Explore Belgian Ales: Tradition, Taste and a Modern Twist
Belgian beer culture is vast — from centuries-old monastic brews to bright, bitter craft interpretations. If you’re curious about how styles like Trappist ales, classic lagers and modern Belgian Ales relate, this guide will clarify the differences and point you toward great examples and where to buy them.
What is a Trappist beer in Belgium?
Trappist beers are brewed within Trappist monasteries by or under the supervision of monks. To carry the "Authentic Trappist Product" label they must meet strict criteria: brewed inside the walls of a Trappist community, the brewery must be run or supervised by monks, and proceeds are used for the monastery or charitable causes. Trappist beers are often complex ales — ranging from dark dubbels and tripels to lighter blond styles — and are prized for depth, fermentation character and tradition.
Is Stella Artois a Belgian beer?
Yes — Stella Artois originates from Leuven, Belgium, and has deep historical roots. However, it is a pilsner-style lager and represents the large-scale, globalized side of Belgian brewing. Unlike many Belgian ales or Trappist beers, Stella Artois is brewed for consistency, mild bitterness and broad appeal. If you love delicate, crisp lagers, Stella fits the bill; if you want bold yeast-driven complexity or intense hop bitterness, look toward Belgian ales and craft interpretations instead.
What makes a Belgian Ale different from a beer like Hoegaarden?
"Belgian Ale" is a broad term that covers many top-fermented (ale) styles: saison, dubbel, tripel, Belgian strong pale, and more. Hoegaarden is a classic example of a Belgian witbier (white beer): brewed with wheat and spiced with coriander and orange peel, it’s cloudy, light, and aromatic. In contrast, many Belgian Ales emphasize malt, fruity/phenolic yeast esters, or — in some modern takes — a pronounced hop bitterness. Think of witbiers as refreshing and spice-forward; Belgian Ales as diverse and often more robust.
Where can I buy Belgian beer (e.g., Tesco)?
Major supermarkets like Tesco often carry a selection of Belgian beers — typically popular or mass-distributed labels such as Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Leffe and sometimes Duvel. For deeper selections (Trappist releases, limited craft batches, or specialty bottles like De Ranke XX Bitter), try these options:
- Specialist beer shops and bottle stores — best for rare and craft-focused bottles.
- Online craft beer retailers — often ship internationally and offer tasting notes and customer reviews.
- Local craft beer bars and taprooms — good for tasting before you buy a full bottle.
- Breweries’ own shops or Belgian importers — best chance for fresh stock of specific lines.
What are some popular Belgian beers worth trying?
Belgium has many iconic beers across styles. Some well-known and widely recommended names include:
- Chimay (Trappist ales)
- Westvleteren (rare Trappist bottles highly prized by collectors)
- Duvel (strong golden ale with lively carbonation)
- Hoegaarden (classic witbier)
- Leffe (widely available abbey-style ales)
- Orval (unique Brett-driven Trappist beer)
- De Ranke XX Bitter (noted for its assertive hop bitterness and historical influence)
Why try Amour Amer?
Amour Amer is a Belgian Ale interpreted through an Italian lens: it merges the heritage of Belgian bitterness and yeast character with the creativity of an Italian craft brewer. If you appreciate beers that nod to the historic bitter Belgian styles — especially those that echo the lineage of De Ranke’s XX Bitter — Amour Amer offers a bold hop-driven profile balanced by Belgian fermentation notes and Italian craftsmanship. It’s a great bottle to explore when you want something both familiar and inventive.
Want to give it a try? Consider picking up
for a tasting that highlights the contrast between classic Belgian bitterness and modern craft expression.
Tasting tips and food pairings
- Serve slightly chilled (8–10°C / 46–50°F) to let aromas open while keeping bitterness measured.
- Use a tulip or goblet glass to capture the aromatics and support carbonation.
- Pair bold bitter Belgian ales with rich foods: roasted meats, aged cheeses, grilled mushrooms or dishes with bitter greens.
- Try contrast pairings too — salty cured ham or spicy cuisine often plays nicely with assertive hops and fruity yeast esters.
Final notes
Belgium’s brewing legacy covers a broad spectrum. From monastic Trappist complexity to crisp pilsners like Stella Artois and refreshingly spiced witbiers such as Hoegaarden, there’s a Belgian style for every palate. For fans of bitter, hop-forward Belgian tradition reimagined by contemporary brewers, Amour Amer is a compelling example — bridging Belgian roots and Italian flair.
