Biere De Mars
White Bluffs Brewing Company

I had this beer on-tap in a tulip at the brewery.

Appearance: medium gold/orange with a moderate haze and a finger of frothy ivory foam. I dig it.

Smell: slightly sweet and kind of bready. Not bad.

Taste: toasty, bready and sweet with a dash of funk. It's kind of autumnal, and it really works for me.

Mouthfeel: medium body with good carbonation and creaminess.

Overall: a bready and lightly funky bière de garde that totally works for me.

 

I stopped at the tasting room and bought a growler of the de Mars.

Pours a rich gold color, hazy, with a thick white head.

Smell is sweet with soft fruit (pear) notes.

Taste is a bitter grain flavor with some bitter citrus fruit notes in the finish.

Mouthfeel is wet and clean.

Overall a good representation of the style.

 

man i really hope my first beer from these guys wont be my last. you dont see enough of these out there, i think its a real authentic take on the style. yeast driven, citrusy, but clean and light for its strength, and uniquely delicate. the hops are unique in it for sure, fruity and minimally bitter, adding a freshness to the beer. yeast seems almost saison-esque, but is clearer, and holds ripe orchard fruit aromatics all the way though. grain base seems rather simple, but the body is really round and gentle, so i would love to learn more about the recipe. there are a bunch of nuances here that make it different. the yeast has a belgian feel, but isnt as chunky or intrusive as it sometimes can be in this often poorly defined style. unique take on it here, i really dig the bright carbonation and the longer, citrusy finish.

 

 

On tap at White Bluffs tasting room, 1.28.11.

A variation of the house's signature beer, a Biere de Garde brewed to higher strength with Perle and Hallertau hops, 35 IBUs. Hazy (all the beers here are unfiltered)_ medium amber, a bit cloudy, hard to pick up any carbonation, A bit of off-white head via full pour. The nose is more floral than spicy, which mirrors the taste though coriander is noticable on the back end, balanced by fruity esters, ABV well hidden. Medium mouthfeel, light effervescence, the finish isn't as dry as the flagship beer. Worth a try for fans of the style, though it must be noted this quality microbrewery is far off the beaten path when in the Tri-Cities area.