Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2023)

Allagash's Wildlife Report, a Bier de Garde

 

We just came back from Europe and when in Gent for one evening, had the opportunity to finally try Westvleteren 8 and 12 at Dulle Griet... Beautiful beers! Happy I finally got to experience these beers.







At the end of the day though, my favorite (Belgian) beer of the trip had to be the Tripel at Straffe Hendrik in Brugge. Completely blown away with how good this one was. Easily in my "Mt. Rushmore" of beers. The Quad was phenomenal, as well.





We also did make sure we stopped at De Garre, too. Great times.



Amazing times on this trip, which ultimately consisted of Holland, Belgium, France and Germany (Cologne).

 

Good ol' Hoegaarden Witbier. A classic and IMHO is under rated on this site.
4.5/5 rDev +18.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
11.2oz bottle best by 10/3/23 into a pint glass. I squeeze a lemon wedge into it.
L: Pours bright straw yellow w a light yeasty cloudiness, a 1.5" creamy white head w VG retention, low carbonation, light sticky scattered lacing.
S: Light yeast, coriander, citrus, a hint of banana.
T: Follows aroma with the added lemon there is obviously more fruit taste, light wheat, gently sweet.
F: Lightly creamy med-light bodied with a med-fast slightly dry finish.
O: A very delicious and refreshing Wit that is a classic. Well balanced, fairly light and is best with a wedge or slice of lemon. It's a quaffable, crushable beer. The 1st time I had Hoegaarden Wit was in 1987. Then two yrs later I had it on tap in many places in Belgium and many times after. Tastes just as fantastic now as it did 35 yrs ago. It is very consistent, very popular and is outstanding in its style.

 

@jmdrpi , was debating posting my Biere de Garde from Haw River given my understanding is the style originated in France so i am jumping on your coattails BA Brother! This one is interesting as it is brewed with toasted fennel so i am getting a mix of wild and sweet flavors. Base beer is solid, all-around well-made beer!
Cheers!
Tom

 

Close enough I thought!

 

Here's a great summertime brew... a little tart and a little sweet..really reminds me of Lindemans

 

Here's a great quad..reminds me of a cross between what you'd expect from a classic quad and Pirate or Duvel..really unique and tasty

 

I haven’t revisited this in quite awhile but it’s as good as I remember. It’s so easy drinking, and still has a balanced bitterness that a lot of American examples leave out. Also, I snagged it on clearance for $3.89 a six pack so a solid win overall.

 

You better gank that glass before I do!

 

Saison de Pipaix

Earthy, floral, a bit dry. Enjoyable!

 

Here's a great brew...Reminds me of a flanders red...this has some cherry thats is a little sweet at first but then tart and Wildy carbonated...it took on a life of it's own..kinda like one of snakes on the 4th of july.. it just kept growing and growing

 

Just returned from Belgium! Great trip, great people, great beer!

 

A great Deschutes Reserve...bottled a little over 7 yrs ago. Really nice Belgian spice and the grape has almost gone from dark to light..a little sweetness and good carbonation. These old Reserve beers from Deschutes are made so well and stand up for so long..one of the reasons they are one of my favorite breweries

 

I look forward to this one every Winter/ Christmas season- really love the spicing on that one- it's a bit unique and comes out very subtly but is a nice lil surprise on the finish.

 

A strong Trappist ale. I was excited when I saw these and it didn't disappoint. Really reminds me more of a strong ale than a Belgian but it does have a nice burnt sugar sweetness followed by a light hop and mild carb. It's great...glad I got a few.

 

Great foamy head and heavy carbonation to go with it. Classic belgian flavors like dark fruit and brown sugar...high alcohol but easy drinking...I put this at the top of the quads i've had the pleasure to drink

 

Brasserie d'Achouffe McChouffe



Style tick #100 for me, and it's a good one. Sparkling carbonation, some malt and molasses sweetness. Glad I got a 4-pack. It's perfect for a cool summer evening.

 

My first time with the Peach and it's really good...Nice carbonation with a buttery mouth feel, sweet peach up front turning a little tart. great

 

Nice carbonation little malty and fruity...subtle raison and grape. nothing too fancy but a fine dubbel that brings what you'd expect