Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2023)

Since you like "abbeys", have you tried Orval?

 

Of course. I've been to Belgium and have make the rounds. I know Orval is obviously an Abbey beer, but it's pretty different from the others that I call "Abbey-style" beers. I dunno what else to call singel, dubbel, tripel, quadrupel, etc. beers since not all of 'em are monastic in nature.
Anyway, Orval is still a terrific beer either way Brett city, and it changes dramatically over time but it's always terrific. It's one of the only beers I feel can improve (or at least stay even) with lots of age.

 

I just noticed for the first time (for me) that you can now purchase Golden Monkey in 12-packs of cans; I saw them today at my local Wegman's supermarket while grocery shopping.

Not Belgian related but today I chose to purchase a 12-pack/cans of Troegs Doppelbock beer.

Cheers!

P.S. I bolded the word "can" above as a tribute to @woodychandler.

 

I thought that you (and others?) might be interested in watching the below video podcast of a vertical tasting of Orval.



Cheers!

 

Send them a note.

I suspect they are looking for feedback to produce new videos.

Cheers!

P.S. Or better yet, maybe a vocation for you!

 

Yes. This was a surprise favourite for me this season, and it had a lot of competition.

 

I'm generally a fan of Belgian beers (I love Quads most of all), but Tripels have always been my least favorite. At least I thought so...until Chicago got a bunch of De Garre kegs suddenly last year.

My God, what a glorious beer. The silky smooth mouthfeel alone would make it worthy, but the balance here...I got notes of caramel, clove, banana & some pleasant booze heat, all in perfect harmony with no aspect dominating.

Thankfully, a local watering hole got some bottles as well, which they are willing to sell "to go".

Suffice to say, my fridge is STOCKED and every time I'm invited anywhere, I bring a bottle to share. It's too good to keep to myself.

 

I agree with you. Rochefort 10 is a better beer.

 

If they were all fairly fresh bottles, I would probably give Rochefort 10 the slight edge as well. This was my summary from my three way side-by-side a couple years ago:

While the Westy was the lightest in color, the flavor profile was about the middle of the other two in terms of boldness and sweet/dryness. St. Bernardus being much sweeter, and Rochefort being drier and a touch roasty to balance the dark malt flavors. But all three being super smooth and enjoyable overall.

 

I feel Struise has some of the best beers in all of Belgium. They have absolutely amazing barrel aged beers.

 

My experience is that most Struise beers are best a bit younger. 10 years old tops even for Pannepot Grand Reserva. Fresh regular Pannepot is a delight.

 

I’m going to try this cellaring. The nice thing about cellaring Orval is that the price point is low enough to get a bunch and indulge temptation along the way.

 

Love Belgian Saison, wish they had their own style on BA separate from the mixed culture saisons #SplitUpSaison Join the movement! #SplitUpSaison #SplitUpSaison #SplitUpSaison