Craft Beer Review: de Garde The Maison (Blended Spontaneous 3 Year Ale!)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Regional Specialties: Bodegas and New York Pizza
3. Florida's Publix Supermarket Chain
4. Buckies: The Giant Gas Station and Store
5. The Origins of De Garde Brewery
6. The V Maison: A Spontaneous Wild Ale
7. Tasting Notes: Appearance and Aroma
8. Tasting Notes: Flavor Profile
9. Comparing De Garde to Traditional Belgian Beers
10. The Accessibility and Pricing of De Garde Beers

Introduction

In today's review, we have an exciting beer from De Garde Brewery. This Oregon-Based brewery specializes in crafting spontaneous wild ales, and they have sent one of their creations, the V Maison, down to Florida. De Garde is known for its elegant and complex beers, which are reasonably priced compared to other barrel-aged mixed fermentation beers on the market. In this article, we will take a closer look at the V Maison, explore its unique characteristics, and discuss the experience of enjoying this beer.

Regional Specialties: Bodegas and New York Pizza

Before diving into the world of De Garde Brewery, it's important to acknowledge the regional specialties that exist in different parts of the United States. In New York, for instance, You can find iconic bodegas that offer a wide range of convenience items and delicious New York-style pizza. These local establishments are deeply ingrained in the cultural Fabric of the city and are an essential part of the New York experience.

Florida's Publix Supermarket Chain

In Florida, a popular supermarket chain called Publix takes center stage. Known for its exceptional customer service and high-quality products, Publix has become a beloved institution among Floridians. It offers a wide variety of grocery items and is particularly famous for its bakery department and deli sandwiches. Publix has become a go-to destination for locals looking for a reliable and convenient shopping experience.

Buckies: The Giant Gas Station and Store

Another fascinating regional specialty can be found in Texas and Daytona, where Buckies reigns supreme. Buckies is not your ordinary gas station. It is a colossal establishment that boasts a convenience store the size of a Walmart. From gas station snacks to unique finds, Buckies offers an extensive array of products for its customers. Whether you need fuel for your vehicle or are in the mood for some retail therapy, Buckies has got you covered.

The Origins of De Garde Brewery

Now, let's turn our Attention to De Garde Brewery and their dedication to crafting exceptional beers. Hailing from Tillamook, Oregon, De Garde specializes in spontaneous wild ales. These beers are known for their complex flavor profiles, which are achieved through a combination of natural microflora and aging in oak barrels. De Garde has gained a reputation for producing some of the best sour beers in the American craft beer scene.

The V Maison: A Spontaneous Wild Ale

One of De Garde's offerings is the V Maison, a spontaneous wild ale aged in oak barrels for three years. This unique beer showcases the brewery's expertise in mixed fermentation and barrel aging. With an alcohol content of 5.5%, the V Maison is a medium-bodied beer that promises a delightful drinking experience.

Tasting Notes: Appearance and Aroma

When pouring the V Maison, you'll Notice its medium gold color and a moderate level of haze. The beer's aroma is complex, with notes of apricots and nectarines dominating the nose. The presence of stone fruit adds a fruity sweetness, complemented by a tarte yogurty scent. There are also Hints of leather, dirty socks, and a touch of vinegar. Overall, the aroma is a delightful Blend of fruity and funky elements.

Tasting Notes: Flavor Profile

Upon taking the first sip, you'll immediately notice the pronounced oakiness of the V Maison. Although not evident in the aroma, the wood flavors become apparent, resembling the sensation of sucking on a wood chip. Despite the initial expectations of higher acidity, the beer is only mildly tart. The balance between acidity and fruitiness is well-executed, with prominent flavors of apricots and plums. The V Maison also delivers on the promised complexity, with layers of stone fruit, white grape, and a slightly watery pond-like quality reminiscent of Hill Farmstead beers.

