The Fourth Beer of Christmas 2022
Beer: Quad Squad Brewer: The Brewery LBK Location: Lubbock, TX Website: https://www.thebrewerylbk.com/ Style: Belgian Quadruple ABV: 12% Cookies: Macarons and Chocolate Chip from United Supermarkets
Showing posts with label Belgium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belgium. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
The Seventh Beer of Christmas 2019 - The Oak Balthazar
Strong, sweet, and oaky. It's beer's version of delicious French toast.
Summary
Stats
Summary
- Appearance: Medium to dark brown like a chestnut-stained piece of furniture.
- Aroma: Sugar and spice and everything nice. It smells a little bit like French toast.
- Taste: Sweet and boozy with a strong oak aftertaste. There's also a bit of chia tea flavor that builds as you drink.
- Feel: Thanks to the sharp carbonation, the body is a little lighter than you would expect given the rich flavor.
Stats
- Brewer: Picobrouwerij Alvinne
- Location: Zwevegem, Belgium
- Website: https://www.alvinne.com/
- Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
- Alcohol Content: 9.0%
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Brouwerij Westmalle - Westmalle Dubbel
The Eighth Beer of Christmas for 2016 is Westmalle Dubbel:
Summary
The original dubbel, Westmalle set a bar for excellence in brewing and this is it. This fantastically complex beer is a world class drink that you won't want to share.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Westmalle
Location: Malle, Belgium
Website: http://www.TrappistWestmalle.be/
Style: Dubbel
Alcohol Content: 7.00% ABV
Summary
The original dubbel, Westmalle set a bar for excellence in brewing and this is it. This fantastically complex beer is a world class drink that you won't want to share.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Westmalle
Location: Malle, Belgium
Website: http://www.TrappistWestmalle.be/
Style: Dubbel
Alcohol Content: 7.00% ABV
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Brouwerij Huyghe - Delirium Nocturnum
For the Twelfth Beer of Christmas, we're seeing pink elephants again. Just like last year on our Twelfth Beer.
Last year we ended the Twelve Beers with Delirium Noël. With my enjoyment of that final beer last year, it seemed appropriate to end this year with a Delirium, too. Maybe next year we'll go for the Delirium Tremens, their most award winning beer.
Just barely translucent, the Nocturnum glows a deep ruby red when held up to a light. The head frothed up quickly with large bubbles that cleared away quickly leaving behind a moderate cap that trailed several strands of thick lacing down the glass.
Like most Belgians, there's a spiciness to the aroma, although I found it to be fairly faint and masked behind the sweet malt, date, and alcohol smells. If you dwell on the aroma, and you might as well because it's very nice, there are also whiffs of yeast and a cider.
The taste is both sweet and tart, though leaning more towards sweet. The Belgian spice is there, of course, in the form of pepper and something else that I can't put my finger on. Maybe something like a mild chai tea. Warm alcohol chases every drink. There's little to no hop presence in the taste, leaving this drink very smooth and a little bit creamy on the palate.
This Delirium, my second ever, was an excellent choice. But I doubt I will wait until next year's Twelve Beers to try the Delirium Tremens. I think that taste test is going to be just around the corner for me. I suggest you give it a try, too.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Huyghe
Location: Melle, Belgium
Website: http://www.Delirium.be
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Alcohol Content: 8.5% ABV
Interesting Note: Last year Brouwerij Huyghe had it's first Beer and Woman Day where women were invited to the brewery to brew 125 hectoliters (appx 3300 gallons or about 200 kegs) of their Deliria beer. Due to the success of last years' event, this year they'll be holding the second Beer and Women Day on January 25, 2014, when they'll brew 500 hectoliters (over 13,200 gallons or about 825 kegs). I think that might be a great day to teach Mrs. Twelve Beers to brew. She's watched a few times, but maybe it's time for her to brew her own! I'll update you and let you know if it happened (and if it did, how it went.)
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| Brouwerij Huyghe Delirium Nocturnum |
Just barely translucent, the Nocturnum glows a deep ruby red when held up to a light. The head frothed up quickly with large bubbles that cleared away quickly leaving behind a moderate cap that trailed several strands of thick lacing down the glass.
Like most Belgians, there's a spiciness to the aroma, although I found it to be fairly faint and masked behind the sweet malt, date, and alcohol smells. If you dwell on the aroma, and you might as well because it's very nice, there are also whiffs of yeast and a cider.
The taste is both sweet and tart, though leaning more towards sweet. The Belgian spice is there, of course, in the form of pepper and something else that I can't put my finger on. Maybe something like a mild chai tea. Warm alcohol chases every drink. There's little to no hop presence in the taste, leaving this drink very smooth and a little bit creamy on the palate.
