| As a homebrewer and as amateur beer hunters, we have always looked forward to a trip to "the Disneyland of beers". Beer is part of their culture and it is expected that each beer is served properly (not overly) chilled in the specific glass designed for the beer. However, since beer is so much of the culture it is somewhat taken for granted - not like the American microbrew pub experience. Belgium is home to more than 400 beers. We managed to taste around 50, trying to avoid those beers that are readily available back in Pocatello (Since we toured Leffe and our first B&B included a "housewarming" present of some beers, Leffe was the major exception). |
While there are pubs and stores that feature huge varieties, they were the exception. However, it was common for convenience stores to carry ten or more different beers.
Most were classified as blondes or brunes (browns) and were between 4-6% alcohol though it was not difficult to find Abbey style, bigger beers. We only tasted one pils (it was in our gift basket) - it is a fairly popular style but not what we were looking for. Lambic, Oud Brune, Faro, Gueze and other sours were less available, though there was quite a bit of Kriek (most sweet like cherry soda though there were some that were nicely balanced with the sour). We saw some IPAs, a few stouts and porters and one Scottish-style (quite good). We found very few saisons though we did come across saison sold in six-packs of cans. There are a few microbreweries who are exploring new styles. Like the US, some are quite good but the most are rather run of the mill.
Most were classified as blondes or brunes (browns) and were between 4-6% alcohol though it was not difficult to find Abbey style, bigger beers. We only tasted one pils (it was in our gift basket) - it is a fairly popular style but not what we were looking for. Lambic, Oud Brune, Faro, Gueze and other sours were less available, though there was quite a bit of Kriek (most sweet like cherry soda though there were some that were nicely balanced with the sour). We saw some IPAs, a few stouts and porters and one Scottish-style (quite good). We found very few saisons though we did come across saison sold in six-packs of cans. There are a few microbreweries who are exploring new styles. Like the US, some are quite good but the most are rather run of the mill.