The Kernel Brewery – Bermondsey, London

The Kernel is one of the most influential breweries in the UK craft beer movement, known for precise pale ales, hop-driven IPAs and historic porter recipes brewed in small batches on London’s Bermondsey Beer Mile.

Bière de Saison: Goldings – The Kernel Brewery

Wild. Dry. Beautifully Complex.

Beer Overview

Bière de Saison: Goldings from The Kernel Brewery is a mixed culture farmhouse ale built around traditional saison fermentation and layered wild yeast character. Inspired by classic Belgian farmhouse brewing but developed through The Kernel’s own evolving mixed fermentation culture, the beer combines dryness, lively acidity and subtle hop expression.

The result is a bright, refreshing saison with a complex fermentation profile. Early in its life the beer is fresh, tart and lively with citrus notes and a dry, sparkling finish. Over time the wild yeast adds further depth and character, creating layers of spice, fruit and gentle earthy complexity.

Flavour Profile

Taste: Lemon, light citrus acidity, herbal hop notes and gentle saison spice.
Mouthfeel: Light-bodied, lively and spritzy with refreshing carbonation.
Finish: Dry, crisp and slightly tart with a cleansing farmhouse character.

Aroma

Fresh citrus, light herbs and grassy notes combine with peppery saison yeast and subtle wild fermentation complexity.

Brewing Process & Uniqueness

The Kernel’s Bière de Saison is fermented with a complex mixed culture containing multiple saison yeast strains alongside a wide range of wild yeast and bacteria. The brewery incorporates Brettanomyces strains isolated from their own barrels, wild yeast collected from local fruit and selected commercial cultures including Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus and Pediococcus.

After the primary fermentation from the saison yeast is complete, the beer undergoes an extended conditioning period. During this time the wild cultures develop additional layers of acidity, spice and complexity. Early on the beer presents bright citrus freshness, lively carbonation and gentle tartness. As it matures, Brettanomyces can introduce additional flavours such as spice, light fruit and subtle earthy notes.

This base saison also forms the foundation for many of The Kernel’s mixed fermentation beers, sometimes being blended, dry-hopped, or refermented with fruit such as damsons, quince or apricots, or aged in oak barrels and foeders.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at: 6–8°C in a tulip or stemmed saison glass.

Perfect with:

• Soft cheeses such as goat’s cheese or brie

• Roast chicken or pork

• Seafood dishes

• Light salads with vinaigrette

• Charcuterie boards

The Kernel Brewery is one of the most influential breweries in the UK craft beer movement. Founded in 2009 by Evin O’Riordain in Bermondsey, London, the brewery quickly established itself as a pioneer of modern British craft brewing through its focus on quality, balance and traditional brewing techniques.

Inspired by classic European and American brewing traditions, The Kernel became known for producing precise, flavour-driven beers that highlight both high-quality ingredients and careful brewing processes. Their hop-forward pale ales and IPAs helped redefine the style in the UK, often showcasing single hop varieties or carefully selected hop combinations to explore the unique character of each hop.

Alongside their celebrated pale ales, The Kernel has earned widespread recognition for its London-style porters and stouts, which pay homage to the capital’s historic brewing heritage. These darker beers combine rich roasted malt character with exceptional balance and drinkability, earning them a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts.

The brewery operates from its home in Bermondsey, part of London’s famous Bermondsey Beer Mile, where it played a central role in shaping the area into one of the UK’s most important craft beer destinations.

Known for its distinctive minimalist labels and no-nonsense approach to brewing, The Kernel remains committed to producing small-batch beers that prioritise clarity of flavour, precision and quality above all else. Today, it continues to stand as one of the UK’s most respected independent breweries.

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Product is 1 x can/bottle, unless otherwise stated and not multiple. Image is purely for visual representation, actual product may differ. Glassware shown is not included.