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Introduction
Belgian beer is globally celebrated for its rich tradition, diverse range of flavors, and innovative brewing techniques. The country’s beers have consistently won accolades and captivated beer enthusiasts around the world. In this blog post, we delve into the most awarded Belgian beers—each with its own unique story and appeal. From the famed Orval to the exquisite Paix Dieu, discover what makes these beers stand out. We’ll provide a brief history of Belgian beer, introduce the top 10 award-winning brews, and offer insights into each brand’s distinct characteristics. Join us on this journey through Belgium’s finest beers and rediscover cherished classics and modern favorites alike.
History and Overview of Belgian Beer
The brewing tradition in Belgium extends over hundreds of years, with its roots traced back to the Middle Ages. Monastic orders played a crucial role in this heritage, perfecting recipes that would stand the test of time. Belgium’s unique beer landscape is characterized by its variety, including Trappist ales, abbey beers, and lambics, each bringing a distinct taste and complexity.
Belgium’s beer reputation is solidified by its adherence to quality and tradition while embracing innovation. Belgian brewers take pride in their craftsmanship, which is why they often incorporate local ingredients, yeast strains, and, occasionally, spices and fruits to achieve unique flavors. This has earned the country a revered position in the global brewing community.
Here are the Top 10 Best Belgian Beers:
Orval
Orval, brewed at the Orval Abbey, is renowned for its distinctive amber hue and complex flavors. This Trappist ale is known for its dry, bitter profile, with hints of herbs and fruit resulting from its unique fermentation process involving Brettanomyces yeast. Orval’s timeless and idiosyncratic taste has garnered admiration and numerous awards worldwide.
The brewers maintain rigorous standards, ensuring each batch of Orval is consistent in quality and taste. Its bottle-conditioned method allows it to age gracefully, developing even richer flavors over time, making it a staple in any beer enthusiast’s collection.
Tripel Karmeliet
Originating from Brouwerij Bosteels, Tripel Karmeliet is a golden ale with an illustrious history dating back to the 17th century. Brewed with barley, wheat, and oats, this tripel boasts a smooth texture complemented by citrus notes and a subtle spiciness. Its creamy head and floral aroma further enhance its refined palate.
Tripel Karmeliet’s dedication to combining history and craftsmanship has won it a plethora of awards. Its ability to celebrate traditional brewing practices while offering a uniquely modern flavor experience makes it a standout option among beer connoisseurs.
Chimay Bleue
Chimay Bleue, or Chimay Blue, is an emblematic strong dark ale first brewed as a Christmas ale in 1956 by Trappist Monks at Scourmont Abbey. Characterized by its deep brown color and aromas of dark fruit and chocolate, Chimay Bleue delivers a complex, rich taste with notes of caramel and spices.
This beer’s perfect balance and robust flavors have not gone unnoticed, earning it high praise and numerous awards. Chimay Bleue’s versatility, whether paired with elegant dishes or enjoyed on its own, reinforces its status as a classic in the Trappist beer tradition.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium Tremens is a world-renowned strong pale ale, produced by the Huyghe Brewery. Recognizable by its whimsical pink elephant logo, it offers a vibrant fusion of spicy and fruity notes. The meticulous triple fermentation process imparts a complex yet harmonious flavor profile.
Delirium Tremens has been lauded for its distinctive character and beer aficionados have awarded it multiple titles, including “Best Beer in the World.” Its seamless balance of strength and finesse entices and exhilarates the senses, making it a memorable choice for those seeking an extraordinary beer experience.
Boon Kriek
Boon Kriek, crafted by the Brouwerij Boon, is a traditional lambic beer that captures the essence of Belgian cherry ales. Made by fermenting lambic beer with fresh cherries, it delivers a vibrant red hue and a sweet, fruity bouquet balanced by a dry, tart finish.
This refreshing beer has earned accolades for its authentic representation of a fruit-infused lambic and is often celebrated for its artisanal production methods. Boon Kriek’s delightful balance of fruity sweetness and underlying acidity makes it a beloved selection among lambic enthusiasts worldwide.
