Bière de Garde is a French style of beer. The name means "beer to store or keep". The style is similar to the Belgian saison as both are traditional farmhouse ales brewed for the spring and summer months. According to Wikipedia this was "to avoid unpredictable problems with the yeast during the summertime".
Garde Dog is a new spring release from Flying Dog. This brewery just keeps putting out new styles (including a recently released Belgian-style Tripel) and is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Hell, they even have their own blog!
Pours a very light golden color with a fluffy white head. Its super clear and clean with not a whole lot of carbonation present.
The smell is yeasty, very subtle and a bit earthy. Not a lot of distinct smells with this beer. Taste is slightly spicy, a little malt sweetness and dry in the finish. There is a bit of yeastiness as well but nothing too overpowering. Actually, if I had to describe this beer I would just say that it is very subtle in both smell and taste. Its easy drinking like a summer beer without a whole lot of body to it.
BEER FACTS
Name: Garde Dog
Style: Bière de Garde
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery
Location: Denver, Colorado and Frederick, Maryland, USA
Container: 12 oz. bottle
Malts: German Pilsner, Belgian Biscuit Malt, Rye Malt, Flaked Wheat, Malted White Wheat
Hops: USA Grown French Hops
ABV: 5.5%
IBUs: 27
