Hoegaarden - Witbier-biere blanche

"The original Belgian White Beer"

A popular Wheat beer brewed in traditional Belgium white style, Hoegaarden is brewed in Flanders since 1966 and is owned by InBev since 1987. The Wheat beer has departed from it's original Hoegaarden recipe, and therefore some of it's punch and character to appeal to a wider audience. However, this departure has led to some of it's success, now widely distributed throughout the world.

Hoegaarden is often found in my beer fridge since it is easy to find, economical, and rather mellow. As with most Wheat beers, you can dress it up a bit with some citrus. I prefer a thin slice of orange peel, but often drink it as-is. Citrus tends to pull out some of the subtle spice flavors including coriander. This beer is creamy, smooth, and very drinkable.

Color: Naturally cloudy gold (unfiltered) with a strikingly white (but short-lived) head

Alcohol: 4.9% ABV

Glass: A chilled and chunky tumbler

Beer Bloggle Score: 75% - lacking a pleasing after taste and a little too mellow but easy and pleasant to drink.

Corsendonk - Abbey Brown Ale

A dark, robust abbey ale brewed by master craftsmen in the classic Belgium "dubbel" style. Rich and malty, with notes of port, raisins and black chocolate on the palate, and a yeasty, fruity and slightly smoky bouquet. Bottle-conditioned, it will mature in the bottle becoming softer and smoother with time up to perhaps 3-5 years. It's best stored and served at 45-55 F.

I consider the Corsendonk Brown Ale a pillar of Belgium browns. It's relatively easy to find and an all around versatile beer, pairing well with about anything. This is a good beer to bring as a dinner guest when you are unsure of the meal. I recommend this beer as an introduction to those unfamiliar with the robust artisan Belgium style ales.

Beer Bloggle Score: 85%

Pairing: Goes great with BBQ, particularly ribs. Any dish with a slightly smokey flavor goes well with this beer.

Color: Very dark reddish brown, barely allows light through.

Unibroue - La Fin Du Monde

La Fin Du Monde (The End of The World) Triple fermentation Golden Ale brewed by Unibroue, Quebec, CA. Liquid gold! Complex, slightly malty, wonderfully aromatic, with subtle floral notes on the aftertaste. You can age this Belgium style Triple for up to 3 years, but it is just as good from the start. Serve chilled but not cold.

Beer Bloggle Score: 92%

Taste: Smooth, strongly effervescent, slightly tart with the balanced flavors of wild spices, malt and hops.

Pairing: Succulent cuisine such as scallops, filet mignon, or gourmet cheeses.

Alcohol: 9%

Glass: PLEASE do not drink this one from the bottle... you will miss out on the wonderful aromatic bliss.

Gouden Carolus - Grand Cru of the Emperor

Gouden Carolus, Grand Cru of the Emperor or Cuvee Van de Kaizer:

This strong artisan brown ale is crafted by the Het Anker brewery in Mechelen Belgium in limited quantities, once a year. Every year on the 24th of February, in celebration of the birthday of "Charles V", the Brewery brews the Gouden Carolus "Cuvee of the Emperor" in a limited quantity and with an eye on the highest quality and tradition since the early 1500s.

This is perhaps my single most favorite beer of all time (a very bold statement). I've had bottles every year from 2000 through 2011. I have found the elevated alcohol content in '04 and '10 has not distracted the taste buds from it's complexity and fine aroma of bottles pre-2004. Although this beer is 100% natural (no preservatives), it can be aged for years. I've found it matures to prime drinking age between 6 months and 3 years. The oldest bottle I've aged was a bottle from 2003 aged for 4 years in a closet. If you are going to age a Grand Cru, keep it in a dark place with a relatively constant temperature and make sure it's got company from a few more bottles and keep it out of sight! It's hard to resist, knowing it's there. I've had plenty of bottles opened the day I purchased them. It's simply divine right from the start. The Gouden Carolus Grand Cru is a gorgeous burgundy maroon color and forms an ivory-white head and has just the right amount of carbonation.


Beer Bloggle Score: 100% - FANTASTIC!
Alcohol: was 8.5% in 2000-2002, 10% in 2003 and 11% in 2004 through 2008.
Pairing: Goes well with about any flavorful meal, but perhaps best with steak or Italian. It can also serve as an after-dinner beer paired with a mild desert or chocolate.
Temperature: Serve chilled but not cold, 52-56 F (11-13 C).
Glass: Allow to "bottle breath" for about a minute before pouring into a wide mouth, low rimmed glass such as a goblet or snifter.