{"title":"French beer","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrench beer is more than the pilsner from the supermarket shelf. A new generation of brewers makes hoppy IPAs, Tripels and Stouts, often with their own take on style. Below you'll find the French beer Hoptimaal has available, from fruity hop bombs to stouts that have spent months in the barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--verhaal--\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA wine country with an interrupted beer tradition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrance is first and foremost a wine country, and its beer history is poorly documented. The Gauls left no writings, so most of what we know comes from outsiders. The regions bordering Belgium and Germany, Nord-Pas de Calais and Alsace, have traditionally been the most shaped by beer. In Alsace, brewers mostly made variations on German pilsner and Munich lager. In the north, the coal mines kept many small breweries going.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two world wars did the rest. Occupying armies removed brewing equipment for the production of munitions, many small breweries never recovered and regional styles almost completely disappeared. What remained was a market full of industrial lager. At the end of the 1970s the recovery began, with the north as its starting point. Since then the number of breweries has grown sharply: there are now more than 2,500, compared with roughly 30 in the 1980s and 500 in 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBière de garde, Alsatian hops and French malt\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best-known style of its own is bière de garde from the north: a malt-driven, top-fermented beer that was traditionally low in alcohol and is now often brewed stronger. Saison and grisette belong to a tradition that France shares with Belgium. When it comes to raw materials, France counts for a lot: roughly 80 percent of French hops come from Alsace, and the country is the world's largest malt exporter. One in five beers worldwide is made with French malt. Louis Pasteur's 1873 research into beer, which led to pasteurisation, has also given brewers all over the world something to build on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new generation likes to work with local ingredients. Brasserie Lilloise from Lille brews Lydéric with juniper berries from the region and Achille with unsold bread instead of malt. Notably, many French people still order beer by colour (blonde, brune, noire) rather than by style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrench beer at Hoptimaal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Hoppy Road, Game Over Brewing Co., Prizm Brewing Co. and Sparkle ✨ you'll find the hoppy side of France: IPAs and variations on them, such as Hoppy Road TRIPPIN' (2026), a Triple NEIPA. Fauve and Popihn round that out. From Popihn you'll find an Imperial Stout on bourbon barrel, aged for 30 months with almond and vanilla, a stout to sip slowly. There is also Tripel in the French range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery brewery has its own page with us. Handy if you liked one beer and want to try more from the same brewer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--faq--\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is typical French beer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBière de garde from northern France is the best-known style of its own: malt-driven, top-fermented and traditionally low in alcohol. France and Belgium also share the saison and grisette tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich French breweries are well known?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biggest are Kronenbourg, Fischer Adelshoffen and Meteor, all three from Alsace. The new generation includes Brasserie Lilloise and Artemus, among others. At Hoptimaal you'll find Hoppy Road, Sparkle ✨, Prizm Brewing Co. and Fauve, among others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo the French drink a lot of beer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot particularly: on average 33 litres per inhabitant per year, which puts France almost at the bottom in Europe. Only the Greeks drink less.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"la-goudale-la-goudale-ipa","title":"La Goudale IPA","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e  \u003cp\u003eA French take on the IPA style at 7.2% ABV. La Goudale applies their bière de garde expertise to modern hop-forward brewing, utilizing Flemish hops for a distinctive regional character.\u003c\/p\u003e   \u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect floral and earthy-spicy hop aromas characteristic of European varieties. The palate opens with a smooth malt base showing light caramel sweetness, followed by moderate bitterness that stays balanced rather than aggressive. The finish remains relatively gentle, with subtle hop fruitiness and herbal notes. At 7.2%, the mouthfeel is medium-bodied with lively carbonation.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrasserie Goudale from northern France is known for specialty beers featuring Flemish hops. Their approach combines French brewing tradition with contemporary styles while staying committed to regional ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"La Goudale","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58313769222489,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-2348_processed.png?v=1781810630"},{"product_id":"noon-whistle-brewing-hop-prism-blue","title":"Prizm NOLO NEIPA Strata Simcoe","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrata and Simcoe hops, a generous dose of oats and 0.0% alcohol: this New England IPA from Prizm NOLO puts the focus squarely on fruit and the soft style of a hazy IPA.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExpect tropical fruit, grapefruit and passion fruit, the juicy fruitiness associated with a NEIPA. The oats lend a soft, rounded body, and at 15 IBU the bitterness stays low. Fruit clearly takes centre stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrizm NOLO is a French brewery that presents this beer as a NEIPA with the fruity character of the style, just without the alcohol.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Prizm NOLO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59261464510809,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0447_processed.png?v=1788346389"},{"product_id":"the-piggy-brewing-company-elani-impulse","title":"The Piggy Elani Impulse","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 8% ABV and packing a name that promises momentum, Elani Impulse from The Piggy Brewing Company doesn't hold back on its Double IPA ambitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect the hallmark traits of the DIPA style: a firm hop presence and a full body carried by the elevated alcohol content. Specific hop varieties and the IBU rating haven't been disclosed for this release, so the glass itself will reveal the finer details.