This Delirium, my second ever, was an excellent choice. But I doubt I will wait until next year's Twelve Beers to try the Delirium Tremens. I think that taste test is going to be just around the corner for me. I suggest you give it a try, too.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Huyghe
Location: Melle, Belgium
Website: http://www.Delirium.be
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Alcohol Content: 8.5% ABV
Interesting Note: Last year Brouwerij Huyghe had it's first Beer and Woman Day where women were invited to the brewery to brew 125 hectoliters (appx 3300 gallons or about 200 kegs) of their Deliria beer. Due to the success of last years' event, this year they'll be holding the second Beer and Women Day on January 25, 2014, when they'll brew 500 hectoliters (over 13,200 gallons or about 825 kegs). I think that might be a great day to teach Mrs. Twelve Beers to brew. She's watched a few times, but maybe it's time for her to brew her own! I'll update you and let you know if it happened (and if it did, how it went.)
Friday, January 3, 2014
Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV - Duvel
For the Tenth Beer of Christmas, we drink the beer that introduced the tulip shaped glass to the beer drinking world.
In the 1960s, the third generation of the Moorgat family (the family that started and still owns Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV) decided that their beer deserved to be served in a unique glass. The tulip shaped beer glass held 33 centiliters (just over 11 oz) and, therefore, a full bottle of Duvel.
The glass is a beautiful, pale golden yellow with a thick head of medium sized bubbles. The head retention is impressive and a thin cap remained even at the end of the glass. Nice clumps of lacing adorned the sides of the glass.
A malty sweetness with notes of pepper and yeast are the main components of the aroma. There's also a little hint of hard apple cider coming from the fruity esters of the ale yeast and from the rather high alcohol component.
Duvel has a crisp and lively carbonation. It's sharp on the tongue, almost like champagne. It's similar to the First Beer (Brouwerij Lindemans' Framboise), but it's a bit stronger. Sweet, fruity flavors (apples and white grapes) and touches of alcohol come through with the first of the drink. Hoppy bitterness follows in the aftertaste. Pepper and other mild spices also come through. Of course, this is typical of most Belgian beers.
Overall, Duvel is a good pale ale. Crisp, clean, and very sessionable. However, like the Obscura from two nights ago, there are other great pale ales that come in at much more affordable prices. But the Belgian PLUS pale ale PLUS strong alcohol content style may be hard to find without dropping a few dollars.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV
Location: Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium
Website: http://www.duvel.com/
Style: Strong Pale Ale
Alcohol Content: 8.5% ABV
Interesting Note: Founded in 1871 by Jan-Leonard Moortgat, the brewery is still controlled by the Moortgat family. Over the years they've expanded their line of beers to include Maredsous (in conjunction with the monks of Maredsous Abbey) and they've purchased Brewery Ommegang, which produced the Third Beer of Christmas for 2013. In late 2013, they purchased another American brewer, Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Missouri.
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| Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV Duvel |
The glass is a beautiful, pale golden yellow with a thick head of medium sized bubbles. The head retention is impressive and a thin cap remained even at the end of the glass. Nice clumps of lacing adorned the sides of the glass.
A malty sweetness with notes of pepper and yeast are the main components of the aroma. There's also a little hint of hard apple cider coming from the fruity esters of the ale yeast and from the rather high alcohol component.
Duvel has a crisp and lively carbonation. It's sharp on the tongue, almost like champagne. It's similar to the First Beer (Brouwerij Lindemans' Framboise), but it's a bit stronger. Sweet, fruity flavors (apples and white grapes) and touches of alcohol come through with the first of the drink. Hoppy bitterness follows in the aftertaste. Pepper and other mild spices also come through. Of course, this is typical of most Belgian beers.
Overall, Duvel is a good pale ale. Crisp, clean, and very sessionable. However, like the Obscura from two nights ago, there are other great pale ales that come in at much more affordable prices. But the Belgian PLUS pale ale PLUS strong alcohol content style may be hard to find without dropping a few dollars.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV
Location: Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium
Website: http://www.duvel.com/
Style: Strong Pale Ale
Alcohol Content: 8.5% ABV
Interesting Note: Founded in 1871 by Jan-Leonard Moortgat, the brewery is still controlled by the Moortgat family. Over the years they've expanded their line of beers to include Maredsous (in conjunction with the monks of Maredsous Abbey) and they've purchased Brewery Ommegang, which produced the Third Beer of Christmas for 2013. In late 2013, they purchased another American brewer, Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Missouri.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Brouwerij De Musketiers - Troubadour Obscura
For the Eighth Beer of Christmas, we try one beer for all and all beers for one. Well, all beers for me ... that's kind of my personal credo. But I'm always willing to share.
