#french ale

[photodebiere]

French Ale (brasserie “La Burdigala” - La Teste - France) -  Le palais Gallien de Bordeaux : vestiges de l’histoire de Burdigala

[whatchudrinkin]

Guarded

Despite being lumped in with other farmhouse ales, French bieres de garde have more in common with Bavarian bock than Belgian saison. The emphasis is not on hops or even yeast, but malt and a clean, strong flavor. The name translates to beer for keeping and it is kept for a long time to mature, one could say lager, at low temperatures.

The Commons makes a traditional Biere de Garde with a crisp, smooth flavor at a surprising seven percent alcohol. It pours a deep amber, almost red, color with very lively carbonation that forms large bubbles in the glass. It’s a bit hefty on the tongue, but carries through to a refreshing finish. The flavor is light on honey with plenty of white bread. I get just a hint of cherry in the backend, but otherwise, there’s no yeast character to speak of and the hops are all sort of neutral.

I think where bieres de garde really shine is with food. Maybe a rich cheese or a creamy soup? I don’t know, something other than these off brand Doritos.