Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2023)

Also one of my absolute favorite beer glasses in the world.

I hope on every page of this thread someone big-up's De Garre. It is truly a world-class beer.

 

Are you open to new friends?

 

Nice glass! I haven't seen Celis White in a long time.

 

Haven't come across that one, would love to try it against st. Bernardus Tripel or Tripel Karmeliet. I'll be on the look out

 

How is that from the bottle compared to on tap at De Garre? I've only had it from tap at Garre and at a Belgian centric bar here in the states.

 

That would be a great post for the side-by-side thread.

Cheers!

 

I believe De Garre Tripel equals Piraat (almost)

 

Benedictine Brewery (Mount Angel, Oregon) - Black Habit

A 7.5% Belgian-style dark ale. This is really great - nice bready malt flavor with a touch of roast and earthy spice, drier finish, thick creamy head, extremely smooth feel.

 

Sang Bleu from Cantillon. On draft!

A bit too sour for this tender soul, but enjoyable.

 

Enjoying a 6th Anniversary Dubbel from Hillman Beer of Asheville and Old Fort. The brewing team did a nice job of getting the yeast to give notes of raison, plum, and ripe banana. Finished dry with an appropriate amount of sweetness.
Cheers!
Tom

 

Gotta post about a beer I was unaware of until recently, Gouden Carolous Cuvée van de Keizer.

a keg of the ‘17 batch is pouring as a guest beer at the Afterthought taproom (west burbs chicago)

Holy shit, what a decadent beer. If you see a bottle, buy at least 1 for now and 1 for whenever you want in the next decade

 

Staying with the Belgian theme this afternoon and enjoying the last of my N'ice Chouffe from the 2021 holiday season. Sweeter than the Dubbel enjoyed earlier but one can't go wrong with the Brasserie d'Achouffe brews!

 

While enjoying N'ice Chouffe yesterday i noticed i had not reviewed McChouffe. Well, lo and behold, i had one bottle left from the 2021 Holiday season available to review today.

Nose is baked bread, burnt sugar, and dark fruits.
Taste is a light but substantial toasted malt base. Getting notes of baked bread, figs, molasses, and raisins. Finishes a touch sweet but appropriately so.
Mouthfeel is excellent, very light and smooth with each sip a delight.
Overall a solid Belgian brown. Definitely would not be hesitant to purchase in the future!
Rated 4.07.
Cheers!
Tom

 

Enjoying ABT12, one of my favorites. Today's bottle, dated 14-06-25, was a mild gusher as was the last one i opened about 4 weeks ago. Anyone else having issues with ABT12?
Cheers!
Tom

 

I have 5 of these from 2017 in the cellar, Going to have 1 soon

 

That is my favorite Triple, Trappistes 10 and Abt 12 for a quad. My De Garre was passed over in favor for mostly stouts / pastry stouts at the share last week. People did like the Keeping Together bottle, though that is a saison for another thread.

The peeps at The Beer Temple said they expect to be getting more Cantillon on a regular basis, so hopefully we can expect at least quarterly access. Didn't grab the Octopus Arms from Beachwood (did Amalgamator and the Outnumbered by Animals) but may hit Hopleaf for a try.

Cheers!

 

Oh, the World's Greatest Tripel is on draft, Hopleaf? Don't mind if I do...

 

Blue Mountain Barrel House (Nelson County, VA) - Local Species

aroma of big woody notes, with some floral hops and some lightly toasted malt. similar taste, I definitely get the oak barrel, and finish is pretty dry and earthy. light bodied, higher carbonation. overall a unique beer, I like it.

 

Here's a great brew...Nicely carbonated and nutty