Historical quirks, local preference, and individual creativity all have a say in the diversity of Belgium’s brown ales. Here are some of our favorites.
Rochefort 8
If Westmalle Dubbel is the reliable suburban archetype, this is its rustic, well-to-do, libertine cousin living away down south, opting for rare steak over cold sausage and telling stories right through dessert before disappearing with your date. It’s lively, with dark fruits in the nose and flavor, well-rounded, sweetish but dry and warming, with slightly more body and richness than little brother 6 or big sister 10.
ABV: 9.2%
IBUs: 22
Loc: Rochefort, Namur
Lupulus Brune
This Ardennes brewery’s well-hopped, tripel-like Blonde is better known, but both beers deserve more fame. This darker brown ale gets an extra helping of floral hops plus a light touch of orange peel that accentuates the spicy yeast, which evolved over the years from a version of Rochefort’s strain. Many Wallonian breweries make brunes as well as blondes as if it were obligatory. These are different. Sadly not (yet) exported to the United States.
ABV: 8.5%
IBUs: 27
Loc: Courtil, Luxembourg