BEAR-ly Getting Started 1.4 - Biére de Garde

In the final installment of Series 1, Jason and Craig head to the Finger Lakes to spotlight Brewery Ardennes and their bourbon barrel–aged Bière de Garde Grand Cru. The conversation blends beer history, tasting notes, and personal storytelling as Craig shares how an accidental discovery led to a deep appreciation for this award-winning Geneva, NY brewery—named 2023 New York Belgian-Style Brewery of the Year.The duo break down what defines a Bière de Garde, its farmhouse roots in northern France, and how aging the style in Finger Lakes Distilling bourbon barrels adds layers of vanilla, caramel, oak, and dark fruit while maintaining balance. Along the way, they dive into yeast choices, carbonation, bottle conditioning, and how barrel aging enhances—not overwhelms—the base beer. A must-listen for fans of Belgian styles, barrel-aged beers, and New York’s craft beer scene.Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.comEmail: [email protected] us on social media.Instagram: @BuffaloBrewsPodcast Facebook: @BuffaloBrewsPodcastTikTok: @BuffaloBrewsYouTube: @BuffaloBrewsPodcastX/Twitter: @BuffaloBrewsPod