Popular Craft Beers in France: A Guide
When we think of France, we think of wine, cheese, and bread. But did you know that the country also has a thriving craft beer scene? French beer is unique in its own right, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Today, craft beer has taken over the French market and created a new wave of breweries and popular craft beers. In this post, we will take you through some of the most popular craft beers in France that you must try. From Brasserie Castelain to Brasserie du Pays Flamand, these breweries are producing some of the most delicious beers that will make your taste buds tingle. So sit back and relax as we take you through this guide to French craft beer!
What Makes French Beer Unique?
French beer stands out for its use of local ingredients like hops from the Alsace region, as well as traditional brewing techniques like bottle conditioning. It typically has a lighter body and lower alcohol content than other European beers. Some French breweries offer unique styles, such as bière de garde and farmhouse ale.
Rise of Craft Beer in France
French beer is well-known for its unique taste resulting from the use of traditional ingredients like hops and barley. Additionally, the incorporation of local ingredients from the Alsace region results in subtle notes of citrus and aroma. Apart from common styles such as Bière de Garde or Belgian-style beers, you can also find refreshing pale ale or strong IPAs in France’s brewing scene. Many breweries incorporate traditional techniques such as bottle-conditioning into their brewing process to provide high-quality craft beer.
Popular Craft Beers in France
For those looking to explore the world of French craft beer, there are many great options available. Some of the most popular breweries include La Débauche and Brasserie du Mont Blanc, both of which offer unique and flavorful beers. Another great choice is Brasserie Saint Germain, which is known for its Bière de Garde style brews. With so many excellent options to choose from, beer enthusiasts are sure to find something they love among the best French craft beer brands.
Brasserie La Debauche
Brasserie La Débauche is a renowned craft beer brewery based in Angoulême, France. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of beer innovation, this brewery has gained a reputation for its exceptional brews and artistic label designs. La Débauche takes pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients, both locally and globally, to create unique and flavorful beers that cater to diverse palates. Their wide range of offerings includes a variety of beer styles, from hop-forward IPAs to complex barrel-aged brews and experimental concoctions. Embracing the spirit of collaboration, Brasserie La Débauche often collaborates with other breweries to create exciting limited-edition beers. With their commitment to craftsmanship and creativity, La Débauche has become a notable player in the French craft beer scene, captivating beer enthusiasts with their boundary-pushing creations.
Brasserie Castelain
Located in France’s north region, Brasserie Castelain is a family-owned brewery that has been brewing beers since 1926. Their flagship beer Ch’ti is a popular Belgian-style blonde ale brewed with local hops and malt. The brewery uses traditional brewing techniques to brew unique amber ales, wheat beers and stouts with locally-sourced ingredients. The aroma of caramel and bitterness accompanies the unique taste of their brews.
Pietra Colomba Biere Blanche
Brewed in Corsica using traditional methods, Pietra Colomba Biere Blanche is a unique craft beer made with chestnut flour and wheat malt. With its light and refreshing taste, this beer is the perfect accompaniment to seafood and other light dishes. This award-winning French beer has become popular among beer enthusiasts for its distinct regional flavor.
Brasserie Jenlain
With its unique taste and a history dating back to 1922 in the north of France, Brasserie Jenlain is among the best French breweries loved by beer enthusiasts worldwide. Their wide variety of brews includes the light and refreshing Jenlain Blonde and their amber-colored Jenlain Ambrée with its malty flavor. Be sure to check out their seasonal Christmas Ale and Summer Ale too!
Brasserie Thiriez
Nestled in the North of France, Brasserie Thiriez is a small but popular craft brewery that produces unique Belgian-style beers infused with French flavors. Using only the finest ingredients like locally sourced hops and malts, Brasserie Thiriez shines with their flagship beer, Blonde d’Esquelbecq. This must-try ale offers a crisp taste layered with citrusy notes and subtle spices, culottes above other best French beers—perfect for beer enthusiasts seeking a unique taste beyond ordinary lagers, pilsners, and IPAs.
Brasserie de la Loire
Brasserie de la Loire is a microbrewery located in the beautiful Loire Valley region of France. Their brewers use traditional brewing techniques combined with locally sourced hops to make unique-tasting beverages like La Blanche; a citrusy wheat beer or La Rousse; an amber ale with rich caramel flavors. Visitors say it’s one of the best French breweries worth checking out because they offer seasonal brews and are known for their attention to detail.
Brasserie de la Vallée de Chevreuse
Located in the scenic Chevreuse Valley of France, Brasserie de la Vallée de Chevreuse stands out for producing an array of innovative beers while still sticking to their traditional roots. Their blonde ale ‘La Viking’ is their bestseller due to its fruity taste and hoppy aroma. Beer enthusiasts wouldn’t want to miss out on their winter special ‘La Noël de la Vallée’, which has subtle hints of spice. Tourists can explore the brewery and sample some crisp beer in their onsite tasting room.
Brasserie du Mont Blanc
Nestled in the French Alps, Brasserie du Mont Blanc is a unique craft brewery producing exceptional beers with pure glacier water and alpine herbs. With classic styles like IPA, stout, and blonde ale, they also offer innovative flavors such as chestnut beer and blueberry ale, appealing to beer enthusiasts seeking a unique taste. Visitors can take tours to understand the brewing techniques and enjoy beer samplings. Don’t miss savoring their award-winning brews that promise foam on top, aroma in between, and bitterness on the palate.
Brasserie du Grand Paris
Brasserie du Grand Paris, a popular French craft beer brand established in 2013 produces an exceptional range of beers such as IPAs, stouts and saisons brewed with local ingredients and traditional techniques. Visitors can enjoy tasting their unique Belgian-style blonde ale La Pointe Saint-Eustache at the on-site taproom while learning about the brewing process. This brewery follows traditional methods to provide you with some of the best French beers you will ever taste!
Brasserie du Pays Flamand
Located in the north of France, Brasserie du Pays Flamand’s unique taste comes from traditional brewing techniques and locally sourced ingredients like barley. The St. Feuillien Blonde boasts a crisp palate with caramel notes while La Croix du Sud IPA has citrus hops aroma. Terre de Brume saison has an alcohol content of 6% ABV. Tour the brewery to try Britt Blanche or Licorne Black and experience beer styles that originated in Alsace or Denmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Microbrew or Craft Beers in France?
France’s craft beer scene is thriving, with microbreweries offering distinctive and delicious beers. Popular French brands include Brasserie du Mont Blanc, La Débauche, and Brasserie Artisanale de Nice. The best microbrew or craft beer in France is subjective, so consult local bartenders or beer lovers for advice.
Can craft beer pair well with French cuisine?
Craft beer can enhance the flavors of French cuisine due to its diverse range of tastes that complement the complexity of French dishes. Popular styles like Belgian, IPA, and sour beers can elevate the dining experience. Experimentation with various options is key to finding the perfect pairing.
What makes craft beer different from commercial beer?
Craft beer stands out from commercial beer due to its smaller batch production, traditional brewing methods, and unique flavor profiles. Craft breweries often prioritize locally sourced high-quality ingredients while emphasizing creativity, experimentation, and community-building within the industry.
Conclusion
French beer has come a long way since its humble beginnings and is no longer known for its mass-produced or commercial brands. The craft beer scene in France has taken off in recent times, with numerous small breweries producing unique and flavorful beers. From the Brasserie Castelain to the Brasserie du Pays Flamand, there are several popular craft beers that have become a favorite among beer lovers worldwide. So why not try something new today? Explore the world of French craft beer and indulge your taste buds by trying out some of these unique brews. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite?
