Beer Club Subscription Issue 118 (August 2019)

Our long time subscribers may recall that I (Geoff) have strong family ties to Belgium with almost all my family still living there and so every few years I head back to visit family, see how the Belgian beer scene is changing and of course taste some fantastic beers!

On my most recent trip I jotted down some things which to me are second nature but to others not familiar with Belgium would be something new. 

Here are my top 5 tips and observations for beer in Belgium.

1. A Brasserie is not Always a Brewery 

Despite the literal translation of a brasserie meaning "brewery" or "brewing business" it is also used for our equivalent of a pub or bar. This means that while they will serve beer they do not brew any on the premises (some may but they would be few and far between). A brasserie will serve food with a relaxed informal vibe.

2. Super Markets have lots of Beer Options

In Belgium there are a lot of different super market changes compared to Australia. While we have our duopoly of Coles and Woolworths the Belgians have the likes of Lidl, Aldi, Colruyt, Delhaize, Carffoure & Makro to name a few.

Each of these has a reasonably beer offering from your every day Jupiler to trappist beers like Westmalle and Chimay.

If you are after something a bit more special then you will need to hunt down specialists beer store. My favourite one which is close by to family I visit is Beer Lovers Shop in Louvain-la-Neuve. Here you will find smaller batch beers, Cantillon, barrel aged beers and a few internationals as well.

3. Small Breweries & Cans are Growing

Speaking with my cousins and family a common theme that popped up was the growth of small microbreweries in Belgium. Much like us in Australia, beers drinkers are now becoming more and more spoilt for choice with each shop allowing them to discover and experience a beer they have never tried before (mostly if they are shopping with independent specialist beer stores).

Some of these microbreweries are also starting to release their beers in cans. It is not as prolific as here in Australia and I do not think that they will ever get to the same penetration as we have. This is mostly due to the differing historical culture and general lifestyle in Belgium, e.g. cans in Australia make a lot of sense when combined with our climate and outdoor recreational activities. 

4. Access to Westvleteren Beers in Belgium is Easier than you may think

Historically the only way to get  Westvleteren beers was to call their phone line, try to get through, then make a reservation to visit the brewery to buy their beers. If you did manage to get through you then had to provide your car registration details, show up in that car on the designated day and be willing to purchase whatever beer(s) they were selling on that day. There were no guarantees of what beers would be available and you could not visit again for another 60 days.

Of course you could also go to the Westvleteren Abbey Cafe (In de Vrede) across the road but depending on how much time you are spending in Belgium this may not be feasible. Also check their open times as they are closed on some days and during some periods of the year.

Here's an alternative.

With most visitors heading into the centre of Brussels there are about 4 or 5 beer stores in the centre of the city just off La Grande Place which sell bottles of  Westvleteren beers. Expect to pay about 15-18 euros per bottle ($25-$30 AUD). 

Two of these stores are De Biertempel & 250 Beers Belgium.

5. Monday = Closed

Monday's is a day of rest with many restaurants, cafes, shops etc closing. Your larger stores or chains (super markets, McDonalds etc) will be open as well stores in the tourist areas of Brussels, but generally speaking don't expect to do much in the way of brewery visits or shopping on Mondays. One brewery though to buck this trend is Cantillon, they close on Wednesdays and Sundays instead!

This Month's Tasting Notes (Select your Subscription Type Below)

• The Original Beer Cartel Subscription (subscriptions prior to July 2019)
• The Bootlegger (6 Pack)
• The Speak Easy (12 Pack)
• The Black Market (12 Pack)

The Original Beer Cartel Subscription 

(subscriptions prior to July 2019)

Beer Number 1: Ekim After Battle Pale Ale

Style: American Pale Ale

ABV: 5.6%

Colour: Light Golden

Serving Temp: 7˚C to 12˚C

Recommended Glass: Pint

Description: A medium-bodied, bittered pale ale, with intense citrus/passionfruit aromas & flavours from dry-hopping.

