Sat July 31, 2010
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Vanberg & DeWulf Beers of Spring
Our collection of imports numbers more than 25 beers from Belgium and French Flanders.
A couple of years back, it dawned on us that the average store or restaurant was
hard pressed to stock all of them all of the time.
So, we came up with a quarterly charts profiling excellent beer choices for each season.
We are presenting this information (albeit in a different format) on the
web for you to use as you stock your beer cellar, your store shelves or
build your seasonal menu.
Witkap Pater | St. Amand | Foret
Witkap Pater
Style: Abbey Ale
Description:Banana, berry nose, lemony finish. Lighter body & ABV than Dobbels or Tripels, but aromatic profile typical of style. Good with mussels, salmon, tuna, and swordfish. What the monks drink for lunch! 6% pale ale. An excellent abbey beer choice as the weather begins to warm.
Comments and Selling Points: "*****Superbly Aromatic, light colored ale with great hop character."
--Tim Webb, The Good Beer Guide to Belgium & Holland
Gold Medal--World Beer Championships
St. Amand French Country Ale
Style: Biere de Garde
Description: Made by the Castelain Brewery in French Flanders, St. Amand is copper-colored with a hint of licorice, a malty body, and a clean finish. Biere de Garde is the only indigenous beer style. Cold-aged (like lagers), but top-fermented (like ales), these are full-bodied but quenching beers! Great with bistro food, steaks. An ideal picnic beer.
Comments and Selling Points: Perfect marriage of Northern European brewing prowess & French finesse.
"Red amber color. Exotic aromas of French cellars. A malty sweetness light on the palate with a right down the middle bitterness. A Biere de Garde I wouldn't mind being able to brew myself."
--Charlie Papazian All About Beer.
Gold Medal---World Beer Championships
Foret
Style: Belgian Saison
Description: Brewed at one of Europe's last farmhouse breweries, Foret is Belgium's only certified organic ale. 100% organically raised hops, barley & pure well water. Bold, dry, herbal. Bottle conditioned, suitable for cellaring, Beautifully balanced. Enjoy with sharp cheeses, roasted meats (particularly pork), and fish.
Comments and Selling Points: "Brasserie Dupont, Belgium's 'classic producer' of Saison beers."
--Michael Jackson The Beer Companion
"The only organic beer I ever tried where I didn't care it was organic. A great beer. Period."
--John Hansell The Malt Advocate
"One of the ten most notable beers of the year."
The Wine Enthusiast
