Day 24: 3 MONTS Bière de Flandre

Brewery Name: Brasserie 3 MONTS
Beer Style: Farmhouse Ale – Bière de Garde
ABV: 8.5%
Country: France

Tasting Notes
Dive into the sensory experience of 3 MONTS Bière de Flandre.
• Appearance: Pale golden hue with a frothy white head.
• Aroma: Subtle malt sweetness complemented by floral hop notes and a gentle touch of spice.
• Flavour: Balanced malt-forward character with hints of caramel, dried fruits, and earthy hops, finishing with a rustic complexity.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with a smooth and crisp effervescence.

This quintessential Bière de Garde offers a perfect blend of tradition and elegance, showcasing the brewing heritage of French Flanders.

About the Brewery: Brasserie 3 MONTS
Get to know the creators behind 3 MONTS Bière de Flandre.
Brasserie 3 MONTS has been a cornerstone of brewing in French Flanders since its establishment in 1920 in Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel. Named after the three hills—Mont Cassel, Mont des Récollets, and Mont des Cats—this family-owned brewery embodies the rich traditions of the region. For over a century, it has remained dedicated to crafting authentic beers that honour the flavours and stories of French farmhouse ales.

The brewery uses only the finest local ingredients, including barley malt grown in the surrounding region and hops selected for their aromatic and balancing properties. Their commitment to traditional brewing methods is evident in every sip, offering a taste of Flanders’ history and terroir.

Beyond the flagship 3 MONTS Bière de Flandre, the brewery has introduced notable creations such as 3 MONTS Triple and 3 MONTS Bio, further demonstrating their mastery of blending innovation with heritage.

The History of Bière de Garde
Bière de Garde, translating to “beer for keeping,” was historically brewed in farmhouses during cooler months in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. Designed to be stored and matured until the warmer seasons, these beers developed complex flavours through extended aging.

Distinguished by their malt-forward profiles, subtle hop character, and warm fermentation, Bières de Garde traditionally range in colour from pale gold to deep amber. They are celebrated for their versatility, offering nuances of fruit, spice, and caramel, with a clean, crisp finish.

In recent decades, Bière de Garde has transcended its regional roots, gaining international recognition as a sophisticated and balanced beer style. Its rustic origins and adaptability have made it a favourite among brewers and beer enthusiasts alike.

Christmas Food Pairings
As the final beer in your craft beer advent calendar, 3 MONTS Bière de Flandre is the perfect companion to festive meals. Its malt sweetness and balanced complexity pair beautifully with the rich and savoury flavours of Christmas.

• Starters: Enjoy alongside a pâté or terrine, with crusty bread and chutney, to enhance the earthy and caramel notes in the beer.
• Main Course: Pair with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or beef Wellington. The beer’s malt backbone complements the caramelised crusts and savoury meat juices.
• Side Dishes: Perfect with roasted vegetables, buttery potatoes, and chestnut stuffing, elevating their nutty and sweet flavours.
• Cheese Board: Match with creamy Brie, nutty Comté, or sharp aged Cheddar for a harmonious contrast of textures and tastes.
• Desserts: Finish with a slice of Christmas pudding, spiced gingerbread, or a rich fruitcake. The beer’s dried fruit notes and crisp finish cut through the richness and leave a refreshing aftertaste.

Raise a Toast!
Celebrate the culmination of your craft beer advent calendar with 3 MONTS Bière de Flandre, a beer that captures the spirit of tradition, elegance, and the joy of discovery. From all of us at TheCru.ie, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with good cheer, great food, and exceptional beer. Cheers!