Belgian Beers - Wine and Dine Milwaukee 2009

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Stella Artois Lager

Product - Stella Artois 20
Brewed By: 
Stella Artois
Self-Defined Style: 
Lager
Strength (ABV): 
5.2% ABV

1926 saw the birth of one of the most important additions to the family, Stella Artois. Stella, the Latin word for star, was first introduced in celebration of the festive season. It was an instant sensation, and became so popular that it stayed in demand throughout history, and for decades to come. Today, Stella Artois is renowned as a quality beer conditioned for an average of 6 - 11 days longer than most other beers. It is full-bodied with an alcohol content of 5.2% ABV and is best enjoyed at a cool 3o C.

Best With: 
This lager would be a fine companion served cold with pizza or pub food, but would also do quite well to have beside a light whitefish cooked with white wine and some crisp greens on the side.
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Hoegaarden White

Product - Hoegaarden
Brewed By: 
Hoegaarden
Self-Defined Style: 
Belgian White Beer
Strength (ABV): 
5.0% ABV

Hoegaarden is the authentic Belgian wheat or white beer. It has a unique and extremely complex brewing process whereby the brand is first top fermented and then is refermented within the bottle - ending up in a unique cloudy-white appearance. The brand's unique appearance is mirrored by its one-of-a-kind taste - sweet and sour beer with a little bitterness, slightly spicy, with a strong touch of coriander and a hint of orange, perfect for warm summer days, instead of other refreshing beverages. Refreshing, a little quirky, and decidedly different - naturally.

Best With: 
This Belgian-style wheat beer works well on its own as an aperitif, but also pairs well with lighter fare such as salads with a citrus dressing. It can work surprisingly well with omelets made with apples and goat cheese. Some people enjoy this beer with a slice of orange as a garnish.
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Leffe Blonde

Product - Leffe Blonde
Brewed By: 
Leffe
Self-Defined Style: 
Abbey Blonde Ale
Strength (ABV): 
6.6% ABV

A dry, fruity, lightly spiced beer, full and creamy - a perfect balance of strength and subtlety. The brand has a delicate and light, malty aroma and a subtle, sweet finish. Leffe Blonde is a perfect accompaniment to light, everyday meals.

Best With: 
The characteristic bready, fruity complexity of this beer combined with its mellow, rounded finish make it an exceptional pairing for steamed, marinated mussels, grilled lobster tail, and gamier meats such as venison or wild boar.
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Duvel Golden Ale

Product - Duvel Duvel
Brewed By: 
Duvel
Self-Defined Style: 
Belgain Strong Golden Ale
Strength (ABV): 
8.5% ABV
Color (SRM): 
4º L

Duvel is unique. No other beer is made like it, or tastes like it. Blonde and refreshing like a Pilsner, but with the flavor, depth and complexity of an ale, Duvel defines the Strong Golden Ale category. The beer's golden hues originate with its Pilsner malts, while Bohemian hops and a unique yeast strain add character, intensity, and a certain verve. It's this beguiling nature that has made Duvel a Belgian favorite.

Best With: 
Pairs well with seafood, particularly steamed mussels, and works well as a stand alone beer. Excellent as an aperitif.
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Lindemans Framboise

Product - Lindemans Framboise
Brewed By: 
Lindemans
Self-Defined Style: 
Raspberry Lambic
Strength (ABV): 
4.0% ABV

Long before hops were common in most beers, various fruits and vegetables were used to season beers. The acidity of lambic beers blends perfectly with raspberries. Rose in color. Magnificent aroma, delicate palate of raspberries with undertones of fruity acidity; elegant, sparkling clean natural taste.

Best With: 
Chocolate desserts (especially chocolate decadence), fresh raspberries, ice cream with a raspberry demi-glaze sauce, créme caramel, baked Alaska, Olympia oysters, caviar. Serve in flute-shaped Lambic glasses at 45 degrees.
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Orval Trappist Ale

Product - Orval Trappist Ale
Brewed By: 
Orval
Self-Defined Style: 
Trappist Ale
Strength (ABV): 
6.9% ABV

Brewed and bottle-conditioned at Orval monastery founded in the 1100s in the pastoral Belgium countryside. Fermenting three times with three different malts and two types of hops give great character and complexity. This vintage-dated chardonnay of the beer world can be cellared up to five years. Sunset-orange color; a fruity and slightly acidic bouquet, firm body, profound hop bitterness, and long, dry finish.

Best With: 
Mild semi soft cheese, warm brown bread, fresh pears, steamed mussels, clams in Pernod cream sauce, oysters, smoked salmon and trout, and calamari. Traditionally served in Orval balloon glasses to capture the big bouquet and lovely "Belgian Lace." Excellent with a handmade cigar. Serve at 55° to 60°.
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Maredsous Dubbel

Product - Maredsous Dubbel
Brewed By: 
Maredsous
Self-Defined Style: 
Belgian Abbey Dubbel
Strength (ABV): 
8.0% ABV

Maredsous Dubbel is a rich mahogany-brown Dubbel ale, with a delicate body, creamy head, and lush bouquet. Within its velvety taste you’ll discover subtle hints of dark fruit, chocolate, and toffee. You’ll also savor a dry and warming finish. A votre santé.

Best With: 
Excellent choice with savory dishes, meats, slow-cooked French dishes, pork loin, lamb, rabbit, beef, salmon, potatoes, marinated roasts, rich cheeses, almost every rich dessert.
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d'Achouffe LaChouffe

Product - D Achouffe La Chouffe
Brewed By: 
d'Achouffe
Self-Defined Style: 
Belgian Golden Ale
Strength (ABV): 
8.0% ABV

With a lovely golden color with a rich, lingering head, La Chouffe's flavor is characterized by a most pleasant lemon grass aroma and taste, a result of an addition of the spice coriander.

Best With: 
The characteristic bready, fruity complexity of this beer combined with its mellow, rounded finish make it an exceptional pairing for steamed, marinated mussels, grilled lobster tail, and gamier meats such as venison or wild boar.
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Delirium Noël

Product - Delirium Noel
Brewed By: 
Delirium
Self-Defined Style: 
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Strength (ABV): 
10.0% ABV