December 31, 2011

New Year, New Beers

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I can’t think of a better New Year’s resolution as a beer lover than resolving to experience new flavor sensations crossing my palate. This is one resolve that I am absolutely positive will be attained in 2012, despite all the grumblings of the world’s ending and such. Why, you ask? Simply because I am privy to knowledge of upcoming releases of new beer. And this year will not disappoint this Belgian beer lover in the least.

May I humbly present the the source(s) of my optimistic view of an apocryphal year:

1. Poperings Hommel Dry Hop: As an avid IPA connoisseur, what better way is there to celebrate the stately hop? The word “hommel” means hop in the local dialect around the town of Poperinge. Brouwerij Van Eecke produces the most elegant and poetic form of an IPA that even GQ agrees it is fashionable. I anticipate that the added accessory of dry-hopping will make a serious fashion statement.

2. Barrel Aged Scotch Silly: The original Scotch Silly made by Brasserie de Silly is a complex and wonderful incarnation of a scotch ale. How can it possibly be better? By aging in wooden barrels, of course!  I can already imagine the deep oak and fine scotch essence of an already great beer will inspire awe and respect like viewing an master’s work of art.

3. Gulden Draak 9000 Quad: I’ve had the pleasure of pouring (and personally sampling heavily) at the Belgium Comes to Cooperstown festival earlier this summer. Right now, you may be lucky enough to find it on tap in a few places in the U.S., but have patience: it is slated to be bottled and shipped stateside sometime in January. Just like Gulden Draak, this beer is incredibly smooth, maybe dangerously smooth; the 10.5% ABV is well hidden by a lighter sweetness an unmistakeable ripe banana aroma of the Van Steenberge yeast. I cannot wait to have a few bottles to enjoy and to cellar, given the tasty success I’ve had with the original Draak.

4. Piraat IPA: Aaaargh….PA. Brouwerij Van Steenberge has already bowled me over with the original strong ale. I wonder if this new style will inspire me to wear an eyepatch and plunder me mateys with puns? Shiver me timbers, aye, this brew is bound for glory methinks!

5. Troubadour Magma 2012 Special Edition: I’m still in ecstasy over 2011′s Special Edition Cascade Hop from Brouwerij The Musketeers. No hint yet from Stefaan, Kristoff, Rikkert, or Sven on what limited release they have in store for us in 2012, but if 2011 was in any way comparable….I may not be able to wait very long.They made magic in a bottle with the original Troubadour Magma, and pure poetry with the homage to the Cascade Hop.

6. Troubadour Black Magma: As if the Musketeers couldn’t make me salivate more, I hesitate to make any presumptions on what characteristics this beer will have, other than it will be dark in color. I have already fallen desperately in love with the Obscura and more recently the Imperial Stout (as well as many of my friends and colleagues), so I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next black beauty.

So, those are your beers for thought. They’re all worthy of your resolve. I resolve to have them all in 2012. As bleak as the predictions are for 2012, I refuse to let the year (or time for that matter) end until I’ve had them all.

HAPPY NEW BEER FROM ALL OF US AT GLOBAL BEER NETWORK!

 

November 28, 2011

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Posted by Global Beer Network under holiday | Tags: , , , , , , |
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Not planning on returning those kegs? Here's an idea for accessorizing your outdoor holiday lighting.

The winter beers are here! The winter beers are here!

And none too soon, for many of us have already been experiencing the dreaded white stuff before the actual start of the winter season. Besides snuggling by a crackling fire with your significant other in some flannel pajamas, how can you keep your insides warm and fuzzy? Yes, my Belgian beer disciples, it is that time of year where you can set aside that ugly plaid atrocity and immerse yourself something really special.

Noel de Silenrieux (Brasserie de Silenrieux): The label says it all…”The beer that can make you dream.” Snuggle up with an irresistible aroma that presents Christmas spices like clove and cinnamon, and subtle sweet figs. This hazy ruby red and pleasantly sweet candi-finished beer will definitely get your blood pumping at 9% ABV. I am already dreaming about about getting my hands on a few of these to cellar for the next season to share and enjoy, as it is a bottle fermented brew.

Silly Noel (Brasserie Silly): Top-fermented triple blonde ale, with second fermentation in the bottle. Sweet pear, vanilla, and a hint of pepper highlight this beautiful dark golden brew. The Kent and Hallertau hops add a light bitterness and a dry finish. Be careful with this one, for also sitting at 9% ABV, you could find yourself in a snow bank if you overindulge!

Troubadour Magma Special Edition, Cascade Hops (Brouwerij The Musketeers): Hop heads, prepare yourself for an intimate experience of the best of both worlds. A perfect marriage of a Belgian triple meets west coast IPA, with Cascade hops as the main event. This beer has the most epic and long-lasting head I have ever experienced, which really brings out the evergreen aroma of the featured hop. It starts out honey sweet, but with a hop bitterness that lasts even after the final drop. Potent to boot, with 9% ABV.

Christmas Leroy (Brouwerij Van Eecke): Although Van Eecke is best known for the Poperings Hommel, their expertise with hops shines though this rich mahogany hued Scotch-style ale. Four types of dark roasted malt gives the essence of fine, dark Belgian chocolate. At first taste, you get hints of cherries and sweet berries and cream. Well-balanced with 2 types of hops at the finish. Not as heavy at 7.5% ABV, and the complexity hides the sting of alcohol well.

