Bière de Garde translates to "keeping beer" in French. Similar to Saison in its history, these beers were usually brewed in the winter and spring, and cellared for a time after bottling. They were originally intended for drinking later in the year.
The color ranges widely from golden to copper to brown to almost black. The aroma has notes of toasted malts along with a slight malt sweetness and a slightly "bready or yeasty" smell. It should also have low to medium hop bitterness. The taste should also show similar toasted malts and malt sweetness, along with the "yeasty" taste. Alcohol should also be evident. The feel should be light to medium. ABV should be in the range of 4.5% to 8%. IBUs should be around 25 to 35.
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