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Piggy Brewing Company, based in France, brews with a wink toward the pig and is known for collaborations such as the one with Moersleutel Craft Brewery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Piggy Brewing Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59281843552601,"sku":null,"price":6.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0464_processed.png?v=1788436156"},{"product_id":"prizm-brewing-co-little-miss-j","title":"Prizm Little Miss J","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eLittle Miss J is the Double IPA from Prizm Brewing Co., a small brewery in Vendargues, France, known for its expressive hop-forward beers. At 8% ABV, it carries noticeable body and warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecific tasting notes for this release aren't available, but as with most Double IPAs, expect a pronounced hop character, firm bitterness, and a malt backbone substantial enough to support the higher ABV. The finish typically runs long and dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrizm Brewing Co. is a micro brewery and bar based in Vendargues, in the Occitanie region of France.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Prizm Brewing Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59634119508313,"sku":null,"price":6.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0729_processed.png?v=1790771822"},{"product_id":"prizm-brewing-co-harvest-the-progress","title":"Prizm HARVEST THE PROGRESS","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eHARVEST THE PROGRESS is a Triple IPA from Prizm Brewing Co., clocking in at a solid 9% ABV and packed into a compact 440ml can for hop enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect a full-bodied pour with a subtle sweetness that carries the alcohol, typical of the TIPA style. The finish leans dry with a resinous edge and a slow-building warmth. Specific hop varieties aren't listed, but the style promises real intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrizm Brewing Co. is a micro brewery based in Vendargues, in the Occitanie region of France.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Prizm Brewing Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59634119639385,"sku":null,"price":7.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0728_processed.png?v=1790771822"},{"product_id":"hoppy-road-cosmic-raptor-triple","title":"Hoppy Road COSMIC RAPTOR - Triple","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eCosmic Raptor is Hoppy Road's French take on the tripel, at 7.5% ABV in a 330 ml format. It is a style built on strength balanced with drinkability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo specific tasting notes were supplied for this beer. A tripel typically pours golden to amber, with fruity yeast esters, a touch of spice and a dry, lightly bitter finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoppy Road was founded in Nancy in 2017 by Julien Pecheur, Lucas Del Biondo and Charles Sanner, who started out as homebrewers. Today the brewery is regarded as a reference on the French scene for its variety of styles and original brews.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hoppy Road","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59657782788441,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0752_processed.png?v=1790871469"},{"product_id":"hoppy-road-pow-wow-west-coast-ipa","title":"Hoppy Road Pow Wow - West Coast IPA","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003ePow Wow is the West Coast IPA from Hoppy Road, the French craft brewery near Nancy. At 7.1% ABV, it sits in the sturdier range of IPAs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWest Coast IPAs are known for a dry body and a pronounced hop bitterness with citrus, resin and pine. That is the reference point for this beer. How Hoppy Road interprets the style shows from the aroma through to the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoppy Road was founded in Nancy in 2017 by Julien Pecheur, Lucas Del Biondo and Charles Sanner, who started out as homebrewers. Today the brewery is regarded as a reference on the French craft scene, thanks in part to its wide variety of styles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hoppy Road","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59657783247193,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0760_processed.png?v=1790871469"},{"product_id":"hoppy-road-brutal-monkey-double-neipa","title":"Hoppy Road BRUTAL MONKEY - Double NEIPA","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eBRUTAL MONKEY is Hoppy Road's Double NEIPA: a firmly hopped beer at 8% ABV, packaged in 330ml.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Double NEIPA typically brings a hazy look, a pronounced fruity hop character and a soft body, and the 8% ABV adds extra weight. No specific aromas or bitterness (IBU) were provided, so the exact hop expression is best discovered in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoppy Road was founded in Nancy in 2017 by Julien Pecheur, Lucas Del Biondo and Charles Sanner, and is regarded today as a reference on the French craft scene.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hoppy Road","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59657783312729,"sku":null,"price":3.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0759_processed.png?v=1790871469"},{"product_id":"hoppy-road-hazy-rider","title":"Hoppy Road Hazy Rider","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eHazy Rider is the IPA from French brewery Hoppy Road of Nancy, at 6.4% ABV and available in 330 ml.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo details on aroma or flavour have been provided for this Hazy Rider, so nothing is described here that cannot be backed up. What is certain: it is an IPA, so hops take centre stage, and at 6.4% ABV it sits in the usual middle range for the style. The bitterness level is not specified.