While "Troubadour" stands out on the bottle, the name of the brewery is actually "the brewery of the musketeers." If I'd noticed that instead of "troubadour," I would have bought their beers a long time ago, simply based upon my adoration of Alexandre Dumas' classic novels.
A thick (but quickly disappearing) head of light beige foam topped the glass of dark chocolate brown beer. It was opaque but let light in around the edges of the glass to create a burnt sienna glow when held up to a lamp.
The beer gives off the mild scent of slightly overripe dark fruits - strawberries, blackberries, dates, and such. There's a bit of dark rum in there as well as a hint of a fancy glass of hot cocoa (not the Nestlé Quik version of hot chocolate that I grew up on).
Liquor soaked dates and figs are a big part of the taste. There's also some bitter chocolate with caramel and toffee notes. It's definitely sweet and chewy with low carbonatoin. It's very stout-like, so I'm not sure where the term "mild stout" comes from other than the mouth feel is not quite as full and rich as some of the stouts that I call my favorites (Deschutes' Obsidian, Santa Fe's Imperial Java, and Great Divide's Yeti ... coming up in a couple of nights.)
This is not a bad beer. In fact, it's pretty good. It beats Guinness hands down. But at $12 per bottle, I'd rather enjoy a six pack of Obsidian or Imperial Java for a few dollars less and nearly three times as much beer. Or a Yeti, of which there a variety of styles with different prices but all are deliciously enjoyable.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij De Musketiers
Location: Ursel, Belgium
Website: http://www.TroubadourBieren.be/en
Style: Stout
Alcohol Content: 8.5% ABV
Interesting Note: I am digging the story of this brewery. It's what I would want for my story if I had a brewery. Four friends in Belgium start a brewery and name it "Brewery of the Musketeers" because, "Like the real French Musketeers of the 18th century, the 4 friends bundled their enthusiasm and efforts, and created 'the Musketeers brewing company'."
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| Brouwerij De Musketiers Troubadour Obscura |
A thick (but quickly disappearing) head of light beige foam topped the glass of dark chocolate brown beer. It was opaque but let light in around the edges of the glass to create a burnt sienna glow when held up to a lamp.
The beer gives off the mild scent of slightly overripe dark fruits - strawberries, blackberries, dates, and such. There's a bit of dark rum in there as well as a hint of a fancy glass of hot cocoa (not the Nestlé Quik version of hot chocolate that I grew up on).
Liquor soaked dates and figs are a big part of the taste. There's also some bitter chocolate with caramel and toffee notes. It's definitely sweet and chewy with low carbonatoin. It's very stout-like, so I'm not sure where the term "mild stout" comes from other than the mouth feel is not quite as full and rich as some of the stouts that I call my favorites (Deschutes' Obsidian, Santa Fe's Imperial Java, and Great Divide's Yeti ... coming up in a couple of nights.)
This is not a bad beer. In fact, it's pretty good. It beats Guinness hands down. But at $12 per bottle, I'd rather enjoy a six pack of Obsidian or Imperial Java for a few dollars less and nearly three times as much beer. Or a Yeti, of which there a variety of styles with different prices but all are deliciously enjoyable.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij De Musketiers
Location: Ursel, Belgium
Website: http://www.TroubadourBieren.be/en
Style: Stout
Alcohol Content: 8.5% ABV
Interesting Note: I am digging the story of this brewery. It's what I would want for my story if I had a brewery. Four friends in Belgium start a brewery and name it "Brewery of the Musketeers" because, "Like the real French Musketeers of the 18th century, the 4 friends bundled their enthusiasm and efforts, and created 'the Musketeers brewing company'."
Monday, December 30, 2013
Bières de Chimay - Première (Red)
For the Sixth Beer of Christmas, we revisit my favorite Belgian brewer.
Chimay Grand Réserve is an old favorite. I reviewed it for Christmas 2011 and decided to pick up another of the Chimay family for this year's Twelve Beers.
Amber with tinges of purple and orange, the beer pours up an attractive glass with large off-white bubbles. The head disappeared quickly and left minimal lacing on the glass.
Peppery yeast is the first thought that comes to mind when inhaling the fragrance. There is also a sweet undertone, like bananas and citrus. It's a very clean smell.
