Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes
| Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes |
|
| Location |
Chemin Des Buissons 8, Saignelégier, Switzerland |
| Owner(s) |
Jerome Rebetez |
| Year opened |
1997 |
Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes, also known by the abbreviation BFM is a small artisanal brewery in Jura, Switzerland whose products, including barrel-aged beers, have drawn international acclaim.[1] Founded in 1997 by Jérôme Rebetez, who had formerly been trained as an oenologist, this tiny brewery has rapidly become known for making beers that stretch traditional beer style guidelines and use unorthodox ingredients.
BFM's products are made in small batches and hand-packaged at the brewery.
Awards and recognition
BFM's "La Cuvée Alex le Rouge" took a silver medal at the 2007 Solothurner Biertage competition in the 'Swiss Extreme Beers' category.
BFM's "La Torpille" took a gold medal at the 2006 Solothurner Biertage competition in the 'High Fermentation' category. The "Cuvée Du 7ème" received a bronze medal. In a controversial finish in which many critics believed "La Bana de Nostra" deserved to win.
BFM's "La Mandragore" took a gold medal at the 2005 Solothurner Biertage competition in the 'High Fermentation' category.
Brewer Jérôme Rebetez has been a featured speaker at the Montreal, Quebec Mondial de la Bière.[2]
Beers
- Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien (approximately 11.0% ABV, except for the 2005 vintage, which clocked in at 15% ABV) A strong, dark, wine-like beer released annually. Barrel-aged with a complex, sour character. While the primary batch for each year is blended from different barrels, in recent years 'Grand Cru' versions selected from individual barrels have also been made available o the US market.
- Cuvée Du (X)ème (ranging from 6.0%-8.0% ABV, varies by batch) are specials brewed every year for the public brewing session at the beginning of november, and named after the number of the batch (6ème, 7ème, etc.). All those are unfiltered, top-fermented, bottle-conditioned ales.
- La Cuivree A Pilsner.
- La Cuvée Alex le Rouge (10.276% ABV) Labeled as a "Jurassian" Imperial Stout.
- La Dragonne (7.0% ABV) A beer brewed with honey and spices, meant to be served heated.
- La Mandragore (8.0% ABV) A dark ale whose name means 'mandrake'.
- La Meule (6.0% ABV) Labeled a "Swiss Golden Ale", this strong pale ale is flavored with sage.
- La Salamandre (5.5% ABV) A witbier.
- La Torpille (7.5% ABV) A dark ale with spices and prunes.
- Tarry Suchong A beer made with Lapsang Souchong tea, giving a distinctly smoky flavor.
BFM holds a public brewing session ("Brassin Public")that is accessible to visitors on the first week-end of November every year. At other times, tours are available upon prior reservation with the brewery.
References
- ^ Eric Asimov (01/02/09). "Roll Out the Barrel, Open Your Wallet". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/dining/07wine.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=asimov%20bon%20chien&st=cse.
- ^ http://www.alestreetonline.com/content/view/117/45/ "Mondial Beer Circus Expands", Ale Street News Online article by Tony Forder
External links