Beer Number 2: Modus Operandi Silent Knight

Style: Porter

ABV: 5.6%

Colour: Black

Serving Temp: 7˚C to 12˚C

Recommended Glass: Tulip

Description: Aromas of rich chocolate and roast on the nose, we brewed our porter with the idea of a session version of a Russian Imperial Stout in mind. a complex blend of 9 types of malt form a dessert like blend of chocolate, roast and caramel flavour while still finishing on the light and dry side.

Beer Number 3: Stone Ripper American Pale Ale

Style: American Pale Ale

ABV: 5.7%

Colour: Light Golden

Serving Temp: 7˚C to 12˚C

Recommended Glass: Pint

Description: When it came to creating Ripper, we drew inspiration from the coastal surf cultures of SoCal and Oz. Sourcing classic Cascade from the Pacific Northwest and Australian Galaxy hops from 'yes' Australia, we made a beer both lovers of frothy peaks and hoppy green buds will be stoked about. At the same time, we stayed true to our San Diego roots by pushing the hop boundaries of this style.

While some might think it lingers on an edge far closer to an IPA, with all the dry-hop flavour and aroma, it's actually right in line with the current-day interpretation of a West Coast Pale. Ours just so happens to have an Aussie accent that's cascading with a juicy amount of grapefruit and passion fruit hoppiness. So veg out or venture out. Either way, rip one open and taste this awesome golden nectar!

Beer Number 4: Balter Lager

Style: Lager

ABV: 4.8%

Colour: Light Golden

Serving Temp: 4˚C to 7˚C

Recommended Glass: Lager

Description: Crack open the window to a tastebud paradise of blue skies and salty sea breezes, where the word drinkableness exists. Yes. Say it out loud. Drinkableness. Our Balter Lager greets you with a casual citrus wave, subtle spicy grin and gentle malt hug. A happy place for your mouth. Full of drinkableness.

The Bootlegger (6 Pack)

1. Dainton Idaho 7 IPA

What was that movie with Keanu and River in it? Bambi? Wait, that's what I'm watching right now - Oh the humanity! Big zesty orange and tangerine in this bad boy with hints of marmalade. You won't be the 'lonely guy' drinking this beast.

2. Black Hops #100 Continuously Hopped IPA

To celebrate the 100th unique beer brewed by Black Hops, our latest limited release, #100 is a continuously hopped American IPA crafted in the tradition of Dogfish Head's famous 90 minute IPA. 100 minutes of continual hopping in the boil by the whole Black Hops crew, delivers a classic IPA with all American hop complexity.

3. Moo Brew Red IPA

Hey Moo Brew is droppin the first of their new Limited Release range right in your lap, and it's real red. We went for a Red IPA because they're hard to make (and we like a challenge), and also so we could launch it during Dark Mofo, where everything in Hobart turns red anyway. We hope you like it.

4. New England Pale Ale

The New Englander Pale Ale is a pleasantly hopped and well balanced classic American Pale Ale. With a creamy white head and brilliant colour, the aroma has hints of mango, grapefruit, and passionfruit, while an earthy and resinous flavour and moderate bitterness finish things off.

Hops: Ella, Cascade, Summer, Galaxy

Malt: Caramalt, Pilsner, Munich

5. Sunday Road Enigma Pale Ale

Our Enigma Ale is a sessionable Australian Pale Ale created around the new star on the hop scene, Enigma. A hop developed and only grown in Bushy Park, Tasmania, Australia. It is excitingly different! We have also used some super tasty pale malts. Seriously we've eaten them for breakfast. No nasties. Just pure ingredients brewed with honest care. We hope you enjoy this crisp and balanced ale.

6. Wilsons Draught

Wilson Draught is a clean and crisp Australian best bitter with a restrained hop character. Some caramel malt flavours and a mild, herbaceous hop character keep things interesting enough for a quick return sip.

