Each and every year the Ashley’s Westland have two major festivals in which they collect a huge number of beers, and every Summer we celebrate the Belgian Beer Festival. With nearly 100 different Belgian made beers, we tell you the 10 you just HAVE to try while you are there.
WARNING: Being a Belgian Beer Festival, many of these beers have a big ABV. Plan accordingly, and drink safe!
1. Delirium Argentum – Brouwerij Huyghe
The Pink Elephant takes its stab at a Belgian Style IPA. Hopped amber beer will give you a taste at the 25th anniversary of Delirium Tremens with a touch of caramel, a citrusy bitterness and that full bitter aftertaste. A must try for IPA lovers who are looking for something a little darker and sweeter and not necessarily juicier.
2. St. Bernardus Abt 12 (60th Anniversary) – Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
A big hitter at 10%, the Abt 12 is a specialty version of what is considered one of the best beers in the world. This edition which is no longer brewed contains hops from Poperinge (Challenger and Golding) and a black amber that gives it the nice finish. This is your shot at a once in a lifetime variant on a beer considered one of the best, don’t miss out!
3. Duchesse De Bourgogne – Brouwerij Verhaeghe
A top fermented blend of a booth young and aged beer which allows for a unique taste at a Flanders Red Ale. 6% ABV (I guess a session at this festival) will allow for you to taste an amazing cherry and sour flavoring that you cannot forget. Refreshing while a bit sour allows for a good taste without destroying the palate.
4. Abtsolution – De Proefbrouwerij (bvba Andelot)
Working in collaboration with New Glarus Brewing, this strong Dark Ale with fruity esters and a velvety smooth palate balanced with wood notes, but still gives you the great hop flavor that you may be looking for. The use of Chinook hops will allow for a reisny bitterness that you may appreciate in this beer
5. Kasteel Rouge – Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck N.V.
Don’t let the label as a fruit beer get you, this Belgian Quad is a mixture of the Kasteel Donker and a cherry liquor. While you may not have the Donker available at this festival which I personally feel is the best Kasteel has, this will allow for a sweet boozy taste on top of the dark beer.
6. Trappistes Rochefort 10 – Brasserie de Rochefort
Do I really have to sell you on this beer? Ranked one of the best beers (if not the best that is not an IPA or barrel aged beer). Slow sipping, smooth and not too boozey, and get plenty of fruit, malt, and caramel to balance it all. This should probably be the first one you drink… Period.
7. Oud Beersel Oude Geuze Vandervelden 135 Years – Brouwerij Oud Beersel
Another brew that is retired, and no longer being brewed. This is a limited launch of this sweet and citrusy beer that is a bit tart, crushable, and the small sour apple notes allow for you to either sip or crush, but definitely a beer to drink on a hot day like we are expecting to have this weekend!
8. Verzet Oud Bruin Oak Lef – Brouwerij ‘t Verzet
A beer with a rich fruity taste, tart without overpowering, and I think that’s due to the malty caramel flavoring of the Oud Bruin style. Another of those 6% sessionable beers, watch out for the oaky finish. May not be your favorite, but if that’s your style, drink two!
9. Abbaye Des Rocs Brune – Brasserie de l’Abbaye des Rocs s.a.
No sugar added pure malt bomb. Double fermented with hops from Belgium, Germany, and Czech Republic, you’re gonna get a sweet smell on top of the malt bomb flavor. You’ll get some burnt wood and sugar taste, but bottle conditioned this is going to be one you cannot miss!
10. Wittekerke – De Brabandere
Can’t finish the day without an amazing true Belgian wit. The taste of bread, pepper, lemon, and clove on top will allow for you to taste zero hops, zero bitterness, and a very sweet and subtle taste. Perfect for balancing out the fruit, sour, and dark beers at this festival without many bitter beers. If you’re a pils drinker, this is going to be one of your favorite beers of the day!!!
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