The Best Belgian Beers: A Deep Dive
Time and again, Belgium has been in the limelight for its beers, boasting over 200 active breweries. Historically known for their daring mix of styles and ingredients, Belgian beers are a cornucopia of flavors.
1. St. Bernardus Abt 12
Often referred to as the holy grail of beer, St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a standout among Belgian beer. It’s a quadrupel, which in Belgian beer taxonomy signifies a strong dark ale.
When poured, it displays an incomparable depth of color – a dark, cloudy brown. It manifests flavors of malty sweetness, chock-full of ripe fruits and spicy hops. What really sets the Abt 12 apart is the distinct undercurrent of yeast flavor, emblematic of traditional Belgian brewing.
2. Rochefort 10
The mystic Trappist brewery of Rochefort brings to us Rochefort 10 – an exquisite beer that often challenges St. Bernardus for the top spot. It’s a heavyweight in terms of alcohol content, reaching 11.3%, and also in terms of flavor.
Ambrosial aromas of dark fruit, coriander, and anise lay the foundation. These slowly yield to the taste of toffee sweetness, rounded by a subtle bitterness. There’s a lingering warmth in the finish, making it a perfect partner for cool winter nights.
3. Geuze Boon Black Label
No exploration of Belgian beer is complete without mentioning a Lambic. Among these wild yeast fermented brews, Geuze Boon Black Label stands out. It’s a blend of old and young lambics, resulting in a dry, champagne-like beer with a teasing tartness.
On the palate, you’ll notice flavors of green apple, hay, and a bit of citrus – all underpinned by a thread of sourness. The sparkling effervescence and crisp finish make this Geuze a superb palate cleanser, and an excellent companion for seafood.
4. Orval Trappist Ale
Orval Trappist Ale is a textbook example of Belgian Pale Ales. Brewed in the historic Abby d’Orval, this beer’s charm lies in its complexity and balance. Orval is unique in that it undergoes a dual fermentation process, with the second fermentation occurring in the bottle.
The beer presents a profound aroma of floral hops, together with hints of light caramel and yeast. The flavor profile is largely earthy, with a firm bitterness that is expertly balanced by a slight caramel sweetness. Orval’s lingering dry finish leaves an impression long after the final sip.
5. Westmalle Tripel
The last offering in the line-up, but by no means the least, is the Westmalle Tripel – the original “tripel” beer. Another Trappist creation, this beer showcases the best of Belgian brewery.
This nuanced ale teases with flavors of orchard fruits and honeyed malt, against a backdrop of peppery hops and the merest hint of clove. Its effervescence and the interplay of sweet-bitter flavors make it a beautifully refreshing beer – a testament to its many years of mastery.
Laying deep between the heart of Belgian beer culture and history, these beers emerged to be true masters of their art. A testament to centuries-old traditions blended with ingenuity, the flavors and aromas they impart are multifaceted, surprising, and always delightfully Belgian.
