San Dalmazzo di Menaresta: the golden Belgian Ale that smells of Belgium and tastes of Lombardy
Herbaceous, fruity, floral, and spicy — San Dalmazzo from Birrificio Menaresta is a golden Belgian Ale that brings the aromatic complexity of Belgian yeast into a bold Italian beer. For those who want to compare with the ultimate Trappist reference, you can also find Orval from Brasserie d'Orval on Maltese — for many, simply the best beer in the world. Available online with shipping throughout Italy.
🛒 Discover San Dalmazzo on Maltese | 🛒 Discover Orval on Maltese
What is a golden Belgian Ale?
The golden Belgian Ale is a top-fermented beer with typical Belgian yeasts that produce fruity esters and spicy phenols. Typical characteristics:
- Color: bright golden, often with good foam
- Aroma: herbaceous, fruity, floral, spicy — all from the yeast
- Taste: balanced, with medium body and a clean finish
- ABV: variable, often 6–8% ABV
Belgian Ale vs Trappist Beer: the differences
- Belgian Ale: style and flavor profile — any brewery can produce it
- Trappist Beer: production indication (Trappist monastery, monastic control) — e.g. Orval
- A Trappist beer can also be a Belgian Ale by style, but not vice versa
Belgian Ale vs Stella Artois: are they the same thing?
No. Stella Artois is a commercial pale lager (bottom fermentation, clean and light profile). Belgian Ales like San Dalmazzo are top-fermented beers with complex aromas of yeast, fruit, and spices. Completely different worlds.
Food pairings
- Semi-aged cheeses (Tomme, young Gouda)
- White meats with aromatic herbs
- Mildly spiced dishes (light curries, Moroccan cuisine)
- Fruit or cream-based desserts
- Artisanal snacks for a characterful aperitif
How to serve a golden Belgian Ale
- Temperature: 8–12 °C to enhance aromas and structure
- Glassware: tulip or Belgian goblet — discover tasting glasses on Maltese
- Tasting: observe the golden color, smell to perceive herbaceous and floral notes, then evaluate body and aftertaste
