Belgian Beer; What's all the fuss about?!
I've loved Belgian beer for a number of years now, and what's not to love? It's rich, sweet, strong and warm like a hug from a good friend. Its colour can range from warm gold to seductive garnet to deep mahogany; and the flavours are just as diverse!
Apparently there are over 800 to try in Belgium, and as we are only here for about a week, I would be worried for us if we were to say we put a sizeable dent into that number ;-) So, instead here is a list of some of our favourites! (+Breweries!) *Yummmmm!*
We actually enjoyed this brewery so much we went there TWICE in two days! The patio is lively, and the indoor restaurant is not only right on the canal but warm and inviting with big leather furniture and a menu that will make your heart melt like a warm cheese croquette fresh out of the fryer!
This brewery is special. Authentic and in the centre of the town, this place is a family business with a tradition stretching back through six generations to 1856. Not only that, in 2016 a unique underground beer pipeline, some 3 km long, was laid from the brewery to the bottling plant in the suburbs. Those in the town who contributed to the pipeline now receive free beer for life! (A gift that keeps on giving!!!)
Two main beers to try here... Brugse Zot (a yummy blond) and Straffe Hendrik (we recommend the Tripel)...oh the food is delicious too!
2. Kasteelbier (or the GREATEST BEER IN ALL OF BELGIUM - according to Kelly)
The first Kasteelbier, was brewed in 1989 so this is a relatively young beer for Belgium. Kasteelbier gets its name from the castle of Ingelmunster, which is also owned by the brewery. And really, anything that was originally brewed in a castle can't be bad, right?!
Kelly fell in love with the Kasteel Rouge - which smelled like sweet casis, and tasted "like heaven" so...I guess that makes it the best beer ever (LOL!)
3. Bourgogne des Flandres (Brewery)
This brew is what it feels like to be Flemish. In fact, I don't think beer gets any more traditional than this in Belgium (verified by our friends here in the country!!). The beer is sweet and rich, and red-brown in colour with a yummy creamy finish. It goes great with dogs too ;-) We loved hanging out in this brewery!
4. Cafe de Trollekelder (the Troll Pub, Gent)
Okay, so I love this place. From the troll dolls in the front window (no not the ones with the crazy rainbow hair...we're talking the really ugly creepy awesome ones!), to the trap doors, tiny stair cases, traditional candlelight, and super tasty beer (they even make their own!!) Our friends brought us here today, and this is a spot not to be missed!! Their beer (Trollenkelder) is a golden blond at a 'lite' 8% (O_O) and although I didn't get the opportunity to sample (I was too into my own, a BarBar Blond...another 8% gem!) the expressions on our friends faces said it all - BELGIAN BEER BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER!
...and THAT is what the 'fuss' is all about ;-)
コメント