Bières de Garde (style)

Bières de Garde is a traditional French seasonal beer originating from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, characterized by its malt-forward profile. Typically brewed in winter and stored ("garde" means "to keep" in French), these beers are often amber or darker in color with a rich, malty sweetness balanced by subtle hop bitterness. They have a medium to full body, moderate alcohol content, and complex, sometimes fruity or caramel-like flavors developed through warm fermentation and aging. Originally crafted for durability and nourishment during cold months, Bières de Garde are appreciated today for their depth, balance, and historical craftsmanship.