Belgian Beer 101

Belgium, a.k.a. “Malt Disneyland,” produces more styles of beers with the most diverse ingredients than any other country in Europe. The brewers’ beers are very individualistic and sometimes defy classification. Some are made just like champagne. Some are made with fruit and these beers can be compared to wine. For added flavor, herbs and spices are as common as hops in Germany and England, and many Belgian beers ferment spontaneously from strains of yeast that happen to live in the neighborhood.  It all sounds exotic, but that doesn’t mean that Belgian beer isn’t approachable or easy to love. Have you had a Blue Moon lately? It’s a Belgian-style wheat beer flavored with orange and coriander.

Single, Dubbel & Tripel

In Belgium, where monks are brewmasters for their abbeys, beers are referred to by the strength of their alcohol content. For their own consumption they brew pale, crisp and hoppy table beers, known as singles, such as Witkap. Stronger brews are called dubbels and tripels. The monks can only drink those on special occasions, but you can enjoy Maredsou 8, a dubbel, or Maredsou 10, a tripel, any time.

Lambic

Almost by magic, these beers ferment spontaneously from yeasts that live around the brewery. Lambics are fruity-tart and complex with just the right amount of acidity. Some outstanding producers are Lindemans, Boon, St. Louis and Cherish. Popular flavors used in the fruit lambics are cherry, peach, raspberry and apple.

Belgian Golden Ale

This style can be described in one word, “Duvel.”  Strong, and of course golden, these beers are fruity, hoppy and complex with alcohol in the 8.5% range.   For a comparison, try the dry, spicy La Fin du Monde from Quebec or Weyerbacher Merry Monks.

Saison

Traditionally these beers were brewed in the winter for summer-time consumption. These spicy, fruity beers are thirst-quenching and great with food. Along with Saison DuPont, try Sly Fox Saison Voss, Hennepin Farmhouse Ale and Weyerbacher Muse.

Wheat beer

These “white” beers are remarkably thirst-quenching and are known for subtle hints of coriander and curaçao. There are so many delicious wheat beers to try. Here are a few: Weyerbacher Blanche, Allagash White, Legacy Midnight Wit, Sly Fox Royal Weisse, Blue Moon and Arcadia Witsun.