The medium body of this beer is chased by crisp carbonation. The taste follows the aroma with sweetened black pepper, bananas, and light citrus (more lemon than orange) flavors along with some cloves and ginger. Overall the taste is a crisp and clean as the aroma. It's thoroughly enjoyable and refreshing.
While Première is quite a tasty drink, Grand Réserve costs the same (at least where I shop) and is, in my personal opinion, the better of the two.
Stats
Brewer: Bières de Chimay
Location: Baileux (Chimay), Belgium
Website: http://www.Chimay.com
Style: Dubbel
Alcohol Content: 7.0% ABV
Interesting Note: In sharp contrast to Rogue Ales, last night's brewer, Bières de Chimay only brews four beers: Grand Réserve, Première, Cinq Cents, and Dorée. The first three are readily available but the last is a special "patersbier" (or "Fathers' Beer") that is brewed for the monks themselves to drink. Until recently, it was only available to the monks at an inn near the abbey. But now the beer has branched out to a number of British pubs.
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| Bières de Chimay Première |
Amber with tinges of purple and orange, the beer pours up an attractive glass with large off-white bubbles. The head disappeared quickly and left minimal lacing on the glass.
Peppery yeast is the first thought that comes to mind when inhaling the fragrance. There is also a sweet undertone, like bananas and citrus. It's a very clean smell.
The medium body of this beer is chased by crisp carbonation. The taste follows the aroma with sweetened black pepper, bananas, and light citrus (more lemon than orange) flavors along with some cloves and ginger. Overall the taste is a crisp and clean as the aroma. It's thoroughly enjoyable and refreshing.
While Première is quite a tasty drink, Grand Réserve costs the same (at least where I shop) and is, in my personal opinion, the better of the two.
Stats
Brewer: Bières de Chimay
Location: Baileux (Chimay), Belgium
Website: http://www.Chimay.com
Style: Dubbel
Alcohol Content: 7.0% ABV
Interesting Note: In sharp contrast to Rogue Ales, last night's brewer, Bières de Chimay only brews four beers: Grand Réserve, Première, Cinq Cents, and Dorée. The first three are readily available but the last is a special "patersbier" (or "Fathers' Beer") that is brewed for the monks themselves to drink. Until recently, it was only available to the monks at an inn near the abbey. But now the beer has branched out to a number of British pubs.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Brewery Ommegang - Ommegang XV
For the Third Beer of Christmas, Cooperstown, New York, gave me a Belgian gift. I mean sure, why not? If Belgium can deliver gifts from Scotland, why can't central New York state pick up where Belgium left off?
As a fan of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series as well as HBO's Game of Thrones television series, when I saw Ommegang's Iron Throne blonde ale and Take the Black stout, I had to buy them. They were good, but still seemed more publicity oriented than excellent beer oriented. When I saw their 15th Anniversary Ale sitting on the shelf, especially in that snazzy can, I knew it was time for another Ommegang.
This Belgian-American (that's the politically correct term, right?) offering produced a beautiful deep brown and opaque glass with a thick head of large, fluffy bubbles. The foam receded to a ring around the edge of the glass and scattered bubbles on the surface that looked like thin clouds on a windy late spring day.
The aroma is thick and malty. Roasted malts full of dates, brown sugar, and spice are evident along with a backdrop of yeast. This seems pretty typical of most dark, Belgian ales I've had.
The sweet spiciness of a Belgian is the predominant taste. The carbonation gives a nice crisp tingling on the tongue that chases down throat. It's a similar sensation to having a little touch of wasabi (don't worry, it doesn't taste like wasabi). The hop bittering comes through stronger in the aftertaste than with the initial drink. It's strong and warming and left me with a nice glow.
This might be my favorite quadrupel of all time. It's too bad that it's nearly $18 per bottle. Although, if you compare that to a nice bottle of wine, it's not that expensive. I'll just have to decide if I want to share the bottles with my lovely wife (who was asking how much this was and justifying it as no more pricey than wine).
Stats
Brewer: Brewery Ommegang
Location: Cooperstown, New York
Website: http://www.Ommegang.com
Style: Quadrupel
Alcohol Content: 9.6% ABV
Interesting Note: Brewery Ommegang is owned by Duvel Moortgat Brewery which will be featured again for the Tenth Beer of Christmas with Duvel.
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| Brewery Ommegang Ommegang XV |
This Belgian-American (that's the politically correct term, right?) offering produced a beautiful deep brown and opaque glass with a thick head of large, fluffy bubbles. The foam receded to a ring around the edge of the glass and scattered bubbles on the surface that looked like thin clouds on a windy late spring day.
