Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2023)

Has anyone else gotten Rare Beer Club's Belgian Bliss case this year? I got mine in April.
All 750ml, most corked. Not cheap, almost $200 with shipping and wine bottle cushioning.
And I suspect RBC is running out of inventory as I got one unannounced substitution (a welcome one.) RBC's write-ups are first-rate. Most bottles they claim as exclusives.

I'm a cheapskate; but all four I've drank since the dozen arrived have been top-notch.

 

Here's a great quad from Roadhouse in Jackson Wy...Really smooth, nice and boozy , burnt sugar and a little honey. Winner

 

Another first timer for me.



Very nice, subtle flavors mesh well. In my mind this isn’t quite as good as Duvel but it’s been a while since I had one. Either way this drinks way to easy for it’s ABV.

 

Another from the Van Steenberge variety pack.



Refreshing blonde ale, subtle fruitiness and yeast character, finish is a little weighty but still very drinkable.

 

In a Belgian mood so one more for today.

 

Benedictine Brewery - St. Gabriel Dubbel.

Brought this bottle back from Oregon. We visited the brewery when doing some exploring south of Portland on our trip. It's run by the monks of the Mt Angel Abbey. I had never heard of them before looking up breweries in that area. All the beer I had was pretty good. I'm not sure why they don't have Trappist designation like Spencer did. Seems like they could if they wanted to? https://www.mountangelabbey.org/benedictine-brewery/

 

And a bottle of Bourgogne des Flandres with dinner

 

Nuts, the picture fell out.

 

Care to share what you got and what you drank so far. $200 for 12? 750 bottles shipped does not seem that bad if the beers are good.

Enjoy

 

From Rare Beer's website, here is the Belgian Bliss Box


The Belgian Ale Bliss Mixed Case includes one bottle each of these 12 rare Belgian ales:

1. Brouwerij Alvinne - Land Van Mortagne
2. Mikkeller w/ Brouwerij Boon - Oude Geuze Vermouth
3. Brouwerij De Leite - Cuvée Oncle Pol
4. Brouwerij Fort Lapin - Bruges La Morte Tripel
5. Brouwerij Fort Lapin - Bruges La Morte Quadrupel
6. Hof Ten Dormaal - Tripel
7. Brouwerij Corsendonk (Brasserie Du Bocq) - Corsendonk Agnus Tripel
8. Brouwerij Rodenbach - Rodenbach Red Tripel
9. Brouwerij Roman - Adriaen Brouwer Oaked
10. Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan - Straffe Hendrik Heritage 2016
11. Brasserie Dubuisson - Scaldis Prestige 2018
12. Brouwerij t’Gaverhopke - Zingende Blondine

6 I've had or something similar before; 6 are very new to me.
I just got the delivery two weeks ago, so I've only had 4 new ones and the Roman Oaked was the most worth paying for.
While I don't mind "paying" for RBC's expertise and reviews, I much prefer being a cheapskate and finding the good stuff on my own. Problem is... there is lots that I have to drink that is not so good.

 

Thanks for sharing this. I took a quick look at all of these on Untappd. W/O reading and just look at ratings there are a couple that look promising and a few that look like duds but overall most should be ok. I understand wanting to hunt down the good stuff and avoid the not so good stuff. Report back as you drink each one. I’m interested to see your thoughts on all of these vs the Untappd total score.

Enjoy

 

IMHO
Top: 1, 10, 11
Bottom: 4, 5, 7, 8
Medium: rest

 

Weird. Here it is

 

Enjoying a nice Hoegaarden Witbier in an old Celis glass. Best before date code from the bottle is 24/12/2023. I used to see this beer on shelves all the time but recently I haven't been able to find it as much. I stumbled upon a couple of six-packs on accident that were being stored cold which is awesome.

 

Landed a Barrel aged Delirium Black for my B-day! (Among some other nice ones.) I wouldn't pull the trigger on this one at $30, so its cool to try (and obv. overpriced but hey.)

I'll report back on my tasting notes but what did you guys think who have tried this? I've always loved the regular version and love bourbon barrel beers so really looking forward to it.

 

Lambiek Fabriek Juicy & Wild Gros-Elle: Lambic aged on Red Currants and Muscaris Grapes. Not my favorite from them but definitely one of the most interesting. Aroma is chalky soil, tart cranberries, white grape juice, hay and Brett. Really mild acidity up front and then finishes with a bright berry tartness. Full mouthfeel. Bone dry but there’s almost a perceived malt sweetness in the middle. The mix of the fruit provides a depth of flavor. Love these guys.

 

I look forward to your thoughts on this. I am a big fan of Delirium, in particular the Nocturnum.