Of the classic styles to come from France, Biere de Garde is by far the most popular. Brewed with either ale or lager yeast, keep this beer cool and cellared. For this style, the New French hop Aramis works very well.

Ingredients

9 lbs - Briess Synergy Select Pilsen Malt - Mashing grain
2 lbs - Briess Goldpils® Vienna Malt - Mashing grain
2 lbs - Briess Bonlander® Munich Malt 10L - Mashing grain
0.5 lb - Briess Special Roast Malt - Mashing grain
1 lb - Amber Candi Sugar - 60 min boil
0.5 oz - Aramis Hops (8.1% AAU) - 60 min boil
1.5 oz - Aramis Hops (8.1% AAU) - 5 min boil
2 packs - White Labs WLP545 Belgian Strong Ale Yeast - Fermenter
1 capsule - Servomyces Yeast Nutrient - 10 min boil

Directions

Bring 4.1 gallons of water to 166°F.
Mash grains at 152°F for 1 hour.
Heat 4.3 gallons of 180°F sparge water in a kettle.
Sparge and collect 6.3 gallons in kettle; bring to boil.
Add 0.5 oz Aramis hops and 1 lb Amber Candi Sugar.
After 50 minutes add yeast nutrient.
After 5 minutes add 1.5 oz Aramis hops.
Turn off heat. Cool beer to 75°F. Transfer to fermentor.
Pitch two packs of White Labs WLP545 Belgian Strong Ale yeast.