French Craft Beer: The Ultimate Guide and Our Selection

The world of French craft beer is booming. From bold IPAs and deep stouts to refreshing white beers, the selection has never been so rich and creative. But with such an abundance of choice, how do you find that hidden gem? This guide is here to help you navigate the landscape. Our mission: to give you the keys to choosing the perfect French craft beer for you, with complete objectivity and far from the usual marketing spiel.

Follow us as we explore the essential criteria and discover a selection that highlights the talent of our brewers.

How to Choose the Right French Craft Beer

Before we unveil our selection, here are a few pointers to help you find your perfect match.

1. The Main Styles to Know

Each style has its own personality. Here are the essentials to get you started:

• Blonde Ale: Often the gateway into the craft beer world. Light and thirst-quenching, it charms with its cereal notes and floral or fruity touches from the hops. A solid choice for a gentle introduction.
• White Beer (Witbier): Recognisable by its cloudy appearance due to the use of wheat, this is the quintessential refreshing beer. Expect citrus aromas (orange zest, lemon) and a hint of spice, like coriander.
• Amber Ale: Its warm colour comes from lightly roasted malts. On the palate, it's rounder and more flavourful, revealing notes of caramel, toasted bread, or dried fruit. A honey amber ale will add an extra touch of sweetness.
• Tripel: Watch out, this one's a heavyweight! It's a blonde ale, but stronger and more complex. The term "tripel" refers to a larger quantity of malt, which gives it a higher alcohol content (often 8-9%) and a rich, fruity, and spicy aromatic profile.

2. The Terroir and Story Behind the Label

A craft beer is also a story and a place. A beer from Burgundy might draw inspiration from the region's rich culinary heritage, while a beer from the North will tap into a long-standing brewing tradition. Choosing a craft brewery from Dijon or a small village means supporting a local economy, short supply chains, and passionate individuals who showcase quality ingredients. And you can taste the difference!

3. Decoding the Flavours

The label is your best friend. Words like "hoppy," "malty," "fruity," or "spicy" are key clues. A beer described as very hoppy (typical of IPAs) will have a pronounced bitterness and powerful aromas (citrus, pine, tropical fruits). Conversely, a malty beer will be sweeter, with notes of cereal, biscuit, or caramel. The best advice? Be bold, taste, and find your favourite profile!

Spotlight: Our Selection of Beers from Burgundy

To put theory into practice, we're highlighting the LORO brewery, which perfectly embodies the dynamism of the craft scene in Burgundy.

LORO Mimou Artisanal Blonde Ale 75 cl

Why we love it: This characterful blonde ale surprises with its hoppy attack, which brings a lively, tangy freshness. The tasting continues with a well-balanced malty body, featuring beautiful fruity and herbaceous notes.

Highlights:

• Balance between fruity and herbaceous flavours.
• Invigorating freshness, ideal for any occasion.
• ABV: 5.5%

Who is it for? For those looking for a blonde ale that packs a punch, with a pleasant bitterness and real aromatic complexity.

LORO Maya Artisanal Honey Amber Ale 75 cl

Why we love it: The Maya is a honey amber ale that brilliantly marries the character of the malt with the sweetness of Burgundy honey. The honey adds delicate notes without ever overpowering the beer's profile, leading to a subtly flavourful finish.

Highlights:

• Round and approachable on the palate.
• Balanced combination of malt and honey.
• ABV: 5.5%

Who is it for? For lovers of flavourful yet light amber ales who will appreciate the perfectly integrated touch of honey.

LORO Tout Vite Artisanal White Beer 75 cl

Why we love it: This French white beer unfolds a delicately fruity and spicy aromatic profile. Its very refreshing character and smoothness make it an excellent thirst-quenching and social beer.

Highlights:

• Delicate balance between citrus and spice notes.
• Thirst-quenching and light character.
• ABV: 5.2%

Who is it for? Perfect for an introduction to the white beer style or for hot summer days when you crave something light and fragrant.

LORO Move Artisanal Tripel Blonde Ale 33 cl

Why we love it: The Move is a powerful tripel beer whose complexity is rounded out by a touch of honey. It combines the strength of a tripel with a honeyed sweetness for a full-bodied, generous, and warm result.

Highlights:

• Richness of malty, hoppy, and honeyed flavours.
• Round and warm finish.
• ABV: 8.0%

Who is it for? For connoisseurs and discerning palates who enjoy characterful, powerful, and aroma-rich beers.

And That's Just the Beginning...

Our selection highlights the expertise of the LORO brewery, but your exploration of French craft beer is only just getting started. IPAs, Stouts, seasonal beers, gems from other regions... The adventure continues!

Discover our entire selection of craft beers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Craft Beer vs. Industrial Beer: What's the Difference?

It's primarily a matter of philosophy! A craft brewery is independent, produces in smaller batches, and prioritises creativity and the quality of its ingredients. The goal isn't to please everyone, but to offer a beer with character, unlike the standardised tastes of industrial brewing.

How Should I Store My Craft Beer?

The golden rule: upright, in a cool, dark place. The vertical position is crucial, especially for unfiltered beers, as it allows the yeast sediment to settle neatly at the bottom of the bottle.

What Exactly Is a Tripel Beer?

Imagine a blonde ale, but a more intense and complex version. Originating from Belgium, the "tripel" uses significantly more malt, which gives it its strength (often between 7% and 10% ABV) and its rich aromatic profile, with fruity and spicy notes derived from the yeast.

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