Wildeye Brewing – Biere de Garde

Wildeye Brewing – Biere de Garde Review

For its first anniversary, North Van’s Wildeye Brewing has brewed a celebration beer in a style rarely seen in BC. Biere de Garde originates from northern France and the style name comes from the summertime lagering that was once done. Traditionally, Biere de Garde comes in three shades, blonde, amber, and brown, which does have some impact on flavor. Wildeye has chosen to brew their beer in the Brune style.

Wildeye’s Biere de Garde is reddish copper with an off-white head that lingers. It has good carbonation and a dry body with a smoothness in the mouthfeel due to the lagering. It has a malt-forward aroma, quite strong, of baked bread and light caramel. There are aroma hints of stewed fruit, dried orange peel, and a very light peppery yeastiness. The flavour profile is reminiscent of a dry Belgian Dubbel with raisins, plum, and caramelized fruit. There are pleasant hints of alcohol. There is some bitterness, particularly in the finish, which is long and enjoyable. There is some slight earthy hoppiness in both the flavour and the finish.