Over the past year, I have grown this acquired taste for the most delicious and up and coming Imported Belgium beers.
Every bar or restaurant I visit, I experience the same choices of beer; Bud Light, Corona, Heineken etc. Although these wide varieties of beer have become popular among us young adults, there is no exception that we must have to continue dealing with these watered down, replica wannabe competitors that require fruit additions in order to substitute their cheap taste.
However, becoming a beer connoisseur has left me dealing with restrictions at attempts when trying to find locations carrying these funky, imported beers. Therefore, I have created a list of a few of my top beers, a little history about them, along with what you can engage in when associating yourself with these beers. When you do get your hands on these beers, I hope you appreciate the distinctive taste these companies have invested time in making and combining for you to relish over.
Palm Ale – Alcohol volume content of 8.5%
My first experience with a stronger imported beer was with Palm Ale. Starting off with Palm would be your best bet if you’re a Stella Artois or Heineken drinker considering it has less of a bitter taste and a little softer on the stomach. Palm is made with English hops, French Barley, and Belgian yeast. It’s roasted Champaign malt gives it the amber color it has, yet throws off its drinkers with non-heavy taste. It also has the fruity flavor that most domestic beers TRY and carry; Orange palate. Palm also comes in these awesome little glasses to make you feel just as unique as the beer you’re drinking. I recommend everyone to start off their Import experience with Palm; however, my growing experience with other beers has led me to conclude that Palm is still weak.
Kwak – Alcohol volume content of 8%
This started off being my favorite beer, winning first place for almost a year in my books! This bright amber color, fruity and malty beer, slightly spicy with hints of caramelized bananas acquires a little bitterness to it. However, not only is the beer and its combination fascinating, it’s the glass it comes with that elaborates the “wow” factor. Anywhere you find this beer being sold, you will notice its hanging glass method where if you visit Belgium or Germany you will notice Kwak being called the “meter” beer. In meter I mean these glasses are a meters worth of beer! Beat that! If you’re wondering how this beer got its glass: The inventor, Paul Kwak, designed the glass for coachmen to hang on their coaches because they were not allowed to leave their carriages and horses. Therefore, Kwak brings with it a small piece of history to the present.
Piraat Ale – Alcohol volume content of 10.5%
Be careful when putting your mouth on this one! Piraat is a wickedly good beer with a whole lot of kick. This beer was made strong in order for Pirates in the late 17th century to carry on their voyages over a long period of time. I must warn anybody who tries Piraat; it is a “living beer” because after the primary fermentation in the keg, this beer continues to evolve when packaging to its second fermentation, this malty, sugary and citrusy beer carries a very strong taste of alcohol. I urge anyone who drinks to realize that drinking this means drinking three and a half Bud Lights!
Tripel Karmeliet – Alcohol volume content of 8.4%
Just imagine being served a light colored, refreshing beer in a glass that a king on his throne should carry; better yet a pimp cup. I think many people who aren’t used to strong Belgium and German beers should start themselves off on Tripel Karmeliet. This light, fruity beer contains three different grains; wheat, oat, and barley, and is brewed using three times the usual amount of malt. The odd thing about this beer after being poured is if you take a close look inside the glass, you can notice little malts floating around. I recommend drinking this beer less with steaks and more with fish or chicken; try it and you’ll understand why.
Gulden Draak – Alcohol volume content of 10.5%
This thick beer is one of the darker Belgium beers; however, don’t be alarmed because it is just as good! Draak offers a natural balance of malt-toffee like sweetness with a mellowness and hoppy accents. This beer is so strong in taste that many people refer to Draak as, “Barley Wine.” If you ever come across looking at the Draak bottle, it is sealed in white to keep the sunlight out in order to age it for years as you do with wine. A cool fact is when the Draak bottle is thrown away; it is later recycled to become a candleholder! If you’ve ever required a taste for this beer, then I strongly urge you to try Draak with chocolate. Call me crazy, I just have a taste for quality.
