Bière de Garde and Hops for Crafting the Ultimate French Farmhouse Ale

Reading Time: around 15 min

Bière de Garde, or “beer for keeping,” is that cozy blanket of the beer world, originating from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. Think of it as the burly French cousin to your more familiar ales, with a mustache twirled by history and tradition.

This style of beer is like a time capsule of French brewing.

It’s meant to be stashed away and cracked open when the leaves start to turn. Or whenever your taste buds get restless. What’s the secret handshake to brewing an authentic Bière de Garde? It’s all about the hops, mon ami.

But not just any hop will do.

You’ll want to court the varieties that play nice with the beer’s robust, malty character. Imagine hops as the supporting actors that let the malt take center stage but still steal a scene or two with subtle, spicy, or earthy notes.

So, pour yourself a glass, pull up a chair.

And get ready to harmonize your hops with the rich soul of Bière de Garde.

Key Takeaways

Bière de Garde is a traditional French beer that’s perfect for aging.
Selecting the right hop variety is crucial to complement the beer’s malty profile.
The ideal hops for Bière de Garde should add subtle, complementary flavors.

The Origins and History of Bière de Garde

You’re in for a treat, my friend, because we’re about to take a stroll down the memory lane of Bière de Garde. The beer that’s as French as berets and baguettes. Get this.

Its story began long ago in the farmhouse-brewing traditions of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in France. Picture hardworking farmers brewing during cooler months to avoid bacterial spoilage.

Clever, right?

Tradition: Farmhouse ale, cool-season brewing
Region: Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Those clever clogs designed Bière de Garde to be stored (garde in French) for a few months. Which mellows its flavor into something you’d offer to impress your date. You can sense the Belgian influence here, but let’s get things straight.

This is a French classic.

Aging: Mellowing over months, can get a bit musty
Influence: Belgian, unmistakably French at heart

The spotlight’s on three fabulous variations: blonde, amber, and brown.

The beer is as varied as the French countryside, and just as delightful to explore. Brasserie Duyck got the memo and ran with it, with their Jenlain being basically the Brad Pitt of Bière de Garde.

And La Choulette?

They’re the Meryl Streep of the story…

…delivering award-winning performances year after year.

Varieties: Blonde, Amber, Brown
Brasseries to know: Duyck’s ‘Jenlain’, ‘La Choulette’

Roll out the red carpet because this beer is not only a toast to tradition but also a testimony to how keeping things simple and patient pays off big time.

So next time you sip on this farmhouse fancy, raise your glass to those savvy French farmers. They sure knew what they were fermenting!

Understanding Bière de Garde

Bière de Garde is a treasure you’ll want to stash away. It’s a French beer that’s like a rustic hug in a bottle, waiting to unfold its rich, malty character over time.

Main Characteristics

Hoppy aromas: Herbal, Earthy, Spicy, Floral, Noble
Malty aromas: Toast, Caramel, Toffee, Nutty, mild roastiness
IBU bitterness: 18 to 30
Alcohol level: 4.4% to 8.5% ABV
SRM color range: 6 to 19

Characteristics of the Style

Imagine a beer that whispers of the French countryside.

That’s Bière de Garde.

Amber in hue with an ABV usually cuddling up between 6-8%, this beer style is all about balance and flavor. It’s known for being malty, with a certain je ne sais quoi depth thanks to the fermentation process.

ABV: 6-8%
Color: Amber-tinted glow

Brewing Techniques

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves, shall we? Bière de Garde is all about a warm fermentation using a tireless yeast that’s up for a slow dance over several weeks. This isn’t a quick fling, my friend. It’s a committed relationship between ingredients and time.

Fermentation: Slow and warm
Ingredients: Choose hearty malts and hops that don’t dominate, but harmonize.

Serving and Cellaring

Ever heard of a cellar with a velvet rope?

Your Bière de Garde is the VIP guest. Store it cool, but not cold, and dark, like a pirate’s secret stash. When it’s time to serve, think beer for keeping. This ale only gets better with age.

Cellar: Store it like a buried treasure.
Serving: Best at cellar temperature, in a glass that lets it breathe.

Pairing with Food

Think of Bière de Garde as a gastronomic chameleon. It can cozy up with a chunky stew or flirt with a cheese platter. Strong, earthy flavors make its day, and it’s not shy beside a hearty meal.

Hearty Stews: A match made in rustic heaven.
Cheese Platter: Perfect for when you’re feeling a bit fancy.

Commercial Examples

Dive into the world of Bière de Garde with these show-stopping acts.

Brasserie Duyck’s Jenlain, La Choulette, St. Sylvestre’s 3 Monts, and Castelain by Brasserie Castelain. They’re like the Beatles of the Bière de Garde world.

