Bière de Garde in Canada

Discover barrel-aged beers, also known as "Barrel Aged Beers." The beer is aged in wine barrels or barrels that previously contained spirits, which gives it stronger and more intense flavors.

What is a bière de garde ?

"Barrel-aged beers" are beers that have been fermented and matured in wooden barrels, typically barrels that previously held wine, whiskey, bourbon, or other spirits. The barrel-aging process allows the beer to absorb the unique aromas and characteristics of the wood and the beverages previously present in the barrel, thereby adding complexity and depth to the beer's flavors.

During aging, beer can take on notes of vanilla, caramel, wood, fruit, spices, and other flavors from the barrel. Oak barrels are often used because they impart aromas of vanilla and oak, while wine barrels can transmit fruity and wine-like characteristics to the beer.

Barrel-aged beers are considered premium beers due to the extended aging process and the complex flavors obtained. They are appreciated by beer enthusiasts who seek unique and sophisticated tasting experiences.

How is a bière de garde made?

The Canadians drew inspiration from European techniques to design their beers. Their inspirations are mostly Belgian or Dutch. However, they also took inspiration from France, specifically from the North.

Bière de garde originates from Northern France. A beer is considered "de garde" when it is stored in a storage barrel for at least one month at a very low temperature (0°C).

This technique allows the beer to naturally acquire its brilliance and clarify.

Store the beer in conditioning tanks or casks for several months before bottling. This allows the beer to clarify and naturally acquire its brilliance while developing its aromas. The "bière de garde" must mature for several months to develop its malty and hoppy taste.

How long does a bière de garde keep?

The way you should store a barrel-aged beer depends on the type of beer and its packaging. Barrel-aged beers are often special beers that have been aged in wooden barrels, usually oak, to develop complex flavors. Here are some general tips for storing barrel-aged beers:

Temperature: Store the beer at a constant temperature, preferably between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Avoid temperature fluctuations, as they can affect the quality of the beer.

Position: Keep the beer in an upright position. Unlike wines, barrel-aged beers can come into contact with the rubber or cork stopper, which can cause issues if they are stored horizontally.

Light : Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or intense light, as this can lead to an alteration of the beer's aromas.

Long-term storage : If you plan to store beer for several years, make sure it is in a dark, cool place free from temperature fluctuations. Cellars or dark, cool cabinets can be ideal locations.

Rotation : If you have multiple bottles of the same beer, consider tasting them gradually to track the evolution of flavors. This will allow you to determine the ideal time to enjoy each bottle.

Odors Avoid storing beer near chemicals or objects with strong odors, as the beer can absorb these odors.

Lock properly : Ensure that the caps or lids are properly closed to prevent oxidation.

Consult the brewer's recommendations: It is also wise to read the brewer's specific recommendations for storing beer, as certain barrel-aged beers may have particular storage requirements.

Keep in mind that not all barrel-aged beers necessarily age well, and some may be better when consumed relatively fresh. Before storing a beer for an extended period, it is advisable to research the specific beer in question to determine if it is suitable for aging.

Canada's farmhouse ales

This less sweet beer has been exported to Canada. Indeed, microbreweries have embraced this technique to stand out from the strong market competition, where there are over 1,000 microbreweries with their numerous offerings.

Among these microbreweries, we find Le Caveau des Trois Pistoles.

Discovering the Caveau des Trois Pistoles

Located in the Northeast of the city of Quebec, the microbrewery has been authentic and bold since its creation in 2017. Indeed, Le Caveau offers beers with names that reference the product. This is the case with La Picarde: the Caveau's bière de garde. Its name corresponds to the inhabitants of the Picardy region in Northern France because bière de garde originates from this French area. The microbrewery uses products from its region.

One of the first microbreweries to recreate the bière de garde in Canada is Le Caveau de Trois Pistoles with La Picarde. The microbrewery offers a beer with a clear, coppery, and burgundy color. On the palate, there are notes of nuts and a slightly tangy taste. It's the ideal beer to enjoy by the fireside. If you appreciate peaty and yeasty beers, this is a beer we recommend you try.

There is the classic version and the "Oak Barrel Collection" version, whose production began in 2021.

The beer contains 9.9% alcohol, making it a strong bière de garde compared to French bières de garde, whose alcohol volume ranges between 5 and 8%.

Want to discover Le Caveau des Trois Pistoles, visit Kanata.fr.