Ename Cuvee 974 (Brouwerij Roman): First of all, what is the significance of 974? It just so happens to be the founding date of the local borough of Ename, which is now a part of the city of Oudenaarde, Belgium. The town now sits on top of the ruins of the medieval Ename abbey. Now that’s heritage! This seasonal abbey beer has a lovely amber red hue, and at first smell is slightly fruity with a healthy dose of hops and herbs. At 7% ABV, this beer can be enjoyed with a little less abandon than some of the stronger ales.

Boucanier  Christmas Ale (Brouwerij Van Steenberge): With a hefty 9.5% ABV, this one could keep you warm without the fireplace! The gorgeous flame-colored beer puts the muscle in strong ale. The soft peach flavor of the Van Steenberge yeast pairs well with the tastes of spiced apple cider, juicy ripe pear, and just a hint of ginger. Complex and incredibly enjoyable even after tasting a bottle I had aged over a year. I felt the strange urge to start wearing an eyepatch in public after enjoying this beer!

Petrus Winter 9 (Brouwerij Bavik): “The key to heaven” can definitely be found in this one. The flavors of allspice, dark molasses, and just a touch of sour combine together beautifully like the ingredients in my favorite dessert, pumpkin pie. This is actually a reformulation of the original recipe that was a mere 2.5% ABV, brought up to a rich and lightly sour 9% ABV by the same artisian brewers that made the Petrus Aged Pale. Wonderful with your dessert (try it with a big slice of pumpkin pie) or as a nightcap.

Wittekerke Winter White: (Brouwerij Bavik): Even a Belgian Wit can be suitable for colder weather. This double wit ale balances the wit spices of orange peel and coriander with a spicy dose of cinnamon. Crisp and delightful, this beer has 7.5% ABV, and is a perfect mental vacation from all the cold weather that surrounds you. The color presents a hazy yellow, just like a winter sun on the horizon.

With all these great beers to choose from, keep in mind not to wait too much longer….they are available for only a limited time, and when they’re out, you’ll be forced to wait until next year! Of course, consume responsibly, or you may end up like this poor fellow:

Cheers!

 

July 5, 2010

Scotch de Silly

Posted by Global Beer Network under Brasserie Silly, Scotch de Silly | Tags: , , |
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Scotch de Silly is a beer of intriguing provenance. A Belgian beer brewed to be a Scottish style ale that is rumored to date back 90 years. On the surface, this seems to make little sense, but it all comes together when you stop to get the full story.

Dating back to World War I, Scotch de Silly was initially brewed for a Scottish regiment of the British Army that was stationed outside the village of Silly. The regiment convinced a local brewer to create something akin to their ales back home, and thus, Scotch de Silly was born. Since beer was safer to drink in occupied territory than water, this provided the perfect beverage for the thirsty Scottish soldiers.

Scotch de Silly is brewed in Hainaut, a province of the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium. Brasserie Silly dates back 200 years and has belonged to the Van der Haegen family the entire time.

To learn more about what gives Scotch de Silly its delicious flavors and appearance, check out Johnny’s video below.

 

April 19, 2010

La Divine Double Blond Ale

Posted by Global Beer Network under beer review, Brasserie Silly, La Divine Double Blond | Tags: , , , |
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Nothing more divine than a well-made blond ale!

Wallonia’s Brasserie de Silly takes the classic blond ale and ups the ante, offering a 7.5% abv version known as a double blond that is just as tasty and drinkable as its counterparts. So, be sure to mind your p’s and q’s!

The beer itself is a golden honey colored elixir, topped by a crop of bright white foam. When breathing in the beer’s aroma, you’ll pick up a soft, subtle fruity character from the yeast that’s followed by a floral hop scent underneath.

There’s a touch of grainy pilsner malt that glides over the tongue on the first sip. This leads into a bubbly and juicy center that delights the palate with a tropical fruit flavor, coupled with a touch of sweetness that is scrubbed away by the carbonation into a neatly-wrapped finish.

Many craft beer drinkers and brewers are focused on pushing the limits of beer styles, which is great for all involved. However, it’s really hard to beat a well-made blond ale. It’s seemingly simple, but still a style with inherent complexity that’s often overlooked. Next time you’re looking for something that’s a breeze to drink but has flavor as well as character, reach for a La Divine Double Blond. Even Venus herself would call this a masterpiece!

 

March 17, 2010

Go Belgian for St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted by Global Beer Network under Brasserie de Silenrieux, Brasserie Silly, Brouwerij Bavik, Bruegel, holiday, Joseph, Kapittel Blond, Scotch de Silly, Troubadour Obscura, Wittekerke | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Going out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this evening?

Regardless of the time of year, it’s always wise to drink responsibly. But perhaps you’ve grown a little bored with the same old brands of beer you’re used to at this time of year. So why not beat the usual suspects and order a Belgian beer?

For example, instead of a typical stout, how about a Troubadour Obscura? In the mood for something more amber to replace that lackluster red lager? Then try a Bruegel Amber Ale or kick it up a notch with a Scotch de Silly.

If you’re feeling spring-like and want good beer to reflect the good weather, opt for a Wittekerke Wheat or Kapittel Blond for a crisp, easy-drinking selection. If you enjoy all things organic, I recommend the Joseph Witbier, made with spelt, wheat’s ancestor!

So you see, you don’t have to feel constrained by the same old green beer for St. Patrick’s Day. Go Belgian and celebrate in style!

 

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