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 30, 2011

Gift Ideas For The Belgian Beer Connoisseur In Your Life

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With the busiest shopping weekend of the year behind us, you may be left wondering what to get for that special Belgian beer lover in your life. Or, maybe you want something exciting to share during the holiday festivities. Fear not, for there are many wonderful ways to surprise your beloved beer geek (and maybe for yourself, if you are so inclined!)

For stocking stuffers, may I suggest perusing the Global Beer Network’s online shop? There you will find everything from t-shirts to bottle openers. The shop boasts one of the largest assortments available of authentic glassware to match the Belgian beers you know and love–and as a Belgian beer connoisseur, you would know that the truly proper way to enjoy your beer is with the glass it is meant to be served in. I have them to thank for the massive increase in my glass collection, and certainly in supporting my habit of attaining a sizeable collection of glasses that I have amassed over the past few years. For whatever you decide to purchase, it will be handled with care and packaged with love.

What about giving the gift of variety? For the pirate in your life, try the Bière du Boucanier sampler pack. It contains 2 of each of the Golden Ale, the Dark Ale, and the Red Ale. Maybe your looking to give someone the “Key to Heaven”? The Petrus collection box has one of each of the Dubbel Bruin, the Gouden Tripel Ale, the Aged Pale, the Oud Bruin, the Blond Ale, and the Speciale Ale. And for the abbey beer lover? There is a Kappitel sampler pack, containing one each of the Abt, Prior, Blond, and Pater. You can never go wrong with the Van Steenberge sampler pack, with one of each of the Augustijn Ale, Augustijn Blond, Augustijn Grand Cru, Piraat, Gulden Draak, and Leute Bok.

How about a great beer and the glass it is meant to be served in? You have choices! The Bruges Zot gift pack comes with the Zot long-stemmed glass and two 11.2 oz beers. The Gulden Draak and Piraat gift packs come with six of the 11.2 oz bottles and the corresponding signature tulip glass. Petrus offers two different options, one being a 25.4 oz bottle of the Gouden Tripel with glass, or the Petrus gift box with two each of the Petrus Blond, Gouden Tripel, and Dubbel Bruin with the Petrus glass.

For gift that comes in a collectible tin, try a 25.4 oz of Bruges Zot, Poperings Hommel Ale, or Bière du Boucanier Golden Ale. I’ve found them to be very handy for storing beer labels and some coasters!

Looking for something they’ll never forget? Maybe on the hunt for a beer that can water a crowd of people for a holiday toast? Look no further than the big guns: a magnum (1.5L) of Piraat, Gulden Draak, Augustijn Blond, or Poperings Hommel Ale will be plenty to give full beers for 6-8 people. If you want the gift that will require a couple of your pals to help pour, look no further than the show-stopping  jeroboam (3 L) of Augustijn Blond.

That should get you started (or finished, if you are so lucky!) You can find the gift packs, sampler packs, tins, and large bottles at a distributor near you. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask your favorite store to get in in for you. Happy shopping, and happy good beer!

 

November 28, 2011

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

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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!

 

August 16, 2011

Boston’s Belgian Beer Fest

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Prepare your tastebuds, Boston…

A little taste of Belgium will be coming to The Bean on Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th at The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts. For my father and I, this will be a pleasant prelude to the tour that we will be departing for just 4 days afterwards… “conditioning” is definitely necessary, if you take my meaning!

On Friday, September 9th, the 700 people who were lucky enough to snag a ticket before it was completely sold out, will be in for a rare treat: The Night of the Funk. What makes this night so special that it sold out faster than you can say “Belgian waffle”? Well, to tempt your adventurous taste buds, there will be over 50 beers available that are on the wild side of the spectrum–as in sour beers, lambics, gueuze, or simply fermented with wild yeast. Global Beer Network will have a fine representation of funky stuff:  Petrus Aged Pale, Cherish Kriek Lambic, Cherish Framboise Lambic, and my personal favorite, Monk’s Café  Flemish Sour Red Ale. Be prepared to make a face…a happy face!

I remember my first taste of the Petrus Aged Pale at the Bavik Brewery: feeling a bit bleary-eyed a few days into the last tour, a fellow tour companion made it known that we would be in for a wonderful pick-me-up at the tasting. Sure enough, and even though it was only shortly after 10:00 in the morning, came the promise of deliverance from our drowsy selves. The sourness hit the back of the tongue, and the flavor was a crisp as a Vlasic pickle! I think after that tasting, everyone was feeling the spirit again!

