The French have figured a few things out: bread, wine, leisure, socialism…wait…beer?
Gotcha! This isn’t a discussion of whether or not France is a Socialist country, or whether Prime Minister Hollande has a wife who’s a model. This is actually a discussion of French BEER.
GOTCHA AGAIN! This French Beer is NOT from France. It’s from Illinois, which can be pronounced “ILL-uh-NWAH” to sound like it’s a French word.
Styled as a “French Style Country Ale” by the folks at Two Brothers in Warrenville, Illinois, USA (makers of the Resistance Ale, reviewed on these pages earlier this year), this beer has everything you always wanted in a beer, and less.
(Stealing from “Lite Beer from Miller,” wow, we’re on a roll today!)
Let’s review, then…
Domaine DuPage French Country Ale Review
We say “and less” not just because it’s clever, but this beer is also not as bitter as an IPA, so it’s closer to a pale ale than anything you’d find.
“Food-friendly ale” is a pretty good description, too – that’s what the bottle says. Let’s go with that, then.
Taste
Again, not too bitter. Yes, have it with food – a great complement to just about anything with flavor. Hoppy. Pale, good color (caramel-ish, not too dark).
Profile
Our friends over at Beer Advocate call this a “Biere de Garde.” 5.9% ABV. 24 IBUs.
Value
Is it me, or is EVERY micro-brew, craft-brew, and non-big-brewer-brew about $9 or $10 for a six-pack? That’s what this cost us.
Metasip Grade: B+
It didn’t bowl us over, but it’s pretty darn okay, too. More of a product of what you’re having with it – what food – than anything. Good complement to something spicy.
