Bière de Garde

Bière de garde is a Flemish and northern French specialty ale generally packaged distinctively in 750-ml bottles with a cork. Historically, the style was brewed as a farmhouse specialty in February and March, to be consumed in the summer months when the warmer weather didn’t permit brewing. Typically produced with a malt accent, this is a strong (often over 6 percent), yet delicate bottle-conditioned beer. These brews tend to be profoundly aromatic and are an excellent companion to hearty foods.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range	Quality Band
96-100 points	Platinum
90-95 points	Gold
85-90 points	Silver
80-84 points	Bronze
Less than 80	Not Recommended

Legend

= Brewpub
ABV = Alcohol by volume
Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

93 Terrible, Unibroue (Canada). 10.5% ABV (5/10)
Deep brown color. Deep aromas of toasted fruit-nut cake, coriander, clove, lemon zest and peach custard follow through on a bold, round entry to a chewy, fruity full body with cavernous depth and brooding, weighty balance. Finishes with complex layers and spice, melon soufflé, earthy hops and vinous fruit cider vinegars. Big, delicious and slightly scary.

89 Bière de Garde, Bastone Brewery (MI). 6.5% ABV (5/10)
Cloudy deep amber color. Aromas of yeasty brioche, apricot butter and delicate spices follow through on a silky entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with dried fruit compote and caramelized roasted nut notes. Finishes with an astringent, drying earthy hop fade. A nicely balanced and very drinkable take on the style.