Baguette
Rhinegeist Brewery

The obscure often misunderstood Biere de Garde, French farmhouse ale shares commonalities with both lager and Belgian ale and has a proven track record to be very versatile with food. And its this style that finds favor in the presence of late summer craft beer lovers in the Ohio Valley.

Medium amber and firmly headed, the foam character looks like fresh rising dough. Its scent is toasty, caramel-like, soft with a moderate savory scent of cashew and bread crust. Sweeter to taste, the caramel and toast trends honey-like with a biscuity shortbread cake flavor.

With sweetness holding firm, the beer's bready soul begins to shine. Faint peppery spice and hints of citrus and apple show glimmers of taste through the bread sweetness but with less assertive action than authentic versions. Likewise its long caramel, nutty and toasty flavors remain robust and resists much of a fade with wine, pepper or dry grain.

Medium-bodied and semi-sweet, the French-style ale tastes much like amber ale with a linger of grilled shortcake, crusted savory flavors and a delicate play of earth, spice or fruit. A bready aftertate remains and keeps the session creamy and simplistic. Its a beer perfectly suited for a vast array of pizzas.