Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2023)

Met a friend for dinner at one of my favorite places, the Bulls Head in Lititz PA. They frequently have a Tripel on-tap brewed and named for them by the Belgian brewery Cornelissn, #proper glassware



Enjoying a beer outside in February...

This was pretty nice, if a bit mild. Phenols and pepper are there but pretty light. Sweet apples and pears with no trace of heat, light bodied and refreshing.

 

I'm enjoying a St Bernardus Wit right now.
I'm a huge fan of anything from Unibroue. La fin du Monde and Don de Dieu are my favorites. Sometimes I can find their large and cheap bottles of specialty brews at Trader Joes.
I've brewed with lots of Belgian yeast strains and Unibroues strain really brings out the tropical fruit and floral notes that I love in BGSA, and triples, but if you're brewing a quad, gotta have that 3787.
I'm also a huge fan of New Belgium Abbey Dubble and their Trippel. They are great beers, true to style, almost always fresh, bottle conditioned and consistent.

 

Trappistes Rochefort 10 - Brassiere de Rochefort



Such a great beer. More spicy and sharp than I recall.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/207/645/?ba=SLeffler27#review

 

Westmalle Trappist Dubbel - Brouwerij Westmalle



https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/208/674/?ba=SLeffler27#review

Let’s see if this week’s theme can hold true.

The flavors are a good bit off from the above review. Still worthy, however, concern is growing for the storage conditions at our local grocer. Bottle dates are 2022 Feb 23 - 2024 Feb 23. After another frenetic day, this amounts to quibbling over trifles. Anyway it is good to be home and decompressing with a fine beer.

 

Beautiful photo!

 

Orval - Brasserie d’Orval



https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/37/129/?ba=SLeffler27#review

Hey! Where’s my ring? Oh right, left hand.

 

Trappistes Rochefort 8 - Brassiere de Rochefort



https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/207/1696/?ba=SLeffler27#review

Oh, ma Gawd! This beer is like totally gnarly to the max. Like, I mean, that Orval is sooooo last night.

But seriously folks, THIS is how to settle down when the world has turned into Elsa’s Kingdom. Of course I’m Olaf in this analogy.

 

Westmalle Trappist Tripel - Brouwerij Westmalle



https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/208/646/?ba=SLeffler27#review

Better late than never. Big spicy bite, and dry. Wow this is dry. Tonight’s experience is very different from… wait-what, 2008? Wow, that was a long time ago. Still a great beer.

 

@SLeffler27 killing it on the branded glassware in this thread

 

Thanks.

Well then. Let’s keep the ball rolling.

Rouge - Bières de Chimay



https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/215/672/?ba=SLeffler27#review

This was with lunch earlier. Had to run off to an exhibit, hence the late posting (not that anyone cares about that). An interesting observation is that this week’s side-by-side comparison has me leaning towards the Dubbels of this batch.

None of the oak, previously noted, LOTS more fig and earthy fruit. Cheers.

 

Taking an afternoon pause. This is listed a Lambic. Legally that is incorrect, however it is the same process. At any rate, it is REAL, and it is SPECTACULAR!

Coolship Proxima (2020) - Allagash



Once the glass condensation clears, one can see this beer is gem clear burnished golden amber. That fluffy head was pure white and receded over about five minutes, holding at a thick blanket. A film drew down small patches of lace with each sip, while fine columns of carbonation sparkled from within.

The oak is tremendous here, followed by lime zest and funky yeast. As the nose acclimatizes to the oak, leather starts to take over, with cider vinegar following. Warmth brings wet forest undergrowth and earthy Chanterelle mushroom. Rum is only evident after extended warmth.

Tartness is pleasant strong, with light sourness and a mild bittersweet edge. The oak shines, although much more controlled than was suggested by the aroma. Acidity seems to hold the tannins in check. Apple and pears give way to lime. It has a dramatic earthiness and tastes like liquid Autumn. The finish is loooooong and dry, and washes over the tongue, lapping at the cheeks. Warmth brings crisp, peppery white wine notes and a delicate touch of rum.

The alcohol is mild, yet causes my ears to flush. It is very dry, with a fine woven wool texture and light to medium body. Slight astringency, possibly from the dryness and tannins.

The second pour clouded the glass with yeast, while mellowing the oak and acidity. Fruit is elevated, with mild lemon bitterness and more evidence of rum.

This beer brings elegance to the wild frontier. It exquisitely demonstrates just how complex and refined beer can become. Gilded Age opulence is exuded with each sip, while my mind is filled with images of the Art Nouveau architecture, fine arts, and craftsmanship.

This glass always makes me a little nervous, because it is so delicate and I’m a bit of a doofus.

 

Trappistes Rochefort 10



Yep, I paid $18 for this, but since reducing my beer spending (and cutting back drinking in general) I don't mind splurging for something special once in a while. I also thought it would be fun to tackle the Trappist beers, and I'm up to a whopping 2, so look out world.

Wonderful malty sweetness, not much carbonation. Doesn't seem like an 11.3% beer.

 

Where did you buy that? It shouldn't be more than $8 or $9. That's some insane price gouging!

 

A place near Lancaster, PA. Figured it was over-priced but it's the only place I've seen it in the area and I figured one-and-done.

 

Here's a real unique beer from Toasted Barrel. They made some great beers in their time..unfortunately they closed last year...this tastes liked something founders might do,,A Tripel aged in Maple Barrels and one of my favorites from them

 

Yeah, YIKES! Mine was $6 per bottle and that made me grumpy for a second or two. Then however… Then thoughts of enjoying the elixir filled my head with joy. LOL

 

Do you think that @SLeffler27 gets extra karma points for his goblet collection!?!

Cheers!

 

That was certainly my experience last night.