Belgian Beer Appreciation Thread (2023)

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Beersnake1, Jan 1, 2023.

  1. Luscious_Malfoy

    Luscious_Malfoy Grand Pooh-Bah (5,107) Oct 5, 2016 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    [​IMG]
     
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  2. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,169) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Except instead of Hoegaarden, Farva ordered: "Six Schlitz-es". :beers:

    Cheers!
     
  3. Luscious_Malfoy

    Luscious_Malfoy Grand Pooh-Bah (5,107) Oct 5, 2016 Illinois
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    “whatever’s free.”
     
  4. foundersasap

    foundersasap Maven (1,381) Feb 2, 2015 Michigan
    Trader

  5. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    The head of a Duvel is a beautiful thing!
     
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  6. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    This must be the first barleywine from Belgium I have ever tried, and might be the only one that ever shows up on this thread. Although it's an English barleywine, I definitely taste the Belgian notes in this. It's almost a cross-over between a barleywine and a Belgian Quad.

    Reserva from Brasserie Atrium. Aged in Old Forester bourbon barrels for 7 months, and comes in at 10.5% ABV. The bourbon is very noticeable, so I'm glad it was only 7 months for this one.

    Poured at fridge temp. Pours a medium brown color with a LOT of slightly off-white head. The beer itself is muddy looking. The head is absolutely relentless. Won't go down, even after about 10 minutes.

    The nose is toffee, red wine, dark fruits, bread, and some bourbon.

    The taste is fantastic. Rich toffee, big malts, Belgian yeast, toast, a nice bourbon note, a slight note of Armagnac, plums, and a hint of honey. Very nice barleywine! Mouthfeel is medium bodied and the aftertaste is primarily toffee.

    4.03/5 rDev +3.1%
    look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

    [​IMG]
     
  7. foundersasap

    foundersasap Maven (1,381) Feb 2, 2015 Michigan
    Trader

    It sure is, I wish that I’d have waited a few minutes as it mutated into a skyscraper
     
  8. SLeffler27

    SLeffler27 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,490) Feb 24, 2008 New York
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Oh, right. Forgot about this label.
     
  9. GuyFawkes

    GuyFawkes Grand Pooh-Bah (4,682) Apr 7, 2011 Illinois
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    [​IMG]
     
  10. DIM

    DIM Grand Pooh-Bah (3,772) Sep 28, 2006 Pennsylvania
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    Haven't you had one of the Clash of the Titans' from de Struise?
     
  11. Hinda65

    Hinda65 Maven (1,470) May 7, 2017 Utah
    Trader

    @jmdrpi @Beersnake1

    This is the label that I use to be able to get all the time. Doesn't say anything about the Kriek.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  12. jmdrpi

    jmdrpi Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,493) Dec 11, 2008 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    The "2% ale with cherries added" is the Kriek part. That has been consistent across all vintages of the label.

    (Kriek is cherry lambic beer)
     
    #172 jmdrpi, Jan 14, 2023
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2023
  13. Hinda65

    Hinda65 Maven (1,470) May 7, 2017 Utah
    Trader

    ah..ok then. probably the same mix as the tan label..good to know
     
  14. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I think they actually call this one a quad. From Struise:

    Clash Of The Titans Reserva is one of our greatest collaborations of all time.

    An initially hoppy blonde quadruple of 12% Alc./Vol., 26 ° plato, which was aged for 1 year in French Bordeaux oak barrels in which Swiss wine has matured. Complex wine with fruity notes, full-bodied and beautiful aftertaste, both in aroma and flavors. The hop keys have almost completely disappeared after 1 year on the barrel. This Reserva leans slightly towards the barley wine style beers.
     
  15. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    But, you can see the switch near the end of the description. Tough call. However, I had forgotten about that one!
     
  16. Davl22

    Davl22 Maven (1,317) Sep 27, 2011 New Hampshire
    Trader

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    Lambiek Fabriek Juicy & Wild Muscar-elle: Mature Lambic aged on Muscaris grapes. Brett funk, restrained acidity, aromatic tropical fruit/citrus zest, and oak tannins. Lingering fruitiness/tannins on the finish. Really nice.
     
  17. HopfenUndMalzGottErhalts

    HopfenUndMalzGottErhalts Initiate (0) Dec 25, 2015 Arizona

    While in town, I went back to this dollar store and found no tap Belgium beers, but plenty of IPAs and even an ale with coconut. Sad.
     
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  18. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,169) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    The good news: you still have that dollar in your wallet?

    Cheers!
     
  19. CarolinaCardinals

    CarolinaCardinals Grand Pooh-Bah (4,253) Jun 11, 2003 North Carolina
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    Enjoying a wonderful Saison from Zebulon Artisan Ales out of Weaverville which is just north of Asheville. Mike Karnowski used a Farmhouse and Brett yeast blend which led to a lightly funky flavorful brew!
    Cheers!
    Tom

    [​IMG]
     
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  20. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,169) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    An adept utilization of a combination of a Saison (Farmhouse) yeast and Brett is a thing of beauty.

    Cheers to Mike Karnowski!
     
  21. SLeffler27

    SLeffler27 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,490) Feb 24, 2008 New York
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Long time fan, first time poster (of this beer).

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    And THAT’S how you use this glass!

    Such a good beer. Light, sweet, succulent. Luxurious decadence, and I have no remorse. Nor should anyone. BTW, Snagged this from the bargain cooler. Bottle date 15.Feb.2021 and however it may have been handled, it is showing no signs of abuse.