Brewed in commemoration of the Albany Whaling Station's closure in 1978.

The Speak Easy (12 Pack)

1. Dainton Idaho 7 IPA

What was that movie with Keanu and River in it? Bambi? Wait, that's what I'm watching right now - Oh the humanity! Big zesty orange and tangerine in this bad boy with hints of marmalade. You won't be the 'lonely guy' drinking this beast.

2. Black Hops #100 Continuously Hopped IPA

To celebrate the 100th unique beer brewed by Black Hops, our latest limited release, #100 is a continuously hopped American IPA crafted in the tradition of Dogfish Head's famous 90 minute IPA. 100 minutes of continual hopping in the boil by the whole Black Hops crew, delivers a classic IPA with all American hop complexity.

3. Moo Brew Red IPA

Hey Moo Brew is droppin the first of their new Limited Release range right in your lap, and it's real red. We went for a Red IPA because they're hard to make (and we like a challenge), and also so we could launch it during Dark Mofo, where everything in Hobart turns red anyway. We hope you like it.

4. Balter Lager

Happy The Lager: Effortless drinkability and balance is the name of the game with this friendly fella. It's not demanding your full attention, it just wants you to know it loves you.

Malt aromatics are the star of the show with German Vienna and Munich malts providing a rich, gently aromatic backdrop. Think slabs of fresh honey on toast locked in a waltz with the gentle breezy citrus and spice notes courtesy of Spalt, the noblest of noble hops- this beer is blue skies, white sand and sea breezes in a glass.

Hopefully, it will take you to your Happy place.

5. Hope India Brown Ale

What’s an IBA? (India Brown Ale) Matt Hogan’s own take on a hybrid brew, with the richness of a classic American Brown Ale, the hop levels and big bitterness of an IPA, and the addition of fresh Chardonnay Juice into the brew. It is barrel aged in reclaimed American oak hogsheads to add a subtle complexity without any oak dominance.

6. Yullis Dads Army

The first of the Dads army barrel aged range. Chris' Imperial Stout is aged for 3 months in Lark Distillery port barrels.

7. Temple Dia Brux

A pale, dry and sour beer, wrapped in an amalgamation of tropical flavours from heavy duty hopping. This one is kettle soured with a specialty Belgian yeast. Brewed for GABS 2019.

8. New England Pale Ale

The New Englander Pale Ale is a pleasantly hopped and well balanced classic American Pale Ale. With a creamy white head and brilliant colour, the aroma has hints of mango, grapefruit, and passionfruit, while an earthy and resinous flavour and moderate bitterness finish things off.

Hops: Ella, Cascade, Summer, Galaxy

Malt: Caramalt, Pilsner, Munich

9. Sunday Road Enigma Pale Ale

Our Enigma Ale is a sessionable Australian Pale Ale created around the new star on the hop scene, Enigma. A hop developed and only grown in Bushy Park, Tasmania, Australia. It is excitingly different! We have also used some super tasty pale malts. Seriously we've eaten them for breakfast. No nasties. Just pure ingredients brewed with honest care. We hope you enjoy this crisp and balanced ale.

10. Beatnik XPA

This big flavoured XPA is packed with hop aromas of citrus and tropical fruit. A crisp bitterness and refreshingly sessionable.

11. Wilsons Draught

Wilson Draught is a clean and crisp Australian best bitter with a restrained hop character. Some caramel malt flavours and a mild, herbaceous hop character keep things interesting enough for a quick return sip.

Brewed in commemoration of the Albany Whaling Station's closure in 1978.

12. Atomic Project IPA

This bold hoppy West Coast style IPA features Simcoe, Columbus, Amarillo and Centennial hop varieties. Bold upfront pine aromas, zesty citrus & tropical fruit characters, balanced with subtle malt and a lingering bitterness.