Not to be outdone by the night before, Saturday’s 2 sessions will be no less epic than the previous nights’ event. There will be two sessions: 1:00-4:30 p.m. and 6:00-9:30 p.m. In fact, most of the representatives from Night of the Funk will yet be available–add to that another 75 different beers or so-for a grand total of over 125 fine real Belgian and Belgian-style beers (I say Belgian-style, only because as a purist I consider true Belgian beers to be produced only in Belgium, although I really enjoy some of the beers made here in the U.S.)  Make sure to stop by Global Beer and try some of the “funky” stuff or one of the 16 other beers we’ll be pouring:

Brouwerij Bavik:  Petrus Blond, Petrus Dubbel, Petrus Gouden Tripel, Petrus Oud Bruin, Petrus Speciale Ale, Wittekerke, Wittekerke Framboise

Brouwerij The Musketeers: Troubadour Blond, Troubadour Magma, Troubadour Obscura

Brouwerij Van Eecke: Kapittel Abt, Kapittel Blond, Kapittel Pater, Kapittel Prior, Poperings Hommel Bier

Brouwerij Van Steenberge: Bière Du Boucanier Red, Gulden Draak Triple, Gulden Draak Quad, Piraat

So, Boston beer connoisseurs, better get your ticket for the Saturday festivities before they run out! If you’re interested in attending one of the 2 sessions on Saturday, September 10, click here. Get them quick, I see that the VIP tickets for Saturday have sold out as well!

Cheers! Santé! Prost! Hope to see you there!

 

July 28, 2011

Poperings Hommel Ale: Now Certified Fashionable

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For any of you distinguished gentlemen out there who have a subscription to GQ Magazine, you’ll know what I am talking about. Alan Richman, GQ’s resident wine expert, published this list last week detailing the 10 beers he has deemed worthy to serve in lieu of wine for your next dinner. Out of these 10 beers, five are Belgian. Now that’s saying something about Belgian beers in particular: so fine and sophisticated are Belgian brews, that it is considered a sign of good taste to serve a Belgian beer instead of that outrageously expensive bottle of champagne.

Of particular interest and pride in Mr. Richman’s list is Brouwerij Van Eecke Poperings Hommel Ale. In the small village of Watou (today part of the larger city of Poperinge), harvesting hops is the main industry. In fact, in the local dialect spoken in the area, “hommel” is the equivalent word for “hops.”  This dry and slightly bitter ale is made with 3 different kinds of malt, locally grown hops (of course!), and is made from the naturally soft water from the well on the site of the brewery. This beer leaves a delightful spiciness on the tongue, with hints of sweetness and freshly grated orange zest. Poperings Hommel Ale would hold up to most peppery of dishes, and is also perfect to cleanse the palate before or between courses. Remember to store this living beer standing up, and not on its’ side as not to disturb the yeast on the bottom left for secondary fermentation. Serve chilled, but not too cold: 43-46°F.  The late, great Michael Jackson described it as such:  “… a roselike floweriness, honeyish notes, orange-zest hop flavors and a late spicy, cuminseed dryness. “

So, the next time you’re looking to impress your dining companions, serve up a Hommelbier. They’ll never have to know that it wasn’t necessary for you to put that second mortgage on the house to finance the beverage list!

 

July 1, 2010

Kapittel Pater

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We’ve mentioned the Kapittel Blond before, but if you’re into darker beers you won’t be let down. Brouwerij Van Eecke also brews Kapittel Pater, which is akin to an English brown ale.

Pater is a russet and dark ruby hued beauty, which when poured properly reveals a densely foamed off-white head. When swirling the beer gently and giving it a whiff, the aroma is of Belgian candi sugar, caramel sweetness from the malt, and a subtle hint of dark fruit, such as figs. The yeast adds a depth to the nose as well.

When tasting this beer, you’ll immediately notice that it’s quite quaffable – or “drinkable.” Again, it shares a legacy with the English brown ale, but is still assertively Belgian. While it has a touch of floral hops for balance, Pater has a lighter body than your typical brown ales from across the Channel, making it hard to put the glass down. Despite its light body, it remains well-rounded when it comes to flavor. The caramel sweetness in the bouquet is confirmed in the taste, and there’s also a faint undertone of roasted malt that only adds to this beer’s complexity.

If you’re a fan of Belgian beers, brown ales, or both, keep an eye out for the Pater in your local bar or beer shop!

