Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2023)

De Glazen Toren Saison D’Erpe-Mere

A perennial favorite, this Saison is a modern classic in my humble opinion.

Rarely seen on draft, it had some minor differences from the standard 750’s, it was a bit softer with a mild residual sweetness that’s usually long gone in the bottles. Effortlessly drinkable with some light pepper and dried citrus esters contrasting with the light honey malt sweetness.

Still every bit as crisp and effervescent as the bottles, but seemingly much less dry this time.

 

I’ve been cellaring this one for a very long time, decided for no particular reason that todays the day. A very nice, dark, sweet Belgian ale. Cheers!

 

I’m liking it quite a lot—but I’ve never had it before so I can’t really compare it to anything.

Full review here (subject to further revision as I drink the bottle) if you’re interested.

 

A fall tradition in Wisconsin.

 

New Glarus Nectar Ale 22. This is probably the least funky “Lambic” I’ve ever tried, but I’m still enjoying it quite a bit to cool me down on this 90° Labor Day

 

Tynt Meadow



Trappist brewery #5 for me. This is quite a revelation. There's a smokey bitterness which is telling me I need a few pieces of gouda or swiss cheese.

Gotta ask- is this properly a Belgian beer? I made an assumption that Trappist=Belgian but now I'm wondering if that's correct.

 

Interesting question. It could be argued either way.
“Trappists” were founded in France and are based in Rome. So no.
The style is “English”. So no.

The Trappists have very strict criteria for brewing, which has come to be identified as Belgian. So yes.

Does it have the unique features and qualities of a Belgian beer? Whatever they are. If so, then subjectively yes.

Either way, this whole thread is based on individual subjectivity, more than the style specific appreciation threads, so no big deal. More importantly, did you like it?

 

The short answer is no.

This beer is an English Strong Ale; and it is properly categorized as such on BA:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/53152/354491/

For further discussion: not all beers brewed by Trappist breweries are Belgian style beers. The US Trappist brewery (now defunct as a brewery), Spencer brewed a variety of beer styles including an American IPA:



Cheers!

 

First time trying a Gueze.
2018/2019 Brewing Season



Some tasting notes:
Nose is fruity, peach, hints at lactic sweetness, a little bit of light funk aroma.
Tasting dry and tart, fairly clean, not sweet at all, sour fruit, a little bit acidic, a bit of light funk in the sour finish.
Light bodied but not thin, carbonated enough for a good cork pop, but has only a minor crisp opening.
Good flavor, but the sour character is barely manageable for my palate, some rich meats and cheese would balance this nicely but, drinking it solo is a bit much for me.

I did dig out some dry salami and cheese to test my theory and it did cut down the acidic sourness enough to let me enjoy the subtle flavor.

 

Yep, after I looked it up here I came to that conclusion. Thanks to you and @SLeffler27 for your responses.

I don't recall homebrewing anything "Belgian", so, what makes a beer Belgian or Belgian-style? Is it the yeast or some combination of factors?

 

To a large extent it is the yeast and accompanying fermentation conditions (e.g., a warmer fermentation temperature).

Depending on the specific style of beer other ingredients can play a role (e.g., dark candi syrup for a Quad).

Some suggested further reading:

https://www.morebeer.com/articles/Belgian_Quad

Cheers!

 

Ya know…. I’m starting to notice a subtle common detail regarding your web links to MoreBeer. Can’t quite put a finger on it though.

Do enjoy the extra reading assignments, for sure!

 

You are a good student!

Cheers!

P.S. Do you think I should conduct a quiz to test comprehension!?!

 

. Gotta admit, I got an itch to say, “bring it!”