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoppy Road was founded in Nancy in 2017 by Julien Pecheur, Lucas Del Biondo and Charles Sanner, who started out as homebrewers. Today it is regarded as a reference on the French craft scene, known for its wide variety of styles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hoppy Road","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59657783378265,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0751_processed.png?v=1790871469"},{"product_id":"hoppy-road-trippin-2026-triple-neipa","title":"Hoppy Road TRIPPIN' (2026) - Triple NEIPA","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eTRIPPIN' (2026) is Hoppy Road's 2026 edition in the Triple NEIPA style: a hazy IPA that pushes well beyond the norm at 10% ABV. At 440ml, this is a beer that asks to be sipped slowly rather than rushed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExpect the hallmarks of the style: a hazy appearance, hop-forward character and fruitiness. At 10% ABV, there is also some alcohol warmth to be felt in the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoppy Road was founded in Nancy in 2017 by Julien Pecheur, Lucas Del Biondo and Charles Sanner, with Julien and Lucas starting out as homebrewers. Today the brewery is regarded as a reference on the French scene, thanks in part to its wide variety of styles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hoppy Road","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59657783509337,"sku":null,"price":6.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0754_processed.png?v=1790871469"},{"product_id":"sparkle-nectaron-paradise-peacharine","title":"Sparkle ✨ Nectaron Paradise ✧ Peacharine","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eNectaron Paradise ✧ Peacharine from Sparkle is an 8% ABV double IPA from France, packed in a 440 ml bottle. The name Peacharine hints at stone fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a DIPA, expect a full body and a pronounced hop presence, in line with 8% alcohol. Official tasting notes from the brewery are not yet available, so how fruity and how bitter the finish turns out is for you to find out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSparkle brews this beer in France; further background on the brewery is not available at the moment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sparkle ✨","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59657785180505,"sku":null,"price":7.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0756_processed.png?v=1790871469"},{"product_id":"sparkle-nectaron-paradise-galaxy","title":"Sparkle ✨ Nectaron Paradise ✧ Galaxy","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eNectaron Paradise ✧ Galaxy from Sparkle ✨ is a French double IPA at 8% ABV. The name points to Nectaron and Galaxy, two hop names, which suggests a hop-driven approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a DIPA, expect a hop-forward profile with some body, backed by 8% ABV. Which aromas and how much bitterness come through is not confirmed, as the IBU was not provided. What is certain: this is no lightweight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSparkle ✨ is a brewery from France.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sparkle ✨","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59657785278809,"sku":null,"price":7.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0755_processed.png?v=1790871469"},{"product_id":"game-over-brewing-co-dark-reaper","title":"Game Over Dark Reaper","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eDark Reaper is the double IPA from Game Over Brewing Co., a Toulouse brewery built around a love of retro gaming. At 8% ABV, it sits firmly in the stronger end of the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecific tasting notes have not been provided for this beer yet. A double IPA typically brings a pronounced hop character and a fuller body. At 8% ABV, it is a beer to take slowly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGame Over Brewing Co. is an independent craft brewery in Toulouse, founded in 2021. Its motto, Brewing is a game, runs through recipes inspired by 90s video games, films and pop culture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Game Over Brewing Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59770592428377,"sku":null,"price":7.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0828_processed.png?v=1791461881"},{"product_id":"game-over-brewing-co-fields-of-dread","title":"Game Over Fields of Dread","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eFields of Dread is the TIPA from Game Over Brewing Co. in Toulouse: 9% ABV in a 44 cl serving, made for anyone who takes triple IPAs seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a triple IPA, this beer is built around hops and strength. At 9% ABV it is a substantial pour, so take your time and let it warm slightly to reveal more. Specific aromas and bitterness (IBU) have not yet been confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGame Over Brewing Co. is an independent craft brewery in Toulouse, founded in mid-2021. Its recipes draw on 1990s retro video games and are brewed in small quantities.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Game Over Brewing Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59770593050969,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0829_processed.png?v=1791461839"},{"product_id":"popihn-imperial-stout-bourbon-barrel-30-month-aged-almond-vanille","title":"Popihn IMPERIAL STOUT - BOURBON BARREL 30 MONTH AGED ALMOND \/ VANILLE","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eThirty months of bourbon barrel ageing, finished with almond and vanilla: this French imperial stout from Popihn is built for slow sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVanilla and almond are the named flavour accents, alongside the bourbon barrel ageing. At 12% ABV, this is a stout for small sips. Let it warm a few degrees in the glass, as heavy stouts usually open up more aromatically that way.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePopihn is a French brewery; further background on the brewery is not available at this time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Popihn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59770593870169,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0834_processed.png?v=1791470413"},{"product_id":"fauve-recu-cinq-sur-cinq","title":"Fauve Reçu Cinq sur Cinq","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Parisian IPA at 6.2% ABV from Fauve, a brewery that builds its beers around styles rather than colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn an IPA, hops take the lead: expect hop aromas and a bitter finish in keeping with the style. At 6.2% ABV, this sits in the middle of the IPA range, so it stays approachable rather than heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFauve is a Parisian micro-brewery founded by Cyprien Maisonnier and Antoine Robic. They brew ephemeral beers with no fixed range, and their cans are decorated by a variety of graphic artists.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fauve","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59770609992025,"sku":null,"price":6.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0844_processed.png?v=1791468848"}],"url":"https:\/\/hoptimaal.com\/en\/collections\/french-beer.oembed","provider":"Hoptimaal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}