 

April 21, 2010

Blond Ales and a Cigar

Posted by Global Beer Network under beer review, Brouwerij The Musketeers, Brouwerij Van Eecke, cigar pairing, Kapittel Blond, Troubadour Blond | Tags: , , , , , , |
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Our intrepid beer and cigar reporter Bruce Hackmann offers up his insight on pairing an Oliva Serie ‘G’ with a Belgian Blond ale.

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The Cameroon wrapped Oliva is a wonderful nutty and woodsy smoke. The Nicaraguan Habano filler gives it a rich, slightly spicy, medium body profile. I give this cigar a straight up 5 on my strength scale.

The Kapittel Blond Ale is the first one up to tangle with the 7 x 50 woodsy Oliva Cameroon (the Tiger Woods story is not influencing me to use the word “woodsy” and blond in the same sentence). The ale has an attractive light burnt orange look, and it has a slight spice and fruitiness galore in the taste. I think I even detect a little orange at times . The nice, sweet honey-dipped fruit notes fill the mouth with the taste of summertime. A good mild-medium body complexity rounds off the edges. This is a nice tasting blond ale; every sip I take it gets even better.

I selected the Oliva to go with this ale because of the flavor profile. The nutty and sweet cedar smoke should pair up well with the sweet fruits and mild spices of the ale. The cigar lights up well and has a perfect draw. I have not had a bad one yet. The burn is even and holds a decent ash.

The sediment is resting on the bottom of the glass as I enjoy this silky smooth blond ale.

Just as I thought, the sweet fruit from the blond ale goes extremely well with the nutty and woodsy cigar. These two can tango. The variety of fruit that I taste from the ale, while I smoke the cigar, is wonderful. Now, I detect a little lemon twist on the tongue as the ale opens up. This cigar has a great nutty flavor and it is even better while I sip on this blond. The nice dry spice profile of the cigar mingles with the delicate spice of the blond for a perfect match.

The 6.5% abv Troubadour Blond Ale is next to tangle with the nutty flavor of the Oliva Cameroon Cigar. The nice thing about a Churchill size cigar is that you usually will have time for two beers so, that brings us to the next pairing.

The Troubadour Blond is a mild-medium bodied ale that is not overpowering in taste. It has a pleasing citrus bitterness with a light malt spice profile. As the ale warms, so does the complexity, it is like the hops are starting to wake up. With each sip I enjoy a nice hoppy smell.

The Oliva ‘G’ is a winner with these Belgian Blonds. The ‘G’ brings out some of the light hoppy notes in this ale and a nice creamy yeasty aroma with those slight hops on the nose. I am really enjoying the nutty and light spice flavor from the cigar, making this a great experience.

If you want to get your ‘G’ spot on with a Belgian Blond, I would recommend pairing with Troubadour Blond, Kapittel Blond, or both!

 

March 22, 2010

Kapittel Blond

Posted by Global Beer Network under beer review, Brouwerij Van Eecke, history and tradition, Kapittel Blond | Tags: , , , |
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That’s Kapittel with a capital ‘K.’

The Kapittel lineup is a series of Belgian abbey beers that come from Brouwerij Van Eecke, located in the famous region of Watou. It gets its name from the managing board of an abbey, which is known as a Kapittel. This board was composed of the Abbot, his lieutenants, and sometimes other representatives of the church or a local sponsoring lord.

So while Van Eecke produces more than one style of beer with the name Kapittel, we first we begin with the Blond Ale.

Kapittel Blond is a hazy, pale straw colored beer that weighs in at 6.5% alcohol by volume (abv), making it a bit stronger than some of its contemporaries. The nose is phenolic, or what is often referred to as “fruity” (in this case, think Juicy Fruit) and “spicy” (in this case, think clove). This comes from the yeast, which produces these flavors during fermentation. So for the Kapittel Blond, we would say that the nose is more toward the fruity side with a touch of floral hops and an underlying, faint spiciness.

Sipping this beer proves that just because there is a touch more alcohol, and there are a few things going on in the nose, that a beer can’t be drinkable. This one is decidedly so, with a pale malt introduction that leads into a fruity, bubblegum-like center before fading along with the hops in the finish. There, it features a subtle sweetness before drying out completely, bringing you back for another sip.

If you’re looking for a beer that’s a step up from the norm, and a great way to get into Belgian beer, go to the Kapittel. Blond, that is.

 

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