Bière de Garde

Roughly translated as beer for keeping, this strong pale ale originated in French Flanders as a traditional farmhouse ale. Its name stems from the practice of brewing beer during colder months and then storing it until spring and summer. The style was almost forgotten by the 20th century, but it has seen its revival in the 1950s.  Brasserie Duyck’s Jenlain Bière de Garde is considered as the prototype of the modern bière de garde style.

The beers that fall into this category range from gold to copper or dark brown, and are often classified as blonde, the classic amber (ambrèe), or brown (brune). Depending on the style, malty flavors and intensity of the beer will increase with the color of the beer.

These medium to medium-light brews are low in hops, though lighter versions may have more pronounced hop flavors. However, all versions will lean more towards malty elements that are usually reminiscent of toffee, toast, biscuits, and light caramel.  Read more