French Beer and Cider Delights: Top Picks to Enjoy in the UK

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France is known for its culinary excellence, from its delicate pastries to its rich cheeses and fine wines. But did you know that the country also produces some of the most delicious and unique beers and ciders in the world? With a history of brewing dating back centuries, France has honed its craft to create some truly exceptional brews that are perfect for any occasion. And if you're lucky enough to be in the UK, many of these French beers and ciders are available for you to try.

French beer has been gaining in popularity in recent years, thanks to a growing number of artisanal brewers and the country's love of locally sourced ingredients. From traditional farmhouse-style beers to modern IPAs, French beer offers a wide range of flavors and styles that are sure to please any beer lover.

French Cider:.

One of the most popular French ciders is cidre doux, which is a sweet and mild cider that's perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon. Another popular cider is brut, which is drier and more acidic than cidre doux. Cidre bouché, or "corked cider," is a type of cider that's bottled with the sediment still inside, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best French beers and ciders that you can enjoy in the UK, and what makes them so special.

  1. Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc: This wheat beer is a popular choice in France and is known for its refreshing, citrusy flavor. It's light and easy to drink, with a subtle hint of coriander and orange.

  2. Fischer Amber: This amber ale is brewed in Strasbourg and has a smooth, malty flavor with hints of caramel and fruit. It's a great choice for those who prefer a richer, more complex beer.

  3. La Chouffe Blonde: This Belgian-style beer is brewed in the Ardennes region of France and is known for its spicy, fruity flavor. It's brewed with coriander and orange peel, giving it a distinct and refreshing taste.

  4. Dupont Cidre Bouche Brut de Normandie: This traditional French cider is made in the Normandy region using traditional methods. It has a dry, tart flavor with hints of apple and a slightly effervescent mouthfeel.

  5. Sassy Cidre Rosé: This cider is made with a blend of cider apples and red fruit, giving it a light, fruity flavor with a hint of sweetness. It's a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter, fruitier cider.

  6. St. Germain Cidre: This cider is made with freshly pressed apples from Normandy and has a crisp, refreshing flavor with a subtle hint of elderflower. It's a great choice for those who want a lighter, more delicate cider.

  7. Kronenbourg 1664: This is a popular French beer that is a lager with a smooth, crisp taste. It is brewed using Strisselspalt hops, which are unique to the Alsace region of France, giving it a distinctive flavor. Kronenbourg 1664 has been brewed since 1952 and is one of the most well-known French beers worldwide.

  8. Grimbergen: Grimbergen is a Belgian-style beer that is brewed in France. It has a rich, malty flavor with notes of caramel and spice, which comes from the combination of roasted malt and Belgian yeast used in the brewing process. Grimbergen is known for its complex flavor profile and is often enjoyed with hearty meals.

  9. Fischer: This is a pale lager that has a light, refreshing taste with a slightly bitter finish. It is brewed in the Alsace region of France and has been popular since its creation in 1821. Fischer is a great choice for those who enjoy a light beer that is easy to drink.

  10. La Chouffe: This is a Belgian-style blonde ale that is brewed in the Ardennes region of France. It has a fruity, spicy flavor with a hint of hops, which comes from the combination of Belgian yeast, coriander, and hops used in the brewing process. La Chouffe is a great choice for those who enjoy a flavorful, medium-bodied beer.

  11. Pelforth Brune: This is a dark ale that has a rich, caramel flavor with notes of roasted malt and coffee. It is brewed in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France and is known for its full-bodied flavor. Pelforth Brune is a great choice for those who enjoy a beer with a rich, complex flavor.

  12. Leffe Blonde: This is a Belgian-style blonde ale that is brewed in France. It has a sweet, malty flavor with a hint of spice, which comes from the combination of Belgian yeast and aromatic hops used in the brewing process. Leffe Blonde is a great choice for those who enjoy a beer with a medium body and a complex flavor profile.

