What is a distinctive feature of a Saison?

A highly peppery yeast profile is a distinctive feature of a Saison. This style of beer traditionally employs farmhouse or wild yeast strains, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Brettanomyces, which contribute unique esters and phenolic compounds, often resulting in spicy, peppery notes. These flavors are typically accentuated by the use of high fermentation temperatures, which encourage the yeast to produce these characteristic aromas and flavors.

The other options do not represent distinctive features of a Saison. For example, a sweet and viscous mouthfeel is more commonly associated with styles such as Barleywine or Milk Stout, which tend to have higher residual sugars. A light body and high bitterness are not typical for Saisons, as they are often more balanced with moderate bitterness and a light to medium body. Dark malt character is similarly not representative of Saisons as they tend to be pale or golden, with minimal use of darker malts, which are more characteristic of styles such as Stout or Porter.