Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2024)

Westmalle Extra. Lots of flavor, lots of carbonation and then BOOM, dry finish!

 

Had a chance to hang out at Old Bust Head in Vint Hill Va. and enjoy their Triple Fruited Tripel.

Mild strength nose, some fruity esters, spicy clove and Belgian yeast aromas. Spicy with a little malty sweetness right through, semi-dry by the finish, subtle but nice Belgian yeast character, hints of sweeter citrus and golden raisin, small dry spice aftertaste. High carbonation for a crisp feel with an underlying slickness, body is medium-weight. Drinks easily but it’s 9% so easy does it.

 

It hurst my eyes to see a beer marketed as a Tripel with a pour like that.

 

Sorry man, I just drink ‘em
I’ve had several pours from this server and he seems to pride himself on the absence of a head. As far as the clarity, I don’t know.

 

Dangerous Man Brewing - Belgian Golden Strong

Dr. Strangelove is playing while I sap and impurify my bodily fluids with this winner.

 

Not a Belgian style, but a beer brewed in Belgium...Stouterik, a dry Irish stout from Brasserie de la Senne. I found this delightful; medium roast coffee, mild chocolate & a hint of black pepper. I think I'll have another!

 

Tackling this one this afternoon/evening.

A lively pour, hazy mahogany with two fingers of off-white head. The creamy foam is lasting but slick and only leaves bits of lace. The strong nose opens with bready and caramel malt, dark fruit and alcohol aromas. I’m getting baking spice and ginger snap-like notes from the second pour. Alcohol flavor is prevalent but not unpleasant; rich caramel malt, dark fruit and Belgian yeast flavor, both spicy and fruity, help round it out. The medium-full body is effervescent and creamy with moderate carbonation at the beginning of the bottle. It finishes rather warm. Nice beer to spend a cold afternoon sipping.

 

I've never really enjoyed Belgian styles, the yeast I think. Anyway, haven't had one of Boulevards Quads in awhile...

...actually consumed this one outside today..

 

Loved this one! Salute!
Val-Dieu Winter Ale 7% ABV
4.18/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
11.2 oz bottle enjoy by date 29/09/25 into a chalice.
L: SRM 6 Pours lightly yeast-hazed orange caramel color with lightly fizzy carbonation that settles quickly, no head, no lacing.
S: Apple, wine tannins, a hint of alcohol, ginger, pear, more caramel malts with warming.
T: Bright earthy fruits, caramelized malts, grains, very floral hop notes, a hint of yeast, moderate candy sugar, pear, gooseberry, background plum, apricot, ginger, a hint of brown sugar. It has a spiced fruit linger.
F: Very brisk or even crisp with a zing, medium-bodied mouthfeel that has a medium-length fairly drying finish.
O: Lovely fruit tastes, brilliant feel, and beautiful looking. My bottle sat upright for weeks. I poured it very slowly & gently leaving all sediment in the bottom of the bottle. This beer is outstanding in its style.

 

Of course we FINALLY get a Trader Joe's in our area, but they don't sell any alcohol. Pa sux!

 

Having my first ever Grisette style beer, this one from Zebulon in Asheville called Experimental Forest #4.
It has some classic Belgian characteristics with the beautiful head and an ultra-light mouthfeel. The nose and taste are very interesting as i am getting notes of pine and juniper berries with a light resin spruce finish. Glad i tried it! Rated 4.25.
Cheers!
Tom

 

Enjoying Asheville's Archetype Brewing 5th Anniversary celebrated in 2022, this being a white wine barrel aged Saison. Not much info around this brew. Anyway, this has a nice touch of Brett funk with notes of peach and white wine barrels. Flavors are very well rounded. Glad i picked this up, rated 4.08!
Cheers!
Tom

 

The Belgian thread relegated to page 3?? Not on my watch, pal.

Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer. Dark Belgian beers are some of my favorites in the world, and this is no exception. Caramel, cherry, maybe some allspice...yeah, that's the stuff.

 

Drank a couple Belgian/Belgian-style beers from the cellar tonight - Weyerbacher Quad and St Bernardus Abt 12

 

OK, back to the front page!



Allagash Curieux bottled 10/12/23

First time trying this one and it’s very good, to me anyway. I didn’t get any bourbon character but white oak was present in both aroma and taste. I also found it very easy drinking for its 10.2% ABV. Really wish I had a second bottle to pour.

 

Enjoying this bottle of Rodenbach Alexander - great sour cherry aroma and the taste has a depth to it without being too sour.

But anyone know how to interpret the date code? I assume the "182" is a Julian day, is the "1" 2021?

 

I was very fortunate a few years ago while long-distance commuting to the Atlanta area from home in north Texas as I was able to routinely keep Curieux stocked. Cannot get any Allagash in Texas, so I was quite envious of you when I saw the pic.