Biere De Garde

Let’s get rustic: Justin Wright and Justin Kruger, a.k.a. "Two Fat Justins," show how French and Belgian country ales can lighten and brighten savory main dishes, while a splash of cherry lambic adds complex juiciness to a simple berry crumble.

Belgian beers have a reputation for being somewhat hops-negligent. However, that reputation is absolutely unjustified. Please meet a beer that was once described to the author as the “King of the Belgian and French styles,” the Bière de Garde.

The guidelines tell us that as Bieres de Garde move toward the darker end of the spectrum, the malt complexity and intensity increase, and hops receded.

Biere de Garde (BdG) enjoys more flexibility than most, as a style. Not only do the component style descriptors give ranges (as they do for most styles), it also allows for three distinct (uncredited) substyles based on color: blonde, amber, and brown.

The Biere de Garde was once described to the author as the "King of the Belgian and French styles."

This bière de garde version is possibly the definitive representation of the style.

Here’s a version of bière de garde that is a bit higher in alcohol and somewhat sweeter, with a pleasant honey aroma and flavor.

A medium bodied beer with a malty caramel/toffee-like flavor and a spicy, fruity character.

Stop drinking old books and keep your beer delicious.

With just a couple of months until the winter holidays, it’s time to start thinking about those winter brews.