Bière de Garde

Bière de Garde, or "keeping beer", is a style of ale traditionally brewed in the Pas-de-Calais region of France. These farmhouse-style beers were usually brewed in the winter and spring, to avoid unpredictable problems with the yeast during the summertime.

Typically, beers of this style are of a copper colour but vary from golden to almost black, and as the name suggests the origins of this style lies in the tradition that it was matured/cellared for a period of time once bottled (and most sealed with a cork), to be consumed later in the year, akin to a Saison.

There are many artisanally/traditionally brewed Bière de Gardes available in France, but some of the better known brands include:

*Brasserie de Saint-Sylvestre, Trois Monts (8.5%abv)
*Brasseurs Duyck, Jenlain (6.5%abv)
*Brasserie La Choulette, Ambrée (7.5%abv)

American Bières de Garde:
*Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, La Roja (7.5%abv)
*Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Oro de Calabaza (8%abv)
*Leelanau Brewing Company, Good Harbor Golden (7.5%abv)

References

*"Farmhouse Ales: Culture and Craftsmanship in the European Tradition", Phil Markowski, ISBN 0-937381-84-5
*"Great Beer Guide: 500 Classic Brews", Michael Jackson, ISBN 0-7513-0813-7
*"Dictionary of Beer", Ed: A. Webb, ISBN 1-85249-158-2
*"BièredeGarde.com - http://www.BieredeGarde.com