Day 12: La Goudale – Blonde à l’Ancienne

Brewery Name: Brasserie Goudale – Les Brasseurs de Gayant
Beer Style: Bière de Garde
ABV: 7.2%
Country: France

Tasting Notes
Dive into the sensory experience of La Goudale – Blonde à l’Ancienne.
• Appearance: Pale golden hue with a slight haze and a frothy white head.
• Aroma: Inviting scents of malt sweetness, subtle floral hops, and a hint of spice.
• Flavour: A harmonious blend of malt sweetness, light fruitiness, and a gentle hop bitterness.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly creamy texture and a crisp finish.

This traditional French ale offers a balanced profile, showcasing the brewery’s dedication to classic brewing techniques.

About the Brewery: Brasserie Goudale – Les Brasseurs de Gayant
Get to know the creators behind La Goudale – Blonde à l’Ancienne.
• History and Legacy: Brasserie Goudale, also known as Les Brasseurs de Gayant, is a renowned French brewery celebrated for its traditional brewing methods and a diverse range of beers that honour French brewing heritage.
• Philosophy: The brewery is committed to crafting high-quality beers that respect traditional recipes while embracing innovation to cater to contemporary tastes.
• Notable Creations: In addition to La Goudale – Blonde à l’Ancienne, the brewery offers a variety of beers, including La Goudale IPA and La Goudale Ambrée, each reflecting their dedication to quality and tradition.

The History of Bière de Garde
Explore the roots of this timeless beer style.
• Origins: Bière de Garde, translating to “beer for keeping,” originated in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. Traditionally brewed in farmhouses during the cooler months, it was stored for consumption in warmer seasons.
• Evolution: Originally a rustic farmhouse ale, Bière de Garde has evolved into a refined style brewed by both small and large breweries, with variations ranging from blonde to amber and brown.
• Key Characteristics: Typically malt-forward with a toasty or caramel-like sweetness, balanced by a mild hop presence. The ABV usually ranges from 6% to 8.5%, and the beer often exhibits a clean, lager-like finish due to cool fermentation temperatures.
• Global Appeal: While rooted in French tradition, Bière de Garde has gained international recognition, with breweries worldwide crafting their interpretations of this classic style.

If You Like This Beer, You Might Also Enjoy…
Expand your horizons within this style.
If La Goudale – Blonde à l’Ancienne excites your taste buds, you’ll love exploring other beers in this range. Here are a few recommendations:
• Saison Dupont by Brasserie Dupont – While technically a saison, this beer shares a similar farmhouse character, blending subtle sweetness with a dry and crisp finish, making it a delightful exploration for fans of traditional French ales.

• La Chouffe by Brasserie d’Achouffe – This blonde ale offers fruity and herbal notes with a smooth, slightly sweet malt backbone, creating a complementary experience for lovers of La Goudale.
• La Trappe Blond by La Trappe – A golden ale with fruity and floral notes, complemented by a gentle bitterness and a dry finish.

Discover these and more to continue your journey through the rich world of Belgian and French ales.

Share Your Experience
Love La Goudale – Blonde à l’Ancienne? Snap a picture and share your thoughts on social media using #TheCruIE and tag us to let us know what you think! We’d love to see how you’re enjoying this classic Bière de Garde.