New Belgium’s Biere de Mars Returns

With a sour flash of Brettanomyces yeast, citrusy notes of lemon verbena and a dry finish, New Belgium’s Biere de Mars evokes the hearty character of the Belgian countryside. Brewed with barley, oats and wheat malt, Biere de Mars is the latest offering in the brewery’s newly created Lips of Faith program. Lips of Faith offerings feature spiced, fruit and wood beers on a regular rotation.

“Picture rolling hills, brick farmhouses and an area once rich in mining,” says New Belgium’s brewmaster Peter Bouckaert. “I want you to visualize the organic architecture of Victor Horta, a curving banister with soft light falling from the window. This is what we tried to put into this beer.”

A wild Brettanomyces yeast strain added for bottle-conditioning creates a refreshingly sour flash across the palate. Lemon peel coupled with lemon verbena imparts some fruitlike character and a citrusy finish. Peter has allowed for a five-month shelf life during which the beer should mature nicely.

Biere de Mars is an old favorite at New Belgium that has not been produced in over three years. It will be available on draft and in 22-oz. bombers through the brewery’s Lips of Faith program throughout the year.

For more info visit www.newbelgium.com/beer