I freaking love Belgians. I’m not really a beer drinker - 'round here, most people favor really hoppy beers, which I’m really not interested in. The Belgians bring the malt, and I love them for it.
Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet, mmmmm!
They take one label a year and cave-age a limited quantity. It is available only at the brewery. It’s a very small place, so taking a “tour” is not as exciting as it sounds, but they do offer samples. drastic_quench, Three Philosophers is my favorite too.
I like them, but I find that a lot of the beers here in Quebec that advertise themselves as ‘Belgian style’ (or as resembling beer from some other European country like Germany or the Czech Republic) taste nothing like them. They’re distinctly different.
As for Belgian beer, I am very partial to Maredsous. Try it, you’ll love it.
I go through cycles. Hops in warm weather, malt in cool weather. I would also get bored to death drinking one or the other year round.
Anyhow, to the OP, as drastic_queen already mentioned, St. Bernardus Abt. 12 would probably rank my #1 Belgian. I’ve also heard that it’s almost indistinguishable from its legendary cousin, Westvleteren 12, but I have not been able to get my hands on that one, so I wouldn’t know.
As for gueuzes, which I freaking love (although that’s another warm weather beer for me), Lindemann’s Cuvee Renee and Cantillon’s Gueuze are the standard-bearers, but I’m personally fond of Hanssen’s Oude Gueuze. Hannsen’s is a bit more intense, funky, and sour than the more refined Cuvee Renee and Cantillon Gueuze.
For something way out there, try to find a sour ale. My local bar has Bockor Cuvee des Jacobin Rouge on tap. Delicious.
I love the beers from the Brasserie d’Achouffe. Their La Chouffe Blonde is outstanding, as is the darker McChouffe, but the real star is this:
If you’re a fan of the really hoppy IPAs that seem to be in vogue at the moment, then this is probably the best one I’ve had. Fantastic stuff, and deceptively easy to quaff despite being 9% abv.
I miss Rodenbach Grand Cru. Truly one of the best beers evar, but I can’t get it where I live now.
I also miss the original Celis White made in Texas, which was every bit as good as the ones made in Belgium. I’ve never had any of the current Celis beers as I believe they are only available in Michigan.
We need reference to a Periodic Table of Beer.
Another vote for: ** Stella Artois**.
What a coincidence! I tried this for the very first time tonight, and agree heartily.
I’ve never seen that before, so thanks for posting it! That’s awesome!
I totally love Orval-- doesn’t taste like anything else, quite. Not keen on the dubbel type-- maltier than I like-- but big blond tripel fan, and oud bruins/flemish reds (EXCEPT Duchesse, which tastes like balsamic vinegar in a sweet way), and geuzen. I spend a bit of time in west Flanders from time to time and hunt down some Westvleteren when I can but I’ve never made it on site and the grey market bottles are irritatingly overpriced. Ah, SAISON! Luvs me saison.
check out De Koninck
