AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 BEERS: PART 2 – Belgium
This week we continue our virtual balloon journey from Germany to Belgium (yes, in the wrong direction!) to explore one of the great beer countries in the world
Dupont / Saison / 6.5%
Since 1844, Saison Dupont has been setting the standard for Belgian saisons and is internationally renowned for being the best-of-the-best and a perfect accompaniment to food. This quintessential saison is best described as being lively, zesty and very refreshing.
Orval / 6.2%
Orval is a world-class Belgian Trappist pale ale. Famous for its beautiful "Belgian lace" left on the glass from its huge head, this orangey-amber coloured ale is as complex as they come. It's smooth yet crisp, tart yet dry. It carries with it flavours of lemon rind, freshly-cut hay, notes of spice and aromas of flowers and lemon. Whether you adore Belgian ales or are just starting to explore them, Orval is sure to go down a treat!
Rodenbach / Grand Cru / 6%
The Rodenbach Grand Cru is one to be admired. This Belgian ale of the Flanders Red Ale style is a blend of a younger beer with an older beer that had been aged in oak vats. Aromas of balsamic vinegar and sharp-yet-sweet flavours of fruit, oak and Madeira wine give this beer an unparalleled complexity.
Lindemans / Cuvée René / 5%
Routinely judged as one of the best gueuzes in the world, Lindeman’s Cuvée René is—without a doubt—the queen of gueuzes. A blend of old and young lambics matures in large oak barrels and then undergoes a secondary fermentation in champagne bottles to achieve a dry finish with an effervescent carbonation.
Buy it now
St. Bernardus / Prior 8 / 8%
The St. Bernardus Prior 8 is a traditional abbey Dubbel. Achieving near-perfect ratings and worldwide praise, it is surely one of Belgium’s best—and one of our favourites too! With a gorgeously smooth mouthfeel this rich beer can rightly proclaim itself one of the world’s best Dubbels.
Westmalle / Dubbel / 7%
Another outstanding Trappist beer, the Westmalle Dubbel is rich and complex thanks to its secondary fermentation in the bottle. This dark brown Belgian dubbel has beautiful ruby undertones with a creamy, fragrant head. The Trappist Abbey of Westmalle, near Antwerp, has been brewing beer for over 150 years. One of only 10 breweries in the world permitted to carry the Authentic Trappist Product label, it is regarded as being responsible for the increasing popularity of Trappist beers.
