French-Style Biere de Garde - CraftBeer.com
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Beer Styles

French-Style Biere de Garde

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.

Category: Hybrid Beers

Food Pairings

  • Roasted Lamb with Mint
  • Soft Ripened Cheeses
  • Pecan Pie

Glassware & Serving Temperature

Tulip
45-55 °F

Commercial Examples

Commercial Examples

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

Other Styles you May Enjoy