Belgian IPAs : What's Your Take?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by ThirstyFace, Aug 29, 2013.

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  1. ThirstyFace

    ThirstyFace Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2013 New York

    This has never been a real winning style, despite having a few tasty ones. My beef has really been that the style seems to be "imperialized" for no good reason. Lagunitas Wild and Raging Bitch as popular examples.

    Anyway, Stone Cali-Belgique enters last night, and I have to say, it's exactly what I always hoped a Belgian IPA could be. Bright, complex and really just elegant on the nose and tongue.

    I know this beer is well reviewed, but I don't really recall any waves being made over it. Not do I ever recall seeing it in the nightly what are you drinking threads.

    Anyway again, blown away by this delightful brew.

    That's all. As you were.
     
    #1 ThirstyFace, Aug 29, 2013
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  2. philbe311

    philbe311 Pooh-Bah (2,516) Jan 21, 2008 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I love Belgian IPAs... I've only got one bit of advice... Embrace the gnome...

    [​IMG]

    I would also suggest Green Flash Le Freak and Gouden Carolus Hopsinjoor.
     
    #2 philbe311, Aug 29, 2013
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  3. geocool

    geocool Savant (1,233) Jun 21, 2006 Massachusetts

    It seems to me one could make a strong case that (in general) the American made ones are a different style category from the Belgian made ones. The former are basically American IPA's with Belgian yeast, while the latter are more well hopped Belgian ales (with or without American hops). I like the Belgian made ones.
     
    #3 geocool, Aug 29, 2013
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  4. Thehuntmaster

    Thehuntmaster Initiate (0) Sep 2, 2009 South Africa

    Gouden Carolus Hopsinjoor and Bitter monk are the only Belgian IPAs I have had and both were delicious!
     
    #4 Thehuntmaster, Aug 29, 2013
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  5. Vitacca

    Vitacca Pooh-Bah (2,250) Sep 15, 2010 Montana
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Argh...this is really annoying me. I'm not a fan of the style but I had a Belgian IPA that floored me last year. Wish I could remember it so I could share it with you. I'm also closing one eye so I can type...that may or may not have something to do with my recollection.
     
    #5 Vitacca, Aug 29, 2013
  6. ThirstyFace

    ThirstyFace Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2013 New York

    Yeah, but both that you mention are 9% or above (and I do like them a bit...though far less than C-B) l. It's not that I can't handle that ABV, but for example, I would not imbibe a 9% on a weekday. In fact, I try to avoid brews at that level on most days, instead holding out for those "beer moments" to drink them (aka, Friday night, kids are in bed, and the moon is lighting up the yard...silence).

    What I loved about Cali-Belgique was just how damn perfect it was without having to go apeshit on ABV.
     
    #6 ThirstyFace, Aug 29, 2013
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  7. ThirstyFace

    ThirstyFace Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2013 New York

    Agreed. I do prefer the Belgians, but no BIPA, American or Belgian, hit me with magnificence like Stone's.
     
    #7 ThirstyFace, Aug 29, 2013
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  8. TheBrewo

    TheBrewo Initiate (0) Nov 11, 2010 New York

    Sounds like you're starting to develop a taste for the style. It's a great one to get into, and fun to find the best and most surprising out there.
     
    #8 TheBrewo, Aug 29, 2013
  9. Nanners

    Nanners Initiate (0) Aug 15, 2013 Ohio

    #9 Nanners, Aug 29, 2013
  10. geocool

    geocool Savant (1,233) Jun 21, 2006 Massachusetts

    If you liked that at 6.9% then you should love De Ranke XX Bitter at 6.2%, right?
     
    #10 geocool, Aug 29, 2013
  11. MikeReserva

    MikeReserva Initiate (0) May 28, 2013 Netherlands

    Viven imperial IPA
    Dochter van de Korenaar Belle-Fleur
    Dochter van de Korenaar Extase (14 hops, very bitter)
    Excalibur IPA
    Struise Svea Ipa

    Quite tasty.
     
    #11 MikeReserva, Aug 29, 2013
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  12. ThirstyFace

    ThirstyFace Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2013 New York

    Haven't had it, but I think I saw that on growler fills at Whole Foods yesterday. Is that possible?
     
    #12 ThirstyFace, Aug 29, 2013
  13. geocool

    geocool Savant (1,233) Jun 21, 2006 Massachusetts

    I suppose, I have seen it on draft in the US on occasion. And if it's on tap then it's probably fresh, right? Unfortunately, getting 64 ounces would kinda ruin the point of favoring a lower ABV beer, wouldn't it?
     
    #13 geocool, Aug 29, 2013
  14. ThirstyFace

    ThirstyFace Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2013 New York

    Yes, it would. I'm not a big growler sort. I reserve growler fills for beers that I have no access to otherwise, but also otherwise cannot resist.
     
    #14 ThirstyFace, Aug 29, 2013
  15. afi4lifer

    afi4lifer Zealot (744) Jan 20, 2011 Massachusetts
    Trader

    I believe Piraat Ale is considered a Belgian IPA and its one of my favorite beers.
     
    #15 afi4lifer, Aug 29, 2013
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  16. blivingston1985

    blivingston1985 Initiate (0) Jan 7, 2010 North Carolina

    Came to say the same
     
    #16 blivingston1985, Aug 29, 2013
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  17. Yosefus

    Yosefus Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2012 North Carolina

    I'm actually a big fan of Coronado's Hoppy Daze IPA. Reminds me of their Islander IPA, but with the deliciousness of a Belgian strain thrown in. On a similar note, when did Coronado get so dang expensive!?!? A sixer of Islander is $17 in NC, whereas the same sixer was $11 last spring.
     
    #17 Yosefus, Aug 29, 2013
  18. jivex5k

    jivex5k Initiate (0) Apr 13, 2011 Florida

    I just can't get into them.
    I'd rather have a fresh two hearted or jai alai.
     
    #18 jivex5k, Aug 29, 2013
  19. sacrelicio

    sacrelicio Pooh-Bah (1,838) Feb 15, 2005 Minnesota
    Pooh-Bah

    Some are good, but like many American interpretations of Belgians, too many of the American examples are just fruity booze bombs with some hops on top.
     
    #19 sacrelicio, Aug 29, 2013
  20. Danny1217

    Danny1217 Initiate (0) Jul 15, 2011 Florida

    Not something I've really been able to get into. I have enjoyed a couple throughout the past couple years, but I definitely never find myself wanting to purchase any.
     
    #20 Danny1217, Aug 29, 2013
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