    ***review from March 2014***
    https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/202/656/?ba=SLeffler27#review
     
  22. BMBCLT

    BMBCLT Grand Pooh-Bah (3,341) May 9, 2014 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah


    My favorite Belgian-made Tripel.
     
  23. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Had placed an order for De Garre beer at an online Belgian shop back in November. They shipped via Bpost and I have started to wonder if it would ever make it. Just arrived today....in sub-par condition!

    Here's the end that didn't look so hot. Two bottles broken, but luckily not the glass or the barrel-aged version!

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    I bought one of these glasses in Bruge this summer, but my cat broke it when I was out of town. I am very thankful that this didn't get broken, and it will now be in a locked cupboard! The barrel-aged version was aged in Old Forester barrels and then Early Times barrels. Can't wait to try this one and happy to have a supply of my favorite tripel on the planet.

    [​IMG]
     
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  24. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,169) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Your photo of your box reminded me of the old American Tourister commercials.

    Cheers!
     
  25. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

  26. jmdrpi

    jmdrpi Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,493) Dec 11, 2008 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

  27. Hinda65

    Hinda65 Maven (1,470) May 7, 2017 Utah
    Trader

    My first one of these. It's a good tripel. Not up there with some others I really enjoy like Marvella and la fin du monde. This one is really carbonated, kinda reminds me of Duvel which I'm not a huge fan of but i'll drink this again and enjoy it.

    [​IMG]
     
  28. jmdrpi

    jmdrpi Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,493) Dec 11, 2008 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I was driving back home through Delaware tonight and stopped at the Total Wine off I-95 to pick up some beer since its cheaper than PA.

    They had a couple of 6L bottles of St Feuillien Tripel. So if anyone wants to make a statement at their next party or celebration, this would do it. Plus the name of the bottle size (Methuselah) is pretty cool too.
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  29. LambicLad

    LambicLad Initiate (142) Feb 15, 2017 Minnesota

    On the subject of triples, Rulles makes one of my favorites if you can find it. They make exceptional beers. The Stout Rullquin is best with about. 5 years, a completely different animal compared to fresh.
     
  30. agoslin

    agoslin Initiate (50) Jan 20, 2023 North Carolina

  31. Rug

    Rug Pooh-Bah (2,778) Aug 20, 2018 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I get tempted every time I see that when I stop at Half Time lol
     
  32. augustgarage

    augustgarage Pooh-Bah (2,175) May 20, 2007 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    [​IMG]

    4.04/5 rDev -3.6%
    look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

    Bottled 5/11/2021 (best before end 2026) - enjoyed on 1/21/2023 - poured from a 750mL capped-and-corked bottle into my Troubadour tulip.

    Rosewood body shines a cardinal tinged madder when held to the light. Dark, clear, with a fist of beige resolving to a lasting dense creamy finger. Rich tendrils of fine lacing; faint legs.

    Tart funky aromatics, faint red wine vinegar, goat milk, and some vague winter spices and fallen leaves.

    Quite malty, reminiscent of an English brown ale almost - toasted grain, oak/cedar, peppercorn, and spices. Low but persistent grassy bitterness. Moderate, phenol-laden yeast character. Fairly dry finish with a tart not-quite-floral edge. Hints of Assam tea.

    Medium-bodied, soft, well carbonated with some lingering tannins.

    Rustic, style-defying (as usual) dark, lightly (mysteriously) spiced winter saison.
     
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  33. BMBCLT

    BMBCLT Grand Pooh-Bah (3,341) May 9, 2014 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    I guess, since they claim it's a Quadrupel, it's okay to post here... :slight_smile:

    [​IMG]

    Delicious!

    Sticky, brown sugar, whiskey, oak, black tea, raisins, prunes, dates, leather, cognac (?) with a dry finish.
     
    #193 BMBCLT, Jan 21, 2023
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2023
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  34. ventura78

    ventura78 Pundit (948) Nov 22, 2003 Massachusetts

  35. HorseheadsHophead

    HorseheadsHophead Grand Pooh-Bah (3,581) Sep 15, 2014 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah

    I just bought the Unibroue variety pack today. I was in a Belgian mood and definitely at least wanted a quad or Belgian dark, but when I saw the Unibroue variety pack I had to pick it up. I've never had anything from Unibroue before, either, so I'm excited. I will report back here with the results.
     
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  36. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Absolutely! I did the same. I also picked up on the Belgian quad in the flavor. It's fantastic!
     
  37. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    One of my favorite breweries from my homeland. I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Hopefully a Trois Pistoles was included.
     
  38. HorseheadsHophead

    HorseheadsHophead Grand Pooh-Bah (3,581) Sep 15, 2014 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah

    I never knew you were from Canada/Quebec! And thanks!
    I'm like 99% sure there was a Trois Pistoles. I could check but I don't feel like going back to the fridge to confirm. :joy:

    Decided to try Blanche de Chambly first, as I felt the need for a palate refresher after heavy, strong, sweet Vanilla Noir I just drank. This is nice. Nice balance of orange, wheat, and spices. Crisp and not too sweet, which is often my complain with the witbier style. Solid job here.

    [​IMG]
     
  39. SLeffler27

    SLeffler27 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,490) Feb 24, 2008 New York
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    NOT going out on a limb here, and am relatively confident you’ll be happy.

    oops.. should have kept reading. :smiley:
     
  40. Beersnake1

    Beersnake1 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,978) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Haven't had that one in a while. I think I prefer their darker ales and, of course, La Fin Du Monde.