Craft Beer Awards 2015 Winner: Belgian and Sour

Given the wide array of characterful beers traditional to Belgium, the broad range of styles here should come as no surprise. Entrants in this category include spiced and barrel-aged ales, as well as some that have been exposed to bacteria to yield a wine-like acidity. Beer is commonplace at the table in Belgium; these are good companions to food in general.GOLD:Brouwerij Verhaeghe Vichte’s Duchesse de Bourgogne(Belgium)Oak-aged Flanders red ale presents sherry-like aromas and sweet/tart flavours with a biting finishSILVER:Four Winds Brewing’s Saison(Delta)A shake of pepper starts off this Belgian-style saison, which pours orange and finishes grapefruity and dryBRONZE:Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste’s Cuvee des Jacobins(Belgium)A Flanders sour red ale brewed in the traditional manner with wild yeasts and 18 months’ barrel-aging