This recipe uses some ingredients that are not included and must be sourced locally - cane sugar. See the recipe for details.

This recipe has been designed to be consistent with the 2021 BJCP Style guide 24C - Bière de Garde.

En Garde is a recipe created for The League of Brewers by Jamie McQuillan of Cell Division Brewery.

The Bière de Garde is a traditional French farmhouse ale from the area around Lille. Historically, they are said to be brewed in early spring and cellared cool for consumption in the warmer months. The BJCP style guide describes the Bière de Garde as a family of smooth, fairly strong, malty, lagered artisanal French beers with a range of malt flavours appropriate for the blond, amber, or brown colour. All variations of the style should be malty yet dry, with clean flavours. Darker versions have more malt character, while paler versions can have more hops while still remaining malt-focused.

En Garde is designed to be on the lighter end of the spectrum, bringing dangerously easy drinking to this bold French style. Malty richness with low bittering and floral hop notes give the perception of sweetness, despite a relatively dry and refreshing finish. Drink fresh. The ‘musty cellar’ or rustic character often encountered in imported versions is indicative of poor handling and age, not a mark of authenticity. Prost.

This recipe assumes correct mineral additions for pH calculations, which are not included in the kit. Please purchase these separately.

Our kits are fresh! We assemble the ingredients after you place your order. The grain bill will be milled, unless you tell us in your order comments that you prefer it not to be.

Links to recipe files

23L Kit

Links to BeerXML files (import into any brewing software i.e. Grainfather App, Beersmith or Brewfather)

23L Kit