Belgian IPA's, Where to start.

You can not go wrong with Flying Dog Raging Bitch! And recently, Sam Adams Grumpy Monk. That one surprised me, as I wasnt expecting much

 

I am of the opinion that there are two sub-styles of Belgian IPAs.

There is an American style Belgian IPA where American hops are used. Examples of this sub-style are Flying Dog Raging Bitch, Lagunitas A Little Sumpin Wild, Stone Cali-Belgique, Green Flash Le Freak, etc.

The Belgian brewed Belgian IPAs utilize European hops which result in a beer of a different character. Examples of this sub-style are De Ranke XX Bitter, Poperings Hommel Bier, Piraat, etc.

My personal preference is the American style Belgian IPA with my favorite being Flying Dog Raging Bitch. I also really like the Flying Dog’s new beer: Wildeman Farmhouse IPA.

Cheers!

 

Yes, you have to love Houblon Chouffe. I also think Clown Shoes Tramp Stamp is quite good and available and hasn't been mentioned yet.

 

A lot of American versions being mentioned. I recommend trying theses Belgian examples:

Chouffe Houblon
't Smisje IPA+
De Ranke XX Bitter

 

+1 on Bedlam

 

You know what?

I'll have to say "don't."

I don't really think the Belgian yeast works well with the hop profile of an IPA. I've tried plenty of Belgian IPAs, and the only ones I've really enjoyed are Little Sumpin' Wild, Smuttynose Homunculus, and Clown Shoes Tramp Stamp, with Tramp Stamp being my favourite of the three. However, I can't really say I'd prefer any of those three over a good normal or double IPA. The flavors just really don't mesh quite right.

 

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but while we're on the topic of Belgian IPAs, what's everyone's experience been with getting fresh (enough) imported Belgian IPAs? I feel like buying imported IPAs of any kind is a complete crapshoot. I have little luck finding dates on bottles, and the bottles I see of Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen and De Ranke Bitter are typically covered in dust.

 

Belgian version - Urthel Hop-It
American version - Flying Dog Raging Bitch

 

Going to throw in my votes for:

Houblon Chouffe
Piraat
De Graal SloCK (if you can find it)

Haven't had an American version that really tickled my fancy yet, but hey. It's beer. The possibilities are endless, and I'm sure I'll find that bastard eventually and take home to meet the 'rents. Then I'll marry it.

 

+1 for Houblon Chouffe Dobblen IPA Tripel

If you don't like it, you don't like the style.

If you LOVE it, then you will have an ideal to compare anything else to.

 

+1 on the Troubadour Magma! Had it on tap a few months ago in Central PA. Been looking for it ever since.

 

Piraat is as good of a beer as there is. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd drink it everyday.

 

You must try to trade for this beer. It is absolutely amazing! It is FFF best IPA IMO!

Also try:
Brewery Vivant Triomphe
Stone Cali-Belgique
Flying Dog Raging Bitch
Flying Dog Wildman
Kuhnhenn Simcoe Silly
New Holland Farmhouse Hatter

 

I had a bottle of Houblon that was about 2.5 years old recently & it was still awesome. Different beer from when it's fresh, but it develops a kind of pineapple upside down cake taste when aged & was so tasty.

 

I'm going to see if I can hunt down some New Holland Farmhouse Hatter strictly because of this post. It shouldn't be hard for me to find due to my location.

 

Where do you live?

 

Ypsilanti. Just saw that it should be available at one of the stores down the street from me. Going to call them at about 2pm to see if they have any in stock. I've been meaning to head over to that store anyway, they are the only place near by that sells Dragonmead.

 

Yeah you get a Beer timeout. That beer is bananas good!!

Cheers!

 

Nice. I'd also recommend picking up a NH Night Tripper or two if they have that in stock. Very good Imperial Stout!

 

Houblon Chouffe gets my vote. I don't know where they get their gnomes from, but the only thing my gnomes make is their naturally-made rendition of bud light, and it's not for drinking.