Beers from France
Though France is often synonymous with wine, the country also has a rich and growing beer culture. French beers reflect the country’s diverse regional traditions and the influence of both Belgian and German brewing styles. Over recent years, the French craft beer scene has expanded significantly, with breweries producing a wide range of traditional and innovative beers. From classic farmhouse ales to modern craft brews, French beers offer a variety of styles and flavours that appeal to a broad spectrum of beer lovers.
Types of French Beers
Bière de Garde
Bière de Garde is one of the most famous beer styles from France, particularly from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Originally brewed by farmers in the winter and spring for consumption during the summer, this style is known for its strong malt presence and complexity. Bière de Garde is typically a copper to amber colour with a slightly sweet, malty flavour, often accompanied by notes of caramel, toasted bread, and earthy undertones. It can range from medium to full-bodied, with a smooth finish. Some well-known examples include Brasserie Duyck’s Jenlain and Castelain’s Ch’ti.
Blonde Ale
Blonde ale is another popular style in France, known for its light, crisp, and refreshing character. French blonde ales are often slightly sweeter and less bitter than their Belgian or German counterparts, with a smooth, malty flavour balanced by a mild hop presence. These beers are golden in colour, with fruity and floral aromas, making them an excellent choice for casual drinking. Popular brands like Kronenbourg 1664 and Pelforth Blonde are well-regarded examples of this style, offering an easy-drinking experience with a subtly refined taste.
Saison
Saison, or farmhouse ale, is a style traditionally brewed in the northern regions of France and Belgium. French Saisons are often pale or amber in colour, with a dry, effervescent character and a complex flavour profile. These beers are typically brewed with a variety of malts, hops, and spices, which can result in flavours ranging from fruity and spicy to earthy and herbal. The yeast used in Saison production also imparts a slightly funky, tart edge, giving the beer a refreshing and lively finish. French breweries like Brasserie Thiriez and Brasserie de Blaugies produce excellent examples of Saison, which has become a favourite among craft beer enthusiasts.
Amber Ale
Amber ales are growing in popularity within the French beer scene, offering a malt-forward option that is both rich and approachable. French amber ales are characterised by their deep amber to copper colour and a flavour profile that includes notes of caramel, toffee, and roasted malt. These beers often have a slightly sweet, nutty finish, balanced by a mild bitterness from the hops. Craft breweries such as Brasserie Pietra in Corsica, which produces amber beers using chestnuts, are known for their distinctive and flavourful interpretations of the style.
Wheat Beer (Bière Blanche)
French wheat beer, or bière blanche, is a light and refreshing style similar to Belgian witbier. It is brewed with a significant portion of wheat, giving it a hazy appearance and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. French wheat beers are often flavoured with spices like coriander and orange peel, contributing to their citrusy and spicy character. The result is a light, aromatic beer that is perfect for warm weather. Notable examples include Fischer’s Bière Blanche and Brasserie de Saint-Omer’s offerings, which are known for their delicate, refreshing flavours.
Pale Lager
Pale lagers are one of the most widely consumed beer styles in France, with brands like Kronenbourg 1664 leading the market. These lagers are light golden in colour, with a crisp, clean taste that is both refreshing and easy to drink. French pale lagers typically feature a mild malt sweetness, balanced by a light bitterness from the hops. Their straightforward flavour profile makes them popular for casual consumption, particularly in social settings or with meals.
Flavours of French Beers
Malt-Driven and Rich
Many traditional French beers, such as Bière de Garde and amber ales, are malt-forward, offering rich and complex flavours. These beers often feature caramel, toasted bread, and toffee notes, with a smooth, slightly sweet finish. The malt-driven nature of these beers provides a warming and satisfying drinking experience, making them particularly suited for cooler weather or heartier meals.
Crisp and Refreshing
French blonde ales, pale lagers, and wheat beers are known for their light, crisp, and refreshing qualities. These beers are typically easy to drink, with a balanced flavour profile that includes mild malt sweetness and subtle hop bitterness. The fruity and floral aromas in these beers, particularly in wheat beers and blonde ales, make them ideal for warm weather or as a refreshing accompaniment to lighter dishes.
Complex and Spicy
Saison and some wheat beers from France are more complex, with layered flavours that include fruity, spicy, and herbal notes. These beers often have a dry, slightly tart finish, with the yeast contributing a hint of funk or earthiness. The combination of spices, fruit, and herbal flavours in these beers offers a unique drinking experience that appeals to those who enjoy more adventurous and aromatic beer styles.
Conclusion
French beers are an exciting and diverse reflection of the country’s brewing tradition, blending historical styles with modern craft innovations. From the rich, malt-driven Bière de Garde and amber ales to the crisp and refreshing blonde ales, pale lagers, and wheat beers, France offers a wide range of options for beer enthusiasts. Saisons and other farmhouse ales provide more complex and aromatic experiences, while the growing craft beer scene continues to push the boundaries of brewing creativity. Whether you’re exploring traditional French brews or discovering the latest craft creations, French beers offer a world of flavour that complements the country’s renowned culinary culture.