The aroma is thick and malty. Roasted malts full of dates, brown sugar, and spice are evident along with a backdrop of yeast. This seems pretty typical of most dark, Belgian ales I've had.
The sweet spiciness of a Belgian is the predominant taste. The carbonation gives a nice crisp tingling on the tongue that chases down throat. It's a similar sensation to having a little touch of wasabi (don't worry, it doesn't taste like wasabi). The hop bittering comes through stronger in the aftertaste than with the initial drink. It's strong and warming and left me with a nice glow.
This might be my favorite quadrupel of all time. It's too bad that it's nearly $18 per bottle. Although, if you compare that to a nice bottle of wine, it's not that expensive. I'll just have to decide if I want to share the bottles with my lovely wife (who was asking how much this was and justifying it as no more pricey than wine).
Stats
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| Ommegang XV Can |
Location: Cooperstown, New York
Website: http://www.Ommegang.com
Style: Quadrupel
Alcohol Content: 9.6% ABV
Interesting Note: Brewery Ommegang is owned by Duvel Moortgat Brewery which will be featured again for the Tenth Beer of Christmas with Duvel.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Brasserie de Silly - Barrel Aged Scotch De Silly
For the Second Beer of Christmas, Belgium delivers a Scottish gift.
This was an unusual bottle sitting on the shelf at Spec's. With the champagne cork, it looks like the other Belgian beers on the shelf. But the large word "SCOTCH" said it was something different. And yet it's still from Belgium. That little anomaly cried out to me and said, "Put me in the shopping cart."
I've been a fan of Scotch and Scottish ales (what's the difference you ask ... see below) for a long time - going back to when I was still drinking Budweiser on a regular basis. This one was certainly not a disappointment.
The beer created a beautiful walnut colored glass with a moderate head that quickly thinned to just a ring around the outside of the glass. There was almost no lacing left after the beer was gone. The aroma was full of spice and molasses. A little hazelnut and freshly sawn lumber round out the nose.
The taste is sweet with a moderate molasses flavor that's tamed by the hops. There's a bit of raisins to it and woody undertones which much come from the barrel aging. An almost brazen flourish of alcohol comes through in the aftertaste.
Choosing a favorite between this one and Oskar Blues' Old Chub (reviewed for Christmas 2011) is a tough call. Old Chub is smoother and cheaper - the latter being a big plus in my book. This is a tasty treat. I enjoyed the rough edges versus Old Chub's smoother, creamier feel. I'll buy it again, probably on a whim, but I imagine I'll pick up a six-pack of Old Chub a lot more frequently.
Stats
Brewer: Brasserie de Silly
Location: Silly, Belgium
Website: http://www.silly-beer.com/ (English, French, and Dutch translations are available)
Style: Scotch Ale
Alcohol Content: 9.0% ABV
Interesting Note: According to Wikipedia, Silly is named for a local stream (called Sille in French and Zulle in Dutch). It has nothing to do with the English word. Isn't that silly? Ba-dum ching!
Scotch Ale vs Scottish Ale
These siblings are best described as being like the twins Julius and Vincent Benedict from the movie "Twins." One is big, bold, and strong while the other one smells like Danny DeVito. Umm, no, wait ... that's not right. One is big, bold, and strong while the other one is a lighter, smaller version cut from the same cloth (or barley). Though brewed from the same ingredients (more or less), Scotch Ale (the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the pair) tends to be bigger, bolder, heavier, and higher in alcohol. Scottish Ale (the Danny DeVito) is a lighter version with lower alcohol and tends to be more sessionable. Although, to be completely honest, I'd rather watch a series of Arnold movies than Danny movies.
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| Brasserie de Silly Barrel Aged Scotch De Silly |
I've been a fan of Scotch and Scottish ales (what's the difference you ask ... see below) for a long time - going back to when I was still drinking Budweiser on a regular basis. This one was certainly not a disappointment.
The beer created a beautiful walnut colored glass with a moderate head that quickly thinned to just a ring around the outside of the glass. There was almost no lacing left after the beer was gone. The aroma was full of spice and molasses. A little hazelnut and freshly sawn lumber round out the nose.
The taste is sweet with a moderate molasses flavor that's tamed by the hops. There's a bit of raisins to it and woody undertones which much come from the barrel aging. An almost brazen flourish of alcohol comes through in the aftertaste.
Choosing a favorite between this one and Oskar Blues' Old Chub (reviewed for Christmas 2011) is a tough call. Old Chub is smoother and cheaper - the latter being a big plus in my book. This is a tasty treat. I enjoyed the rough edges versus Old Chub's smoother, creamier feel. I'll buy it again, probably on a whim, but I imagine I'll pick up a six-pack of Old Chub a lot more frequently.
