Lager: The Classic French Choice
Lagers are the most commonly produced and consumed style of beer in France. French lagers are typically light, crisp, and easy to drink, with a mild malt profile and a clean finish. Kronenbourg 1664, perhaps the most famous French beer internationally, is a classic example of a French lager. It has a slightly sweet, malty taste with a subtle bitterness, making it a refreshing option that pairs well with a variety of foods. Stella Artois, though originally Belgian, is also brewed in France and is widely consumed across the country.
Bière de Garde: A Traditional French Ale
One of the most distinctive and traditional French beer styles is Bière de Garde. Originating from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, Bière de Garde is a strong pale ale that was historically brewed in farmhouses during the winter and spring, then stored to be consumed later in the year. These beers are known for their malt-forward character, with rich, caramel-like flavours and a slightly earthy finish. Ch’ti Blonde and Jenlain Ambrée are popular examples available in the UK, offering a taste of French brewing tradition with their complex, full-bodied profiles.
French Craft Beer: Innovation and Flavour
In recent years, the French craft beer scene has experienced significant growth, with new breweries emerging across the country. These craft brewers are known for their innovative approaches, often blending traditional French styles with modern techniques and international influences. Brasserie Dupont and Brasserie de la Senne are two breweries at the forefront of this movement, producing a range of styles from IPAs to Saisons. Saison Dupont, for instance, is a classic farmhouse ale with a dry, fruity, and slightly spicy character, while Brasserie de la Senne’s Taras Boulba offers a hoppy, refreshing pale ale that has gained popularity in the UK.
Saisons and Farmhouse Ales: Rustic and Complex
Saisons and Farmhouse Ales are traditional French styles that have seen a resurgence thanks to the craft beer movement. These beers were originally brewed in rural areas for consumption by farm workers during the harvest season. They are typically dry, with a peppery yeast character, citrus notes, and a light to moderate hop bitterness. Brasserie Thiriez’s Étoile du Nord is a well-regarded example, offering a crisp, refreshing taste with a complex blend of spice, fruit, and earthy flavours.
Abbey Beers: Monastic Brewing Tradition
France is also home to several Abbey beers, which are brewed in the monastic tradition, similar to those found in Belgium. These beers are often rich and full-bodied, with a focus on malt sweetness, dark fruit flavours, and a warming alcohol presence. Leffe and Grimbergen, although Belgian in origin, have strong ties to France and are widely brewed and consumed across the country. These beers are popular in the UK for their robust flavours and historical significance.
French Beers in the UK
In the UK, French beers like Kronenbourg 1664 and Stella Artois are widely available and well-known for their consistent quality and refreshing taste. However, the growing interest in craft and traditional beers has also brought a wider range of French styles to British shelves, with Bière de Garde, Saisons, and craft IPAs becoming more accessible. These beers offer UK drinkers the opportunity to explore the rich and varied landscape of French brewing, from the light and crisp to the complex and robust.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic French lager, a rustic Saison, or a rich Abbey beer, French beers provide a unique and satisfying drinking experience that reflects the country’s diverse brewing heritage and modern creativity.