Classic, harmonious, and timeless.

Jenlain: The poster child of the style.
3 Monts: It’s like the tall, blonde and strong silent type in a bottle.

Now, grab a glass and get ready to journey through the amber waves of Bière de Garde.

Hops and Their Influence

Alright, let’s hop right into the heart of Bière de Garde…

…and dissect the pivotal role hops play in crafting your perfect brew.

Choosing the Right Hops Varieties

When picking the hops for your Bière de Garde, think of it as choosing a top-notch spice for a gourmet meal. You want something that complements but doesn’t overpower.

Go for hops that offer a gentle bitterness and a subtle flavor profile.

Noble hops are your best buddies here, as they’ll give your beer that sought-after earthy, herbal touch without being too pushy.

Impact on Flavor and Aroma

In the flavor and aroma department, hops are like the life of the party. They spice things up! The right variety of hops will add hints of herbs and earth to your beer’s bouquet. Remember, your Bière de Garde aims for balance.

And remember to keep your IBUs on a tight leash.

So it doesn’t run off barking up the wrong beer.

Hops Used in Classic Recipes

Classic recipes for Bière de Garde love to flaunt hops that don’t mess with the beer’s mellow mood. Dig into those recipes, and you’ll find hops like Strisselspalt or Northern Brewer sticking out like a green thumb.

Yep, they’ve been around the block and play nice with this style.

Whacking the bitterness without stealing the spotlight.

Bière de Garde is all about balance. It’s malty, it’s toasty, and it’s got a touch of hop character that whispers rather than shouts. We need hops that can play this subtle game. Say hello to Strisselspalt and East Kent Goldings. The elegant duo for this brew.

First up, Strisselspalt. Measure out 1.25 ounces of these Alsatian gems.

They’re like the French countryside in hop form. Floral, spicy, and oh-so-refined. Toss them into the boil at 60 minutes. They’ll add a delicate bitterness that’s as smooth as a croissant fresh out of the oven.

Next, it’s time for East Kent Goldings to join the party.

Measure out 0.5 ounces. These English hops are earthy and slightly sweet, like a gentle hug from an old friend. Add them with 15 minutes left in the boil. They’ll bring a subtle complexity that complements the maltiness beautifully.

And for the pièce de résistance, add another 0.5 ounces of East Kent Goldings at the end of the boil. This late addition is like a whisper of elegance. A touch of aroma that rounds out the beer perfectly.

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
Saaz	Aroma	0.05	0.4	0.25	2	0.16
	Bittering	0.03	0.48	0.15	2.38	0.19
	Dry Hop	0.17	1	0.83	5	0.45
	Flavor	0.04	0.4	0.21	2	0.14
	Whirlpool	0.08	0.45	0.42	2.24	0.22
Saaz Total		0.03	1	0.15	5	0.17
Strisselspalt	Aroma	0.06	0.5	0.29	2.5	0.2
	Bittering	0.02	0.59	0.1	2.97	0.27
	Flavor	0.05	0.79	0.25	3.94	0.22
Strisselspalt Total		0.02	0.79	0.1	3.94	0.22
Northern Brewer	Aroma	0.06	0.2	0.32	1	0.11
	Bittering	0.06	0.36	0.29	1.82	0.15
	Flavor	0.04	0.21	0.2	1.06	0.11
Northern Brewer Total		0.04	0.36	0.2	1.82	0.14
Fuggle	Aroma	0.04	0.4	0.19	2	0.16
	Bittering	0.1	0.8	0.5	4	0.26
	Flavor	0.04	0.27	0.19	1.36	0.15
Fuggle Total		0.04	0.8	0.19	4	0.18
Hallertau Mittelfruh	Aroma	0.05	0.17	0.25	0.83	0.11
	Bittering	0.06	0.52	0.29	2.6	0.23
	Flavor	0.05	0.45	0.24	2.27	0.18
Hallertau Mittelfruh Total		0.05	0.52	0.24	2.6	0.19

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
Saaz	Aroma	0.37	3	7.49	59.91	1.22
	Bittering	0.23	3.57	4.6	71.43	1.41
	Dry Hop	1.25	7.49	24.96	149.78	3.33
	Flavor	0.32	3	6.3	59.91	1.07
	Whirlpool	0.62	3.36	12.48	67.24	1.69
Saaz Total		0.23	7.49	4.6	149.78	1.31
Strisselspalt	Aroma	0.44	3.74	8.81	74.89	1.48
	Bittering	0.16	4.45	3.12	88.98	2.06
	Flavor	0.37	5.89	7.49	117.89	1.67
Strisselspalt Total		0.16	5.89	3.12	117.89	1.63
Northern Brewer	Aroma	0.48	1.5	9.52	29.96	0.83
	Bittering	0.43	2.72	8.57	54.47	1.15
	Flavor	0.29	1.59	5.88	31.7	0.79
Northern Brewer Total		0.29	2.72	5.88	54.47	1.03
Fuggle	Aroma	0.29	3	5.71	60	1.18
	Bittering	0.75	5.99	14.98	119.83	1.95
	Flavor	0.29	2.04	5.71	40.85	1.13
Fuggle Total		0.29	5.99	5.71	119.83	1.38
Hallertau Mittelfruh	Aroma	0.37	1.25	7.49	25	0.85
	Bittering	0.43	3.89	8.7	77.89	1.69
	Flavor	0.35	3.4	7.09	68.08	1.34
Hallertau Mittelfruh Total		0.35	3.89	7.09	77.89	1.41

