Biere de Garde translates as “beer for keeping.” This style is popping up more and more from U.S. producers. Blond, amber and brown versions exist. Biere de garde examples are light amber to chestnut brown or red in color. This style is characterized by a toasted malt aroma and slight malt sweetness. Flavor of alcohol is evident. Often bottle-conditioned, with some yeast character.
French-Style Biere de Garde
Category: Hybrid Beers
Food Pairings
- Roasted Lamb with Mint
- Soft Ripened Cheeses
- Pecan Pie
Commercial Examples
- Domaine DuPage, Two Brothers Brewing Co.
- Biere De Garde, Schlafly Beer, The Saint Louis Brewery
- Avant Garde, The Lost Abbey
Appearance
Color
Light Amber to Chestnut Brown or Red
Clarity
Clear to Slight Haze
Carbonation (Visual)
Fast Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Mild to Noticeable
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are low to medium, from noble-type hops. Hop bitterness is low to medium
Malt
Toast, Caramel, Toffee
Esters
Fruity-ester flavors can be low to medium in intensity
Phenols
Not common to style
Fermentation By-Products
Diacetyl flavor should not be perceived. May have Brettanomyces yeast-derived aromas that are slightly acidic, fruity, horsey, goaty and/or leather-like. Earthy, cellar-like, corky and/or musty aromas are acceptable
Sensations
Body
Soft to Mouth-Coating
Carbonation
High
Finish Length
Short to Medium
Attenuation
Medium - High
Ingredients
Hops
Fuggle
Malt
CaraVienna, Pilsner, Munich, Black Patent
Water
Soft Water
Yeast
Ale, Brettanomyces possible