Stats
Brewer: Brasserie de Silly
Location: Silly, Belgium
Website: http://www.silly-beer.com/ (English, French, and Dutch translations are available)
Style: Scotch Ale
Alcohol Content: 9.0% ABV
Interesting Note: According to Wikipedia, Silly is named for a local stream (called Sille in French and Zulle in Dutch). It has nothing to do with the English word. Isn't that silly? Ba-dum ching!
Scotch Ale vs Scottish Ale
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Brouwerij Lindemans - Framboise
For the First Beer of Christmas, Belgium gave to me a drink brewed with raspberr-err-ies.
I admit that for several years I avoided lambics. Sour beer, often made with fruit, just never appealed to me. Don't make the mistake I made - jump in and try one.
As you can see in the picture, the beer pours up a beautiful, deep ruby red glass with thick head of fine pink bubbles which quickly dissolved to a wispy cap. Moderate pink lacing clung to the glass as I drank.
A few months ago, my wife and I ate at a French bakery while on vacation. We finished up with a raspberry tart and coffee. The Framboise has a sweet, almost syrupy, and tart aroma that is almost exactly what I remember the French raspberry tart smelling like. There is almost no alcohol scent, but with the rather low 2.5% alcohol content, that's not surprising.
The feel is light and crisp with a champagne-like effervescence. It's extremely sweet and tart, like a Sour Punch Straw or Jolly Rancher. The puckering reaction lasts just long enough for you to put the glass down before you want to pick it back up for another drink.
This would be a great after-dinner drink or dessert replacement during the holidays. But remember to bring a cork screw along with your bottle opener as these Belgian treats are capped and corked.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Lindemans
Location: Vlezenbeek, Belgium
Website: http://www.lindemans.be/start/home/en (English version ... French and Dutch are available if you want them)
Style: Lambic (Fruit)
Alcohol Content: 2.5% ABV
Interesting Note: In the late 1800s, the Lindemans family owned a farm, which produced barley and wheat, and brewed lambics (with the barley and wheat) during the winter when there were fewer chores around the farm. By the 1930s, the brewing outpaced the farming and the farming side was closed down. Over time, different styles (sour cherry, black currant, apple, peach, and, of course, raspberry) were added to the lineup.
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| Brouwerij Lindemans Framboise |
As you can see in the picture, the beer pours up a beautiful, deep ruby red glass with thick head of fine pink bubbles which quickly dissolved to a wispy cap. Moderate pink lacing clung to the glass as I drank.
A few months ago, my wife and I ate at a French bakery while on vacation. We finished up with a raspberry tart and coffee. The Framboise has a sweet, almost syrupy, and tart aroma that is almost exactly what I remember the French raspberry tart smelling like. There is almost no alcohol scent, but with the rather low 2.5% alcohol content, that's not surprising.
The feel is light and crisp with a champagne-like effervescence. It's extremely sweet and tart, like a Sour Punch Straw or Jolly Rancher. The puckering reaction lasts just long enough for you to put the glass down before you want to pick it back up for another drink.
This would be a great after-dinner drink or dessert replacement during the holidays. But remember to bring a cork screw along with your bottle opener as these Belgian treats are capped and corked.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Lindemans
Location: Vlezenbeek, Belgium
Website: http://www.lindemans.be/start/home/en (English version ... French and Dutch are available if you want them)
Style: Lambic (Fruit)
Alcohol Content: 2.5% ABV
Interesting Note: In the late 1800s, the Lindemans family owned a farm, which produced barley and wheat, and brewed lambics (with the barley and wheat) during the winter when there were fewer chores around the farm. By the 1930s, the brewing outpaced the farming and the farming side was closed down. Over time, different styles (sour cherry, black currant, apple, peach, and, of course, raspberry) were added to the lineup.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Brouwerij Huyghe - Delirium Noël
At 358 years of age, Brouwerij Huyghe has a history of numerous names, owners, and beers. But the current incarnation is certainly the most celebrated.
Deep mahogany with a light haze, the beer forms a nice head due to strong carbonation. However, the head doesn't stick around and quickly slips away to a thin white cap. The lacing is minimal and leaves a fine mesh that washes away with the tilting of the glass.
The strong aroma floats free of the glass and filled the space around me. It's a very nice mix of sweet malt with heavy splashes of spice. Mostly black pepper and cinnamon.
