Flying Dog Garde Dog

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

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No, that's not a typo. This is a "Bière de Garde" from Flying Dog Brewery. Guard dog. Garde dog. Get it? OK. Moving on ...

The French Bière de Garde ("beer for keeping") style is sometimes referred to as the sister to the Belgian Saison, as both are Farmhouse Ales that are traditionally brewed in early spring (prime brewing conditions) using local ingredients, matured in cool storage and consumed throughout the summer months. They're staple, simple styles—table beers if you will—that are delicate, balanced and refreshingly drinkable, but still quite complex. The major difference between the two, at least in our opinion, is that Saisons tend to be spicy, yeasty and zesty, whereas Bière de Gardes are darker in color, more malty, less hoppy and cleaner in finish. Bière de Gardes are also fairly rare and it's an overlooked style by many brewers and consumers.

Flying Dog's take on the style is brewed with German Pilsner, Belgian Biscuit Malt, Rye Malt, Flaked Wheat and Malted White Wheat, plus French hops grown in the US.

The Taste

Pours a rich, clear golden color, topped with a large, bubbled, foamy lacing with stick. It's not conditioned in the bottle, so decant normally. The nose is yeasty, musty and metallic, with a touch of spice and some green banana pith. Light-bodied with an even consistency and a touch of coarseness on the tongue. Hint of caramel sweetness up front, with vanilla wafer, light granola, mild fruity esters and a gentle hop character that offers an herbal quality to the brew and a soft splash of citrus. Light peppery note in the middle and lager-esque bite. Some lingering sweetness towards the finish, which turns dry and coarse with a note of hay.

Final Thoughts

Every fan of beer should seek this one out and at least give it a try, simply because the style is so rare—we currently list only 124 examples of the style online. Looking to upgrade your lawnmower beer? Here's another reason to try it. The balance and drinkability are high, making for an ideal thirst quencher. It would also fair well with seafood and mild soft cheeses accompanied with some rustic bread and marmalade.

We also recommend checking out the brewery's website for more info, including a video of the brewer discussing the style and Flying Dog's interpretation—the seasonal brew of which is available for a limited time and weighs in at 5.5 percent alcohol by volume.

FOR MORE INFO: FLYINGDOGALES.COM

FOR MORE BEER EDUCATION: BEERADVOCATE.COM

RESPECT BEER.