The Brew SiteBeers for Spring, Part 2
Someone reminded me about New Belgium‘s Biere de Mars, which is their seasonal brewed for March. A good early spring beer! The style is of a Bière de Garde, which I’d classify as a beer for spring.
According to Al Korzonas in his excellent book Homebrewing, Vol. 1:
Bière de Garde means "beer to keep" implying that it is meant to be stored. This dates back to the days when summer brewing was impractical and a stronger beer was brewed in the spring to be stored for summer consumption.
They are typically malty, expressive, fruity, and rich. Sounds perfect for an evening in mid-May, when the season has warmed but there’s still a frosty chill to the air.
Aside from Biere de Mars, some other Bière de Gardes to look for are: Jenlain, from Brasserie Duyck; Perdition from Russian River Brewing; and Oro de Calabaza from Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. (Okay, I cheated a bit and pulled those from BeerAdvocate’s list.)
I didn’t know I was supposed to save it! I have already consumed the last of my stash of Bier de Mars. Oh cruel fate how you vex me!
Am I supposed to save the 2006 Bigfoot too?
Save it? No, it’s for drinking! 🙂
Seriously, I don’t know how well the Biere de Mars would age. The Bigfoot would like age very well, being a barleywine–but I’d be all for drinking that, too 🙂