Belgian Beer no.265: Bornem Dubbel

This time a beer review from a fellow Brussels beer blogger, Andrew, over at 40 Beers at 40. That's a good goal, no?

Text and photo: Andrew

Website/ blog: 40 Beers at 40

Here’s an abbey beer from the Van Steenberge group for damp Thursday. It’s wonderfully dark, and it has an absurdly thick head -- you could build a wall out of it.

The taste is burnt oak and “sour molasses”. The 8% alcohol doesn’t overwhelm. Overall, however, I’d say it’s not complex enough. A beer this dark with a head this thick promises more flavour than this brew delivers.

I was hoping for something deeper and richer.It’s drinkable, of course, but I probably wouldn’t buy this one again. Maybe no beer can brighten up a damp Thursday.

If you feel like guest blogging a Belgian Beer on Belgian Beers, drop me a line at andreeainbxl [at] hotmail [dot] com.

Belgian Beer no.264: Titje

Still at home, the Titje, a white beer brewed by Brasserie de Silly. The usual fresh, white, coriander tasting beer, 4.7%. Very pleasant. Nothing unusual.

Anyone know what Titje means?

Belgian Beer no.263: Super des Fagnes Griottes

So so so very sweet! 4.8 cherry beer brewed by Brasserie des Fagnes.

Belgian Beer no.262: Hoegaarden Citron

Yeah, ok, I know it is mass produced and I know a lot of you go 'hrumph' but there are mass produced beers I like. And then there are others I don't.

Hoegaarden brought out summer versions, one of which is Hoegaarden Citron (lemon). And when it's hot and sunny, I think this is the perfect 3% beer. Voila!

Belgian Beer no.261: Joseph

OK, I know the photo is all fuzzy - it was also almost dark! Meet Joseph, the spelt beer.

Now I do like my seazonal, organic food but I am by no means a purist. So a bio and spelt beer, all a little too 'hype' for me. We tried it, and there is something nice about it. Low in alcohol 5.4% and very yeasty.

Somehow I don't think I am into 'special' beers. Remember this one? But what I am really happy about is to discover Brasserie de Silenrieux. Just look at all those beers they brew, waiting to be discovered. Hopefully not all made with spelt...

Belgian Beer no.260: Val Dieu Blonde

Still at home; still going through the beers stored in our cellar. This time around the Val Dieu Blonde. A real marathon of Belgian beers don't you think?

This is a high fermentation, real abbey style blonde beer. Slightly spicy, at 6% very pleasant beer. Brewed of course by the Abbaye Val-Dieu.

I do like blonde beers!

Belgian Beer no.259: Bruegel

I know, I know, but at 5% a fairly 'weak' Belgian beer. Very nice amber beer though. And as it is light, it does go down very well and is pleasant to drink.

Brewed by Brasserie van Steenberge.

Belgian Beer no.258: Abbaye Val Dieu Noel

I guess we tried this one of fear it might be off. It is a Val Dieu Noel/ Christmas beer. Of course it wasn't off!

At 7% a pleasant beer, highly yeasty and malty, fairly balanced beer. Brewed by the Abbaye du Val Dieu.

Belgian Beer no.257: Alvinne

Alvinne Bruin is the next beer tried at home. (Did I mention we really need to get out and try some more beers?!).

A dark ale, at 6.5% and brewed by the Picobrouwerij Alvinne. So and so. A little on the bitter side for my taste. Also, I might be mistaken, but I think the brewery stopped producing it. Am I right?

Belgian Beer no.49: Revisited - St Donat

We had it before. Brewed by the now out of business Brasserie Saint Donat. Is that correct?

A 8% amber beer, slightly bitter. Not one of my favorites.

Belgian Beer no.256: Villers Oud / Villers Vieille

We're still around. No worries. We didn't stop www.belgian-beers.eu ... just took a little break. A food and wine break in Italy.

The Old Villers. Brewed by Brasserie Huyghe. A brown, 7% beers, classified as a double. There is something slightly salty sweet about this beer. Hints of caramel. A pleasant beer. Again tasted at home ... I really think we need to go out soon for some beer drinking!