Snowstorms and Belgian Strong Ale

Yesterday, Rochester got hit pretty good by an early February snowstorm. We got just shy of 12" of snow here at the house, but luckily there were some tasty beers to keep my spirits up. Last night we had our monthly BJCP Style Session at The Old Toad. (They also happened to have one of my favorite beers in the world, Abita Turbodog...on Cask!)

The style in question for the evening was BJCP Category 18 - Belgian Strong Ale

Probably my absolute favorite category of beers. I love everything about them; I Love Belgium, and I Love Belgian Beer!

The category is split into 5 sections, and we had two samples from each section. Our BJCP leaders put together a great spread of beers to try, and luckily these beers are getting easier to find here in the U.S.

Last night we sampled:

18A-Belgian Blonde Ale
Affligem Blonde
Maredsous Blonde

18B-Belgian Dubbel
La Trappe Dubbel
Chimay Premiere (Red)

18C-Belgian Tripel
Westmalle Tripel
Unibroue La Fin du Monde

18D-Belgian Golden Strong Ale
Duvel
Piraat

18E-Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Rochefort 10
St. Bernardus Abt 12




These beers are all quite unique in a way that only Belgian ales are. Fruity esters, spiciness, dark candies, sweet, but not filling, and a very restrained alcohol presence, despite some of these beers getting up past 10% ABV.

After the tasting I'm even more excited about my brewing this year. I should be trying my Dubbel out this weekend, and I've got a Belgian Pale Ale and Wit fermenting. My next brew is going to be category 18A-Belgian Blonde Ale.

Have you all had the chance to try out any good Belgian Strong Ales? What's your favorite? If you've never had the chance to try any, they are worth picking up and sharing with friends, or keeping to yourself! (Just watch out for that ABV!)

Cheers!

December 2nd Beer-Mas

Carrying on with my catch-up, here are the beers I had on December 2nd and 3rd.

The next beer is a beer that I had last year but really enjoyed. Then again, I've enjoyed most of the things that I've had from this brewery. They have had a special place in my heart since I won a t-shirt from them in a Twitter trivia contest.

December 2nd

Christmas Ale by Abita Brewing Company

Like the beads in the background? I guess they are kind of like a Chrismas-time Mardi Gras decorations to celebrate this Louisiana based brewery. Actually, these beads end up scattered throughout the house by my wife as part of our Christmas decorations, and it usually takes the next year to locate them all. But I think they look good enough, and it keeps the Mrs. happy, which is what the holidays are all about!