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Author Topic: Bière de Garde – Acetone?  (Read 729 times)

Offline brewthru

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Bière de Garde – Acetone?
« on: June 04, 2022, 07:04:54 pm »
Recently visited a local brewery. Normally, IMO, the brewery does a great job of brewing. I see Bière de Garde on the tap list. Haven’t had a Bière de Garde so I ask for a sample. Immediately, bringing the glass towards my mouth, I smell nail polish remover. Hmm… I don’t believe this is correct as I know acetone is a fault. Server says to me “What do you think?” I reply, “Acetone. I immediately smell acetone”. Server, “Huh?” I reply, “Acetone. Nail polish remover. Acetone or nail polish remover is normally considered as a brewing fault.” Server gives me a puzzled look and says “I don’t smell it.”

Having never brewed a Bière de Garde, is an acetone aroma normal for the style? Or, is this a fault as I was thinking?
« Last Edit: June 07, 2022, 05:08:02 am by brewthru »

Offline KellerBrauer

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Re: Bière de Garde – Acetone?
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2022, 07:14:10 am »
According to 2015 BJCP, (24c) the aroma is described as:

“Aroma
Prominent malty sweetness, often with a complex, light to moderate intensity toasty-bready-rich malt character. Low to moderate esters. Little to no hop aroma (may be a bit spicy, peppery, or herbal). Paler versions will still be malty but will lack richer, deeper aromatics and may have a bit more hops. Generally quite clean, although stronger versions may have a light, spicy alcohol note as it warms.”

I would agree that the aroma of nail polish remover is not appropriate.
« Last Edit: June 05, 2022, 07:16:43 am by KellerBrauer »
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Offline majorvices

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Re: Bière de Garde – Acetone?
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2022, 07:21:21 am »
Shouldn't have acetone. Many examples have some funk but traditionally these are almost lagerish

Offline denny

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Re: Bière de Garde – Acetone?
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2022, 08:16:25 am »
Theoretically a BdG should be relatively clean.  It may have some esters or funk, but it definitely shouldn't have acetone.
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Offline Thirsty_Monk

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Re: Bière de Garde – Acetone?
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2022, 06:15:52 pm »
I do Biere De Garde every year. 7% ABV 16 IBU a some esters from fermenting 2124 at 70-75F. Some spiciness from fermentation but overall clean.
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Offline Cliffs

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Re: Bière de Garde – Acetone?
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2022, 09:17:27 am »
acetone is never appropriate.

Offline reverseapachemaster

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Re: Bière de Garde – Acetone?
« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2022, 10:12:48 am »
acetone is never appropriate.

Of all the off flavors that can sometimes be appropriate in small amounts in certain styles, I can't think of a single style or beer that would benefit from acetone.
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Offline ynotbrusum

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Re: Bière de Garde – Acetone?
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2022, 11:04:40 am »
Hot fermentation concerns, I would be willing to bet.  Esterification of higher alcohols into Ethyl Acetate can also occur due to bacterial infection or yeast strain.  In any event - not something you want in your beer.
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