Westmalle Tripel
The revered Westmalle Tripel is considered the pinnacle of Belgian tripel ales. Crafted by the Trappist monks of Westmalle Abbey, it flaunts a golden color, a robust body, and a harmonious blend of malty sweetness and hop bitterness.
Regarded as the “mother of all tripels,” Westmalle Tripel has achieved global recognition for its masterful composition and depth of flavor. Its effervescent character and elegant balance have led to countless awards, securing its place as a must-try for beer aficionados.
Cantillon Gueuze
Brasserie Cantillon’s Gueuze is considered a masterpiece of the lambic brewing tradition. Created by blending young and old lambics, this beer is naturally fermented and features a complex array of flavors, including tart, earthy, and fruity notes.
The brewery’s commitment to traditional brewing techniques has made Cantillon Gueuze a classic among purists and a subject of acclaim at international competitions. Its artisanal approach and depth of flavor offer an unmatched experience reflective of true Belgian brewing artistry.
XX Bitter
Brouwerij De Ranke’s XX Bitter is a celebrated Belgian ale known for its pronounced hop bitterness. Bright and golden with a crisp, dry finish, it showcases a delicate balance between floral hop aromas and a subtle malt backbone.
XX Bitter has made a name among hop enthusiasts and is praised for its daring embrace of bitterness. Its innovative take on a Belgian bitter ale has captivated both traditionalists and those seeking refreshing, hop-forward flavors.
Duvel
Duvel, meaning “devil” in Flemish, is a world-renowned strong golden ale produced by the Duvel Moortgat Brewery. Its bright golden color, creamy white head, and subtle fruitiness combined with a hint of spiciness make it a beloved classic.
Duvel’s meticulous brewing process, including a lengthy conditioning period, bestows it with a remarkable smoothness and carbonation. Its multifaceted flavor and widespread acclaim have led to numerous awards, solidifying its position as an iconic Belgian beer.
Paix Dieu
Paix Dieu, a true abbey beer brewed by Brasserie Caulier, is unique in that it is crafted only during a full moon. This Belgian tripel boasts a rich body with notes of honey, vanilla, and a hint of citrus. Its luxurious texture and complex flavor profile have garnered admiration and recognition.
The moon-based brewing schedule of Paix Dieu adds an intriguing character to this beer, emphasizing natural ingredients and traditional methods. Its devout following and recognition in various beer competitions highlight its distinctiveness and charm.
Continuer la Lecture
Whether you’re exploring Belgian beer for the first time or are a seasoned connoisseur, the journey through these award-winning brews promises to be an enlightening adventure. Consider visiting local beer tastings, attending festivals, or even traveling to Belgium to experience these remarkable beers firsthand. Understanding the stories and passion behind each brew enriches the appreciation and enjoyment of these iconic Belgian creations.
Leave a Comment
We welcome your thoughts on these exceptional Belgian beers. Have you tried any of them, or do you have a personal favorite? Share your experiences and suggestions with our community. Beer is best enjoyed together, and your insights could guide others in their pursuit of the perfect Belgian brew!
Next Steps
| Beer | Type | Distinct Features |
|---|---|---|
| Orval | Trappist Ale | Amber hue, dry, complex flavors, Brettanomyces yeast |
| Tripel Karmeliet | Golden Ale | Barley, wheat, oats, citrus notes, creamy head |
| Chimay Bleue | Strong Dark Ale | Dark fruit, chocolate, caramel, spices |
| Delirium Tremens | Strong Pale Ale | Spicy, fruity, triple fermentation |
| Boon Kriek | Lambic | Fresh cherries, dry, tart finish |
| Westmalle Tripel | Tripel Ale | Golden, robust, hop bitterness |
| Cantillon Gueuze | Lambic | Tart, earthy, fruity notes, blended lambics |
| XX Bitter | Bitter Ale | Hop bitterness, floral aromas, crisp finish |
| Duvel | Strong Golden Ale | Golden, creamy head, fruity, spicy |
| Paix Dieu | Abbey Tripel | Full moon brewing, honey, vanilla, citrus |
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