Sounds interesting—I’m always interested in French beers (of which my knowledge has its gaps)—and it’s the first I’ve heard of Strisslespalt hops.

Southampton Ales & Lagers of the Southampton Publick House is bringing back their Biere de Garde, a French-style "Country Ale," as part of the line of 750ml Series. The cork-finished, champagne style bottles of this series show the elegance afforded to these special brews. The series features uncommon brew styles that are "age-worthy," that is, they may be cellared for up to 5-10 years and over time the flavor will continue to evolve. The reason is because of the higher alcohol content as well as the fact that they are re-fermented in the bottle and therefore contain live yeast, which helps preserve the brew for a longer period of time. The 750ml Series is a small batch production, which assures the utmost care and attention at all points during the process.

The Biere de Garde is distributed throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Northern Virginia, Maine, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Washington DC and is available in gourmet markets and beverage distributors. It retails for $14 a bottle depending on the outlet.

Southampton Biere de Garde has a complex spicy malt flavor accented by a mild herbal character of imported French "Strisslespalt" hops. The alcohol content of 7.2% is perceptible in the flavor and as a "warming" effect in the finish.

For further information please call The Southampton Publick House at (631) 283-2800.