  13. St. Germain Cider: This cider is made from fresh apples and has a crisp, refreshing taste with a hint of sweetness. It is named after the St. Germain district of Paris, where it was first created. St. Germain Cider is a great choice for those who enjoy a light, fruity drink with a refreshing taste.

  14. Cidre Breton: This cider is made in the Brittany region of France and has a dry, tart taste with a hint of apple. It is made from locally grown apples and has been popular in Brittany for centuries. Cidre Breton is a great choice for those who enjoy a cider with a traditional, rustic flavor.

  15. Normandy Cidre: This cider is made from apples grown in the Normandy region of France and has a sweet, fruity taste with a hint of tartness. It is made using the traditional method of keeving, which creates a naturally sweet cider with a low alcohol content. Normandy Cidre is a great choice for those who enjoy a cider with a light, fruity taste.

  16. Strongbow Dark Fruit: This cider is a popular choice in the UK and is made with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors for a sweet, fruity taste. It is a modern twist on traditional cider and has become a favorite of many cider drinkers in the UK. Strongbow Dark Fruit is a great choice for those who enjoy a sweet, fruity drink with a modern twist.

  17. Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc: This is a wheat beer that is brewed using the traditional French recipe and has a smooth, refreshing taste. It is a variation of the classic Kronenbourg 1664 beer, but with a twist of citrus and coriander for a light and fruity flavor. Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc is a great choice for those who enjoy a crisp, refreshing beer with a unique taste.

  18. Desperados: This is a beer that is brewed with tequila and has a unique flavor that is both sweet and spicy. It has a golden color and a smooth taste that is balanced by the distinctive tequila aroma. Desperados is a popular choice for those who want to try something different and unique.

  19. Breton Cider Rosé: This is a cider that is made from a blend of Breton apples and red berries, which gives it a light pink color and a fruity taste. It has a refreshing, crisp taste that is perfect for a summer day. Breton Cider Rosé is a great choice for those who enjoy a light, fruity cider.

  20. Picon Biere: This is a French aperitif that is made with beer and has a distinctive taste that is both sweet and bitter. It is made with a blend of oranges and gentian root, which gives it a unique flavor that is similar to a bitter orange. Picon Biere is a popular choice for those who enjoy aperitifs and want to try something new.

  21. Adelscott: This is a Scottish-style beer that is brewed in France and has a smoky, malt flavor. It is made using peated malt, which gives it a distinctive smoky flavor that is similar to a Scottish whiskey. Adelscott is a great choice for those who enjoy a rich, complex beer with a unique taste.

  22. Cidre de Normandie AOP: This is a cider that is made using traditional methods in the Normandy region of France and has a rich, full-bodied taste. It is made using a blend of different apples, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tart. Cidre de Normandie AOP is a great choice for those who enjoy a traditional, full-bodied cider.

  23. La Goudale: This is a beer that is brewed in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France and has a full, malty flavor. It is made using a blend of barley, hops, and wheat, which gives it a distinctive taste that is similar to a Belgian beer. La Goudale is a great choice for those who enjoy a full-bodied, complex beer with a rich flavor.

  24. Rosé Cidre: This is a cider that is made using a blend of apples and red berries, which gives it a light pink color and a fruity taste. It has a refreshing, crisp taste that is perfect for a summer day. Rosé Cidre is a great choice for those who enjoy a light, fruity cider with a unique twist.

  25. Eclat du Verger: This is a cider that is made in the Loire Valley region of France and has a sweet, fruity taste. It is made using a blend of different apple varieties, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tart. Eclat du Verger is a great choice for those who enjoy a sweet, fruity cider with a light, refreshing taste.

French beer and cider offer a unique taste of the country's rich culinary heritage. From classic lagers to innovative microbrews, and sweet ciders to dry, sparkling ones, there's something for every taste. And with many French breweries and cideries exporting their products to the UK, it's easier than ever to explore the world of French beer and cider. So next time you're looking for something new and exciting to try, consider raising a glass of French beer or cider. Cheers!

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