Zola
The BottleHouse Brewing Company

Having this beer on-tap at the brewery, this beer draws a clear, dark amber copper color a nice white head that settles to a thick white ring lining the inside of the glass with cluster swirls of foam on the beer’s surface. Decent lacing. Aromas of biscuity, toasted caramel malt sweetness and some hints of musty barnyard funk. The taste is pretty much the same, with toasted caramel malt sweetness and some hints of musty barnyard funk. a lot more toasted, sweet malt character here than is typical for this style. Also has some dark dude notes of plum and fig along with a bit of musty barnyard funk. Has a slightly crisp, also smooth and creamy/frothy, medium bodied mouthfeel with moderate carbonation. Has a clean, slightly dry finish and a slightly sweet, biscuity aftertaste. A good beer here and interesting take on this style.

Eric

In a tulip at the brewery
A: Amber with a thin head
S: Malty, a bit of caramel
T: Malty, Caramel, very clean
M: Medium-bodied, just a hint sweet
O: Pleasant & well made

I had this in June and took some notes that I am now transcribing. I don't think I was aware of what the style was when I drank it - my son brought it in a growler and all I got was the name. I was thinking red ale from the look, then martzen from the malt taste. Yeah, biere de garde is a good description. And damn fine for that style. It's a beer, for sure.

It's pretty red with a bit of very persistent head. The aroma is very funky hoppy and malty. Not timid or mild either.

The taste is a nice mix of sweet and malty and a bit strong for the style. The aftertaste is also pretty heavy. This is a bigger than expected beer.

Highly recommended.