The Black Market (12 Pack)

1. Dainton Idaho 7 IPA

What was that movie with Keanu and River in it? Bambi? Wait, that's what I'm watching right now - Oh the humanity! Big zesty orange and tangerine in this bad boy with hints of marmalade. You won't be the 'lonely guy' drinking this beast.

2.Black Hops #100 Continuously Hopped IPA

To celebrate the 100th unique beer brewed by Black Hops, our latest limited release, #100 is a continuously hopped American IPA crafted in the tradition of Dogfish Head's famous 90 minute IPA. 100 minutes of continual hopping in the boil by the whole Black Hops crew, delivers a classic IPA with all American hop complexity.

3. Ballistic Mandarin IPA

We used over 200kg of fresh mandarin puree for this one. It's juicy, delicious and balanced! Enjoy. A great collab with Collective Arts Brewing.

4. Balter Lager

Happy The Lager: Effortless drinkability and balance is the name of the game with this friendly fella. It's not demanding your full attention, it just wants you to know it loves you.

Malt aromatics are the star of the show with German Vienna and Munich malts providing a rich, gently aromatic backdrop. Think slabs of fresh honey on toast locked in a waltz with the gentle breezy citrus and spice notes courtesy of Spalt, the noblest of noble hops- this beer is blue skies, white sand and sea breezes in a glass.

Hopefully, it will take you to your Happy place.

5. Yullis Dads Army Imperial Stout

The first of the Dads army barrel aged range. Chris' Imperial Stout is aged for 3 months in Lark Distillery port barrels.

6. Green Beacon Helen St Haze

Fresh citrus and juicy tropical fruit with a hazy appearance and subtle bitterness.

7. Hope India Brown Ale

What’s an IBA? (India Brown Ale) Matt Hogan’s own take on a hybrid brew, with the richness of a classic American Brown Ale, the hop levels and big bitterness of an IPA, and the addition of fresh Chardonnay Juice into the brew. It is barrel aged in reclaimed American oak hogsheads to add a subtle complexity without any oak dominance.

8. Wayward Son Lupulin IPA

The Wayward Son Lupulin IPA was brewed specially for our head brewer's baby boy, Austin. This West Coast style IPA was made using a new hop powder, called LupuLN2, which is the concentrated lupulin of whole-leaf hops containing resins and aromatic oils. It is designed to provide intense hop flavor and aroma, enabling brewers to dose large quantities of hops without introducing astringent flavors. The result is a resinous and fruit forward IPA with notes of apricot, pine, passion fruit and mango. The dual malt base has a balanced IPA bitterness, and the LupuLN2 helped us present a clean dry hop character.

9. Murrays Laguna Brut IPA

Decadent in its simplicity, Laguna has a delicate malt profile, with the use of enzymes to give a very dry finish. This brings the hops to the main focus of the beer. Tropical, pine and stone fruit are abundant in flavour and aroma.

10. Temple Dia Brux

A pale, dry and sour beer, wrapped in an amalgamation of tropical flavours from heavy duty hopping. This one is kettle soured with a specialty Belgian yeast. Brewed for GABS 2019.

11. Ekim Imperial Stout

Our imperial stout is rich in chocolate, caramel and roasted malt flavours. Going down a treat at 8.5%

12. Moo Brew Red IPA

Hey Moo Brew is droppin the first of their new Limited Release range right in your lap, and it's real red. We went for a Red IPA because they're hard to make (and we like a challenge), and also so we could launch it during Dark Mofo, where everything in Hobart turns red anyway. We hope you like it.

About the Author: Geoff Huens is the co-founder of Beer Cartel who conjured up the idea of a beer subscription delivery service after his year abroad travelling through South America, the USA and Europe. With his partner in beer, Richard Kelsey, this later evolved into Beer Cartel. Through a passion for bringing amazing beers to people around him, a rekindling of his Belgian heritage and love for exploring new beers he can often be found writing about beer or chewing the malt over his favourite beer style, American Barleywines.