The flavor matched the aroma: sweet with pepper and cinnamon. There was a yeastiness to each drink, too. Given the very high alcohol content, 10%, the esters were much lighter than I would have believed. It came through, of course, but more as a mildly warming aftertaste than an overarching characteristic. Be warned, though, the alcohol is definitely there. By the bottom of the bottle, my ears and cheeks were a little flush.
Brandon commented on the yeast in both the smell and taste. Aaron remarked on the warming alcohol finish. And Wyatt said the finish was surprisingly tart. He added that this was an "I'll just have one" kind of beer for him.
Ratings
Aaron: 9.5
Brandon: 9.5
Wyatt: 9.5
Tracy: 9
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij Huyghe
Location: Melle, Belgium
Website: http://www.Delirium.be
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Alcohol Content: 10.0% ABV
Interesting Note: Nearly 21 years ago, in April of 1992, "Confrerie van de Roze Olifant" (Brotherhood of the Pink Elephant) was formed to promote the ancient brewing traditions of Melle and, especially, Brouwerij Huyghe's flagship beer, Delirium Tremens. In addition, they do charitable work and wear snazzy outfits. There are currently on 23 members, but I'm going to send in my application to be an absentee professor.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Brouwerij St. Bernardus – Christmas Ale
My introduction to Brouwerij St. Bernardus came two years ago during our first Twelve Beers of Christmas. Until this Christmas, I had not seen another style from St. Bernardus, so I was excited to pick up a bottle of their Christmas Ale.
The cork popped free of the bottle with a resounding thump and a strong aroma of malt and mulling spices filled my nose. As the beer poured, a fuller aroma became apparent as sweet spice cake, dates, and cloves joined the bouquet along with a warm scent of alcohol.
During the pour, the head rose quickly with a thick mesh of tiny bubbles and stayed long into the drink. The thickness of the malt and high carbonation led to a heavy lacing on the side of the glass.
The mouth feel is dryer than I expected due to the maltiness of the aroma. There is an underlying sweetness of dark fruit and caramel that accompanies floral hops. The spices come through with flavors of pumpkin pie and cloves. The alcohol taste was less harsh than I thought it would be given the 10% ABV, but the warming effect was present in full.
This was a great beer to start The Twelve Beers of Christmas. And a great beer to share. This year my beer loving friends Aaron, Brandon, and Wyatt joined me. Aaron and Brandon commented that it was fruity with spicy notes at the end. In addition, we decided to give the beers a rating. We'll go from 1 to 12 (since it's The Twelve Beers and not The Ten Beers). Note: it's not a ranking, just a rating.
Ratings
Aaron: 9Stats
Brandon: 9
Wyatt: 8
Tracy: 8
Brewer: Brouwerij St. Bernardus (Brewery St. Bernardus)
Location: Watou, Belgium
Website: http://www.SintBernardus.be/
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Alcohol Content: 10.0% ABV
Interesting Note: St. Bernardus creates their beer using their own specialized strains of yeast as well as hops grown in their very own hop fields which are adjacent to the brewery.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Bières de Chimay – Grande Réserve (Blue)
For the Twelfth Beer of Christmas, we celebrated in style.
Unlike some of the other beers, I’ve had this one before. Several
times. Chimay Grande Réserve has long been a celebratory beer around my
house. With every new job, I buy a bottle of Chimay.
Accomplish something I’m proud of, I buy a bottle. When Aubrey turned 21 and again when she graduated, I bought her a bottle. And so, to celebrate the final night we bought another.
I won’t bother raving about how great this beer is. Obviously it’s something special. At least to me. Instead, I’ll just tell you about it as I have the others.
It pours out a mahogany brown. Translucent but not transparent. The head forms rapidly and nearly overflowed the glass as I was getting ready to take the photo. But it dissipates rapidly to a light frosting with low lacing.
Moderate alcohol esters follow cedar, dark fruit, and faint yeast scents.
The yeast and alcohol come through in the flavor along with roasted malt, raisins, and a smokey wood. The carbonation is crisp and light. A nice compliment to the silky smooth, medium body.
At nearly $13 a bottle (for 750 ml), this is probably not what you want for your staple beer (mine is Shiner Bock). But I highly recommend that you find a reason to celebrate and grab a bottle of Chimay Grande Réserve. Maybe just celebrate that it’s Thursday!
Stats
Brewer: Bières de Chimay
Location: Belgium
Website: http://www.Chimay.com
Style: Strong Ale
Alcohol Content: 9.0% ABV
Interesting Note: Grande Réserve is a Trappist beer. These are brewed only by monks in Trappist monasteries. Of the 174 monasteries in the world, only 7 produce beer and are authorized to use the “Authentic Trappist Product” logo.
