Spec me a Belgian Beer

[Chris C]

This is a random way to trigger a beer recommendation request, but I was doing the shopping and stopped by the deli counter to pick up some ham. Spotted some belgian beer ham, gave it a go and it was amazing, loved the beer taste.

So what Belgian beer should I try? Any to avoid? Any really good ones to start with?

 

[Chris C]

My personal favourite is Chimay Bleu. Another is Gulden Draak 9000. Also Kwak!

Your best bet is to get a mixed case from Beers of Europe or similar and explore them all. They can vary quite a bit and it will be down to your taste.

I'll get a mixed case ordered and start exploring them, ty.

Orval is a solid reliable beer as is Duchesse de Bourgogne

Duchesse de Bourgogne - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

but as Belgium is a country of beer with many styles, your are only scratching the surface. You need to try a Lambic and Gueze (try one from Cantillon or Frank Boon). Also try a Speciale Belge…

I'll make sure to try those thanks.

As above, there's many different styles and so a mixed case to identify what you want is a great idea. Lild sometimes do a great mix pack in the middle section around Christmas which is a bargain. Be warned though that Belgian beers can possibly quickly ramp up to high strengths (Tripels/Quadruples)


Out of curisoity do you explore beers in general? With craft beer now, there's a huge amount of cross-over between beer styles/countries so you might equally find something you like in a "Belgian style" but from a british brewery.

Not really, I'm not much of a drinker in general and mainly have some wine on the weekend. I might not end up liking them much, but you never know until you try. I'll get myself a mixed case online and keep an eye the middle aisle in Lidl next time I'm raiding the bakery. Have a feeling I'll come home with beers, a new aluminium ladder and some garden shears though

 

[Chris C]

If you're not much of a drinker then i'd try and stick to blonde ales and maybe a dubbel to start with.

It might be worth just grabbing a Duval/Delirium/La Chouffe in Tesco, possibly even a Leffe too. Likely to be in the 3 for a fiver range and would give you a decent idea if you want to explore further

Good shout, thanks. I didn't realise how strong they were. I'm a bit of a Larry lightweight so I'll try and ease myself into it

 

[Chris C]

If you're not much of a drinker then i'd try and stick to blonde ales and maybe a dubbel to start with.

It might be worth just grabbing a Duval/Delirium/La Chouffe in Tesco, possibly even a Leffe too. Likely to be in the 3 for a fiver range and would give you a decent idea if you want to explore further

So I headed to the supermarket yesterday and picked up the ones you suggested for starters. I will try my first one tonight!

Thanks for the other recommendations everyone, I'll broaden my Belgian horizons once I've tried these ones.