Bière de Garde
by Jason Wentzell
A few weeks ago we highlighted the refreshing diversity and potential flexibility associated with the summer saison or farmhouse ale beer style. In that piece, we intentionally omitted description of the ‘Bière de Garde’ style. In the July brewscovery box, our members received a deliciously rare seasonal surprise — Oast House’s Bière de Garde — and we think this is the ideal opportunity to shed some summer light on this style.
So it is true that farmhouse ale and the Bière de Garde are close pals — they both originate from parts of Belgium/France, and both are seasonally brewed to quench the thirst of hardworking farm-hands throughout the scorching summer months. The term Bière de Garde literally translates to ‘beer that has been kept’, speaking to it’s ability to be cellared to develop deep complexity and wisdom with age. The style itself is classified within the BJCP 2015 as a Belgian Ale.
As a small group, we popped open this distinguished Oast House offering which was initially bottled in January 2015. Watching my friends’ reaction to their first Bière de Garde was almost as enjoyable as masterfully crafted brew itself. As a style, this brew can be quite strong in alcohol content (around 7% ABV or higher) with a wide range in colour spanning from golden, to amber to chestnut brown, depending on the malt. What really sets this style apart from its relatives is the prominent malty flavour which is often complex, open to interpretation and results in a sweet taste of biscuit, toffee or soft caramel and may be accented by notes of pepper or spices. This style offers little to no hop based bitterness. Despite the decadent palate, moderate carbonation and high ABV, the Bière de Garde is deliciously smooth and creamy with a silky mouthfeel.
Although a rare style, if you ever come across a Bière de Garde in your travels, pick up a few bottles (one to enjoy now and one for later) and serve with a rich dinner and watch as your guests indulge in the sweet, complex and intriguing brew that will no doubt be the talk of the table.
Cheers!
The Brew Box team
