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
