Belgian beer styles are some of the most unique and celebrated in the world. From fruity ales to tart lambics, the country’s brewers have been crafting unique brews for centuries. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just curious about the country’s beer culture, here’s an exploration of the different styles of Belgian beer.
Belgian Ale
Belgian ales are some of the most popular styles of beer in the country. These ales are typically top-fermented and range from pale to dark in color. Belgian ales also tend to have a high alcohol content and are often sweet and fruity in flavor. Common varieties of Belgian ales include Tripels, Dubbels, Saisons, and Witbiers.
Tripels are golden in color and have a sweet and spicy flavor. Dubbels are darker in color and have a malty, caramel-like flavor. Saisons are light and fruity in flavor, while Witbiers are light and cloudy with a hint of citrus.
Belgian Lager
Belgian lagers are bottom-fermented and usually pale in color. They tend to be light and crisp in flavor, with a slight bitterness. Belgian lagers are also lower in alcohol content than ales, making them a great choice for those who prefer a lighter beer.
Common varieties of Belgian lagers include Pilsners, Blondes, and Trappists. Pilsners are light in color and have a hoppy flavor. Blondes are slightly darker and have a maltier flavor. Trappists are dark and have a sweet, malty flavor.
Belgian Lambic
Belgian lambic beers are some of the most unique styles of beer in the world. These beers are spontaneously fermented, meaning that the yeast that ferments the beer is not added by the brewer, but rather comes from the environment. Lambics are usually sour and tart in flavor, and often have a fruity aroma. Common varieties of lambic include Gueuze, Framboise, and Kriek.
Gueuze is a blend of old and young lambic beers, and has a sour and tart flavor. Framboise is made with raspberries and has a sweet and sour flavor. Kriek is made with cherries and has a sweet and sour flavor.
No matter what your preference, there’s a Belgian beer style for everyone. From fruity ales to tart lambics, the country’s brewers have been crafting unique brews for centuries. If you’re looking to explore the world of Belgian beer, there’s no better place to start than with these three styles.