Comparing De Garde to Traditional Belgian Beers

When discussing spontaneous wild ales, it is essential to compare De Garde's creations to traditional Belgian beers such as goose. While goose beers are typically known for their sourness, the V Maison offers a different experience. It presents a wide range of flavors contributed by the microflora of Tillamook, with the addition of wood aging. The use of American oak barrels gives the V Maison a distinct tannic structure, differentiating it from its Belgian counterparts. Some may argue that the wood character in the V Maison is overpowering, and it would benefit from a more balanced blend in future iterations.

The Accessibility and Pricing of De Garde Beers

One notable aspect of De Garde Brewery is the accessibility and pricing of their beers. Despite their exceptional quality, De Garde's offerings are reasonably priced, making them more accessible to beer enthusiasts. Whereas some barrel-aged mixed fermentation beers command a hefty price tag, the V Maison and other De Garde beers are remarkably affordable. This affordability allows more people to experience the craftsmanship and complexity that De Garde Brewery has to offer.

Highlights

• De Garde Brewery, known for its spontaneous wild ales
• Regional specialties, such as bodegas and New York pizza
• Publix supermarket chain in Florida, offering high-quality products
• Buckies, a giant gas station and store in Texas and Daytona
• The V Maison: a three-year-aged spontaneous wild ale from De Garde
• Tasting notes: the appearance, aroma, and flavor profile of the V Maison
• Comparing De Garde beers to traditional Belgian beers
• Accessibility and pricing of De Garde beers

FAQ

Q: How can I purchase De Garde beers if I don't live in Oregon? A: De Garde Brewery offers limited distribution, and some of their beers may be available in select states. However, if you have difficulty finding their beers locally, you can explore online beer retailers or consider trading with fellow beer enthusiasts.

Q: Are De Garde beers only for sour beer enthusiasts? A: While De Garde specializes in sour beers, their offerings cater to a range of palates. Even if you're not a die-hard sour beer lover, you may still find enjoyment in the depth and complexity of De Garde's creations.

Q: How does the pricing of De Garde beers compare to other barrel-aged mixed fermentation beers? A: De Garde Brewery distinguishes itself by offering reasonably priced beers despite their exceptional quality. Compared to other similar beers on the market, De Garde's products provide excellent value for money.

Q: Can I visit De Garde Brewery in Tillamook, Oregon? A: De Garde has a taproom in Tillamook, Oregon, where you can sample their beers and purchase bottles to take home. However, it's a good idea to check their website or contact the brewery for current visiting hours and any updated guidelines or restrictions.

Q: Do De Garde beers have a long shelf life? A: De Garde's beers are known for their aging potential. Depending on the specific beer and storage conditions, some bottles can be enjoyed for several years. However, it's always best to refer to the brewery's recommendations and guidelines for each beer.

Q: Are De Garde beers available in international markets? A: De Garde Brewery primarily focuses on the domestic market, but they occasionally participate in international beer events or collaborations. If you reside outside the United States, your best chance of accessing their beers may be through specialized beer bars or online retailers that offer international shipping.

Q: Can you recommend other breweries similar to De Garde? A: If you enjoy De Garde's spontaneous wild ales and barrel-aged mixed fermentation beers, some other notable breweries you might appreciate include Jester King Brewery, Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, and Rare Barrel. These breweries also excel in producing complex and innovative sour beers.

Q: Does De Garde offer any non-sour beers in their lineup? A: De Garde Brewery primarily focuses on sour and wild ales. While their lineup predominantly consists of these styles, they occasionally explore other beer styles, such as farmhouse ales and hop-forward beers. It's always worth checking their current offerings to see if they have any non-sour beers available.

Q: Are De Garde beers available year-round, or do they offer limited releases? A: De Garde Brewery utilizes a combination of year-round offerings and limited releases. Some of their beers are available on a consistent basis, while others are produced in small batches and released periodically. To stay updated on their releases, it's recommended to follow De Garde on social media or join their mailing list.