without demanding a specialty-import budget. Why Smylie Farmhouse? What separates this saison from the growing crowd of American-brewed farmhouse ales is its restraint. The Belgian yeast strain does the heavy lifting, producing genuinely expressive fruit and spice aromatics while the base beer stays lean and dry at just 5.5% ABV. With an 85 on BeerAdvocate and consistent community ratings on Untappd, it has quietly built a reputation as a reliable, well-made saison from a respected Evanston brewery. For drinkers who want authentic farmhouse character brewed locally on Chicago's North Shore, this four-pack delivers exactly that.
