French seasonal beer, the name translates as “beer for storage” and is explained by the fact that the drink was brewed in the spring and drunk in the summer, while working in the field. Today, of course, Bière de Garde can be found on the shelves at any time of the year.
There are three types: brown, light and amber. Regardless of the subspecies, it has a pronounced malt profile, but the lighter the drink, the clearer the hops sound in it. The variety is not intended for long-term storage, Bière de Mars is drunk almost immediately, other varieties are also delivered to the table very young.
With improper exposure, the cork smell, musty notes appear in the bouquet. If the technology is followed, a soft malt beer is obtained, in a rich bouquet one can feel the tones of toast, biscuit, toffee, caramel, weak esters, hops are manifested by notes of spices or herbs. The bitterness is felt but never overshadows the malty sweetness, the finish is dry.
On the tongue it feels light-bodied, creamy, fairly carbonated. A degree may be slightly felt, but the biere de garde should in no case burn.
Pale, Vienna or Munich malt is used as the base, depending on the subtype. Yeast can be either lager or ale, hops are continental. Some brewers add sugar.
The color depends on the subspecies, since the beer is not filtered, it can be cloudy, but not obligatory. In the glass, it foams moderately, forming a fairly stable “cap”.
The style is somewhat similar to the Belgian Saison, but has a more pronounced malt profile and less bitterness.
Strength: 6.0-8.5%.
Density: initial 1.060-1.080, final 1.008-1.016.
Bitterness Index: 18-28 IBU.
Color: 6-19 SRM.