Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2023)

Agreed. THAT is an outstanding beer!

 

Also - a rad tulip (and a superior light-box setup/photography as usual).

 

A very good Belgian strong blonde ale can be had at Pueblo Vida in Tucson. It is named Garcia Golden and comes in at 10% ABV.

When I was living in Gent, Karmeliet Triple was one of my favorites.

 

It is commonly thought among BA folks that Belgian beers are not brewed too often by US craft breweries but the number one selling beer by Victory Brewing is a Tripel: Golden Monkey.

When Victory first opened in 1996 the two co-owners thought their German style beers would be their big sellers (both Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski had German beer experiences) but their number one beer 'back in the day' was their IPA Hop Devil. I think it was until 2006 that Golden Monkey was first brewed; I do not know exactly when this beer became a top seller.

Golden Monkey is a tasty beer and I will purchase a six-pack from time to time. A real plus is its economical price compared to Trappist brewed Tripels.

Cheers!

 

It was added to the BA database in 2001, and I'm fairly certain that I had it before then. Can't prove it at the moment but may have an old bottle stashed away.

Completely agree that it's a great beer for the price. Possibly the first Belgian-style I had way back when.

 

Viva Gent! The Gulden Draak is located an the top of the city clock tower

 

Here is a photo of the Gulden Draak on the top of the belfry:



And I always thought the belfry was 'reserved' for bats.

Cheers!

 

and people like us!

 

Proof of my point !!!
Ahh, how will I ever get back into the swing of things at work tomorrow?

 

And the price is a huge reason it's as popular as it is. Sure, it's a pretty decent beer and I purchase some on occasion as well, but let's be honest, there are a whole lot of Belgian tripels that are better. If the Belgian tripels such as Tripel Karmeliet, St Bernardus, Westmalle, Rochefort etc were available at the same price as Golden Monkey then I'm pretty sure Monkey's sales wouldn't be anywhere near what they are.

That said, I'm happy Golden Monkey and its variants are readily available for the very reasonable price that they are asking, and as mentioned because of that I do purchase some now and then.

 

Well, right off the bat I have no idea.

Cheers!

 

My 21st expression from one of my favorite brewers in Belgium - another delightful head-scratcher.

3.93/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Found an old Shelton imported bottle at my local and couldn't stop myself. Lot 19, best before end 2015, so keep that in mind! Poured from a caged-and-corked 750mL bottle into my Rodenbach flute.

Initially clear tangelo body with a champagne fist up top. Delicate soapy lacing; very good retention.

Lovely mature yeast aroma, fruity, floral, with gentle phenols/esters.

Faintly sweet palate entry with hints of chicory and burdock. Hard to identify savory/herbal elements are subsumed by a dusty grain note leading into a faintly peppery bone dry finish. Piquant around the edges with hints of walnut/elderberry. Interesting residual funk, like a distant memory of Brett, a long fallow farm, forgotten books.

A bit thin, almost sharp, but well carbonated, the ABV quite concealed.

Impossible to rate to style as the brewer's intent seems purely to confound. Surprisingly mild and free of oxidation.