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

Malt and Malt Varieties

Ah, malt, the soul of Bière de Garde. And potentially of your next brewing masterpiece. Think of malt as the backbone that stands tall behind the beer’s flavor profile. It’s the unsung hero that deserves a high-five every now and then.

Role of Malt in Bière de Garde

Malt, my friend, is your ticket to the malty symphony that is Bière de Garde. Want that deep, soul-warming flavor? It all starts with the malt. Imagine this: each grain conspires to give you that rich, caramelized goodness that this style is known for.

It’s the rockstar that sets the stage for those yeast performers to shine.

Flavor Contribution: Malts are essential but often overlooked. They bring forth flavors ranging from sweet to toasty to full-blown caramel.
Color: Oh yes, color matters. Malts can turn your beer from a pale sunrise to a deep, mysterious dusk.

Popular Malt Varieties

When eyeing the malt section, remember, you’re the artist and malt is your paint. For Bière de Garde, dabble with a mix of these crowd-pleasers:

Pilsner Malt: The ‘boy next door’ of malts. It’s light, it’s sweet, and it’s just the base you need.
Vienna Malt: Think of this as Pilsner’s more adventurous sibling, adding a touch of honey and biscuit vibes to your brewski.
Munich Malt: The malt that walks into a room and announces its presence. It’s rich and bold with enough personality to contribute a malty punch.
Amber Malt: This one brings the toffee-talk and the breadcrust banter. It’s all about those color-flavor duets.
Pale Malt: The quiet contributor that lays a sturdy foundation with its mild, sweet flavors.
Specialty Malts: They’re like the exotic spices in your cupboard. Just a dash here and there, and suddenly you’ve got complexity coming out the wazoo.

Malt Variety	Flavor Notes	Color Impact
Pilsner	Sweet, crisp, clean	Light
Vienna	Honey, biscuit, malty	Deep golden
Munich	Rich, bready, nutty	Amber to brown
Amber	Toffee, dry bread crust	Coppery tint
Pale	Subtle sweetness, malty	Pale gold
Specialty	Spices, nuts, dark fruits	Varies

Malt Name	Min of Lb per gallon	Max of Lb per gallon	Min of Lb per batch [5gal]	Max of Lb per batch [5gal]	Average of Lb per gallon
Pilsner Malt	0.2	3.21	0.99	16.05	1.49
Munich Malt	0.04	3.48	0.2	17.39	0.5
Wheat Malt	0.01	2.38	0.03	11.92	0.31
Vienna Malt	0.04	2.45	0.2	12.27	0.58
Cara Malt	0.01	0.83	0.04	4.17	0.11
CaraMunich	0.01	0.56	0.04	2.78	0.15
Biscuit Malt	0.02	0.82	0.12	4.08	0.17
Malt Extract	0.05	1.73	0.27	8.64	0.85
Aromatic Malt	0.03	0.96	0.15	4.81	0.15
Caramel / Crystal Malt	0.03	0.6	0.17	3	0.15

Malt Name	Min of Kg per liter	Max of Kg per liter	Min of Kg per batch [20ltr]	Max of Kg per batch [20ltr]	Average of Kg per liter
Pilsner Malt	0.02	0.38	0.48	7.69	0.18
Munich Malt	–	0.42	0.1	8.33	0.06
Wheat Malt	–	0.29	0.01	5.71	0.04
Vienna Malt	–	0.29	0.1	5.88	0.07
Cara Malt	–	0.1	0.02	2	0.01
CaraMunich	–	0.07	0.02	1.33	0.02
Biscuit Malt	–	0.1	0.06	1.96	0.02
Malt Extract	0.01	0.21	0.13	4.14	0.1
Aromatic Malt	–	0.12	0.07	2.31	0.02
Caramel / Crystal Malt	–	0.07	0.08	1.44	0.02

Grab your malt Passport and let’s go globe-trotting.

Your Bière de Garde won’t know what hit it!

