Bière de Garde / de Mars / Brut

The Bière de Garde is a fairly strong, malt-accentuated, lagered beer with a range of malt flavors appropriate for the color. Three main variations are included in the style: the brown (brune), the blond (blonde), and the amber (ambrée). The darker versions will have more malt character, while the paler versions can have more hops but are still malt-focused beers. A related style is Bière de Mars, which is brewed in March for present use and will not age as well. All are malty yet dry, with clean flavors and a smooth character. Related to the Belgian Saison style, the main difference is that the Bière de Garde is rounder, richer, malt-focused, and lacks the spicy, bitter character of a Saison. Also in this style is the Bière Brut, brewed with Champagne yeast and marked by high carbonation which allows for a very dry, high in alcohol Belgian beer.