Belgian Beer Tour
On average, Belgians consume about 25 gallons of beer each year, no surprise as they’ve been brewing beer since the Middle Ages. There are approximately 125 breweries in the country, ranging from international giants to microbreweries, and they produce about 800 standard kinds of beers.
1) Duvel
Belgian Golden Ale/Strong Pale Duvel Moortgat 8.5% ABV
Duvel is the quintessential example of a Belgian strong pale ale: complex and powerful ale, yet delicate with rounded flavors and big, billowy, rocky, white head. Hop and malt character can vary, most are fruity and quite hoppy, but hop flavor and aroma will generally be within the low range and artfully balanced.
2) Van Steenberge Leute Bokbier
Dark Red Ale Brouwerij Van Steenberge 7.5% ABV
First brewed in 1927, in Flemish “Leute” means pleasure, and beer brings pleasure. This dark red ale is served in a traditional tumbler that specially fits on a wooden block.
3) Pauwel Kwak
Belgian Strong Pale Ale Brouwerij Bosteels 8.4% ABV
Golden blonde with a rich and fruity flavor. Utilizing four different types of malts and two types of hops, this ale has a very distinct character. This is the only beer brewed in Bruges’ towncenter. The name of the beer literally means “fools of Bruges” after a historical parade full of costumes.
4) Maredsous 8
Belgian Dubbel Duvel Moortgat 8.0% ABV
The Belgian Dubbel is a rich malty beer with some spicy / phenolic and mild alcoholic characteristics. Mild hop bitterness with no lingering hop flavors. It may show traits of a steely caramel flavor from the use of crystal malt or dark candy sugar. Look for a medium to full body with an expressive carbonation.
5) Buffalo Belgian Stout
Belgian Strong Dark Ale Van den Bossche 9.0% ABV
In 1907 “Buffalo Bill’s” Circus from the US played on the town square of Sint-Lievens-Esse. The brewery workers arranged for a young apprentice to watch over the brew kettels. He did, but he forgot to stir and Buffalo was born.
$15 to taste all 5 beers
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