Yeast Strains and Fermentation

Before you dive into brewing your own Bière de Garde, remember that yeast isn’t just a microscopic workhorse. It’s your flavor DJ, spinning the tasty tunes of esters and other compounds.

Yeast’s Role in Flavor Development

The yeast in beer is like that secret ingredient in your aunt’s legendary lasagna; it makes everything pop! During fermentation, these tiny beasts munch on sugars.

And, just like your uncle after a good meal, they release gases.

But instead of clearing the room, they impart delicious esters that pack a fruity punch to your brew. This is where your beer gets its unique character!

Esters: Think banana, pear, or rose-like aromas, depending on what yeast strain you’re partying with.
Fermentation Temperature: Like Goldilocks’ porridge, it has to be just right. Too warm and you’ve got a fruit basket, too cool and you’re out bowling without the pins.

Commonly Used Yeast for Bière de Garde

Grab your notebook because you’ll want to remember these MVPs of the Bière de Garde league. A top-fermenting yeast is your go-to. You’re not looking for any wild pitches here, so keep those lager yeast strains in the bullpen.

Saison Yeast: Brings a bit of spice to the table, like that friend who always has the latest gossip.
Belgian Ale Yeast: A choice that’s as classic as a little black dress or a well-tailored suit.
German Ale
Farmhouse Ale
Biere de Garde
Belgian Abbaye
German Lager
French Ale
Kveik Yeast
American Ale

So, get your yeast game on point, and let those little fungi do their thing.

Remember, you’re not just making a beer; you’re crafting a symphony of flavors!

Water Profile and Its Importance

Hey, you’re about to dive into the world of Bière de Garde, and let me tell you, the water you’re swimming in makes a whale of a difference. Think of water as the underdog of beer.

It’s not just any ol’ H2O that gets the job done. It’s about the right blend of minerals and pH that will spin your brew from average to “oh là là!”

Now, imagine your Bière de Garde as a swanky outfit.

The water is like the tailor who gets the fabric to drape just right. Giving you that plush, agreeable mouthfeel that makes you go “Mmm”. It’s all science, my friend.

Depending on the ions present, your beer might taste rounded or might hit your tongue with the finesse of a bulldozer. You want balance, so here’s the lowdown on getting friendly with your water.

Mineral	What it Does
Calcium	Beer’s BFF. Good for yeast, clarity, and flavor.
Magnesium	Gets the fermentation party started, but don’t invite too much.
Sulfates	Adds a twang to the hop bitterness; think electric guitar solo.
Sodium	A pinch adds depth, but too much and you’re drinking ocean.

If the water’s too hard, your beer might throw a fit and end up too harsh. Too soft, and it could be as bland as unsalted pretzels. Tweak those minerals to find your brew’s happy place.

There’s a balance in your water profile that’s more delicate than a house of cards. You’ve got this! Think Goldilocks: not too hard, not too soft, but just right to craft a Bière de Garde that will make your taste buds tap dance with joy.

Adjuncts and Specialty Ingredients

When you’re brewing a Bière de Garde, you’re not just making beer, you’re crafting a liquid symphony. To hit the right notes, you’ll need a few specialty ingredients. And since you’re clearly a connoisseur, let’s talk adjuncts that’ll make your friends…

…toast your health rather than roast your brewing skills.

Spicy Notes: Pepper is your friend. It doesn’t steal the spotlight but subtly enhances the background with that “Ooh la la!” effect.
Caramel Twist: Add some caramel malt. It’s like giving your beer a secret handshake. Sweet, smooth, and sophisticated.
Toast for Toastiness: A touch of toasted barley will make your Bière de Garde as comforting as Sunday morning toast. Warm and welcome.
Bready Backbone: You want a bread-like foundation, right? Think malt with a bread-like quality. It’s the burly base layer that ties everything together.
Fruit Fiesta: Fruitiness comes from the yeast, but hey, a little extra from adjuncts won’t hurt. Think of it as the beer’s personal fruit basket.
Honey for the Money: A dollop of honey will sweeten the pot, quite literally. Just enough to whisper sweet nothings to your taste buds.
Chocolate Charm: A smidge of chocolate malt can add a hint of roasty goodness. Not a full-blown chocolate bar, but just a flirty wink from across the room.

Anything else? Cane or Brown Sugar, Candi Syrup or Sugar can be a game changer.

Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Too much of anything and you’ll have a mess instead of a masterpiece. Balance is key, so add these with a thoughtful hand.

Trust me, your beer will thank you, and so will your pals.

Grab your brewing gear, channel your inner French artisan, and let’s create a beer that’s worthy of a toast in a Parisian café.

Here’s to brewing a Bière de Garde that’s as elegant and delightful as a stroll through the French countryside. Santé, my friend! 🍻🇫🇷

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com