Belgian Beers for St. Patrick's Day

Belgian beers are a tasty alternative to Irish ales and stouts. When you're enjoying beer from Ireland this St. Patrick's Day, consider picking up a few of these beers from Belgium for a little variety. Dave Turnbull of Horizon Beers recommends a few of his favourites.

La Chouffe Blond Ale

A strong and unfiltered blond ale, with a citrus, tropical fruit, coriander and hops nose. The palate is refreshing, with fruitiness, hops and spice. This will pair well with lightly spiced food (Thai and Indian) and the citric element will pair well with seafood and salads. La Chouffe is represented by the “Chouffe gnome”…let's call it Belgium’s answer to the Leprechaun.

Liefmans Fruitesse

This unique and fresh beer blend matured for 18 months on cherries in the Liefmans cellar before bottling. A blend of strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and juniper berry juices, it is sweet and sparkling, with a slightly tart finish to balance out the natural sweetness of the fruit juices.

Chimay Blue

The flavour profile of this dark beer is much different than an Irish stout. It is malty, but much more complex and effervescent in its carbonation (stouts are creamy). The Chimay is sweet and fruity, with fig, plum, raisin and spice notes. This has a warming, rum or brandy-like finish and has about double the alcohol of your average stout. This is the flagship beer from the best known of the seven Trappist monasteries in the world (six of them are in Belgium).

Duvel

Duvel is the benchmark of golden ales. A light golden colour, with fluffy head and a perfumed, hoppy, pear, citrus and brandy nose. It is smooth and dry, with hops, spice and a bit of alcohol sweetness. This is a great palate cleanser for spicy food. It also pairs well with fish, garlic and oil and cream sauces.

Photo: HeadCRasher on Flickr