In French, this "beer to keep" had high gravity in Spring to survive summer's heat. Related to Saison, but rounder, richer and sweeter. Comes in brown (brune), blonde (blonde) and amber (ambree) variations.
Profile
Medium to med-full body. Malty caramel/toffee-like flavor with spicy, fruity character. Low esters and alcohol flavor. Little to no hop aroma/flavor. No diacytl. Gold-blonde to red-bronze in color. Moderate to high carbonation.
Ingredients
Pale malt base. Vienna, Munich malts in most, but dark versions also add crystal malts. Floral and spicy continental hops. Lager or ale yeast fermented near room temperature. Cold conditioned. Soft water.
Examples
Brasseurs Biere de Garde, La Choulette, Sait Sylvestre 3 Monts, Castelain, Jade, Biere Nouvelle, Henlain, St. Amand, Ch'Ti Blond