Style Information

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.

Glassware	Description
Mug	Typically very heavy and sturdy. A mug (or stein) is most commonly made of glass or stoneware. Traditionally German, one advantage is clinking glasses together without worrying about breaking th... [more]
Stange	A Stange is the preferred glass shape for the serving of Kölsch. Altbier is traditionally served in a Becher, which although slightly shorter and fatter than a Stange is similar in shape. Both u... [more]

	Beer	Consumed
1.	Oro De Calabaza by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales	28
2.	Bière De Mars - Grand Reserve by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales	16
3.	Flowers Infusion by Willimantic Brewing Co.	13
4.	Le Mort Vivant by Southern Star Brewing Co.	12
5.	Bier De Mars by Brewery Ommegang	10
6.	Abbaye De Saint Bon-Chien by BFM Brasserie Des Franches-Montagnes	10
7.	Lips Of Faith - Biere De Mars Ale by New Belgium Brewing Inc.	8
8.	Unchained Series - Biere de Garde by Summit Brewing Company	8
9.	Avant Garde by The Lost Abbey / Port Brewing Company	7
10.	Domaine DuPage French Style Country Ale by Two Brothers Brewing Company	5

	Beer	Avg Score
1.	Bière De Mars - Grand Reserve by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales	90
2.	3 Monts Grande Reserve Special Ale by Brasserie De Saint-Sylvestre	88
3.	Bières23 Bière de Mars by Bières23	88
4.	Scythe & Sickle by Brewery Ommegang	86
5.	Fuego Del Otono, Autumn Fire by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales	84
6.	Oro De Calabaza - Grand Reserve by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales	84
7.	Oro De Calabaza by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales	83
8.	Perdition by Russian River Brewing Company	83
9.	3 Monts by Brasserie De Saint-Sylvestre	82
10.	Bridal Ale, 2005 by Pelican Pub & Brewery	82