Accomplish something I’m proud of, I buy a bottle. When Aubrey turned 21 and again when she graduated, I bought her a bottle. And so, to celebrate the final night we bought another.
I won’t bother raving about how great this beer is. Obviously it’s something special. At least to me. Instead, I’ll just tell you about it as I have the others.
It pours out a mahogany brown. Translucent but not transparent. The head forms rapidly and nearly overflowed the glass as I was getting ready to take the photo. But it dissipates rapidly to a light frosting with low lacing.
Moderate alcohol esters follow cedar, dark fruit, and faint yeast scents.
The yeast and alcohol come through in the flavor along with roasted malt, raisins, and a smokey wood. The carbonation is crisp and light. A nice compliment to the silky smooth, medium body.
At nearly $13 a bottle (for 750 ml), this is probably not what you want for your staple beer (mine is Shiner Bock). But I highly recommend that you find a reason to celebrate and grab a bottle of Chimay Grande Réserve. Maybe just celebrate that it’s Thursday!
Stats
Brewer: Bières de Chimay
Location: Belgium
Website: http://www.Chimay.com
Style: Strong Ale
Alcohol Content: 9.0% ABV
Interesting Note: Grande Réserve is a Trappist beer. These are brewed only by monks in Trappist monasteries. Of the 174 monasteries in the world, only 7 produce beer and are authorized to use the “Authentic Trappist Product” logo.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Brouwerij St. Bernardus – Abt 12
For the Eleventh Beer of Christmas, found a beer with an alcohol percentage that nearly matched.
We continued our trek east from England to Belgium (and plan to do so
again tomorrow with a German brew). Probably the most famous brews in
Belgium are the Trappist beers.
While St. Bernardus is an abbey ale, it is not a Trappist beer. But
it carries on the Trappist traditions of brewing even though it comes
from a commercial brewer.
Although a beautiful medium/dark brown, the beer is translucent rather than transparent as most of the other medium-ish beers have been. Most commercial beers I’ve drank have tended towards transparent except for the hefeweizens and some other heavier wheats. The head was very thick and left a lot of lacing on the glass. The smell was rich with an apple and yeast smell that reminded me of home-brewed hard cider. Strong but not unpleasant.
The taste starts off sweet with a strong dose of cloves. Partially disguised in the flavor, the alcohol sneaks past the cloves for a brandy-like sharpness and a finish that is both warming (not surprising) and smooth (surprising).
Would I drink this again? You bet. And I would recommend it time and again. But if I’m going to buy a big 750ml bottle of strong, dark ale, I prefer the true Trappist Chimay Grande Reserve.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij St. Bernardus (Brewery St. Bernardus)
Location: Watou, Belgium
Website: http://www.SintBernardus.be
Style: Quadrupel
Alcohol Content: 10.5% ABV
Interesting Note: The beer now known as St. Bernardus used to be a Trappist beer, but the St. Sixtus monastery decided to turn over brewing to a commercial enterprise which brewed under a “Trappist license” until 1992 when the Trappist Monasteries agreed to impose qualifications that required true “Trappisentbiers” to be brewed within a Trappist monastery.
Although a beautiful medium/dark brown, the beer is translucent rather than transparent as most of the other medium-ish beers have been. Most commercial beers I’ve drank have tended towards transparent except for the hefeweizens and some other heavier wheats. The head was very thick and left a lot of lacing on the glass. The smell was rich with an apple and yeast smell that reminded me of home-brewed hard cider. Strong but not unpleasant.
The taste starts off sweet with a strong dose of cloves. Partially disguised in the flavor, the alcohol sneaks past the cloves for a brandy-like sharpness and a finish that is both warming (not surprising) and smooth (surprising).
Would I drink this again? You bet. And I would recommend it time and again. But if I’m going to buy a big 750ml bottle of strong, dark ale, I prefer the true Trappist Chimay Grande Reserve.
Stats
Brewer: Brouwerij St. Bernardus (Brewery St. Bernardus)
Location: Watou, Belgium
Website: http://www.SintBernardus.be
Style: Quadrupel
Alcohol Content: 10.5% ABV
Interesting Note: The beer now known as St. Bernardus used to be a Trappist beer, but the St. Sixtus monastery decided to turn over brewing to a commercial enterprise which brewed under a “Trappist license” until 1992 when the Trappist Monasteries agreed to impose qualifications that required true “Trappisentbiers” to be brewed within a Trappist monastery.
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