Featured European Beers (Issue 19)

La Grande Blanche
De Proef Brouwerij

Lochristi, Belgium
www.proefbrowerij.com

Floral and tropical fruit aromas are followed by soft wheat present on the palate. The beer finishes with a hint of hop bitterness and coriander spice. It displays a bit more body than most Belgian wits and has 7.5 percent ABV. But it retains the style’s refreshing character and should be served relatively cold.

Reinaert Flemish Wild Ale
De Proef Brouwerij

Lochristi, Belgium
www.proefbrowerij.com

This ale was fermented three times with two different yeasts, including a strain of brettanomyces, the “wild yeast” of Belgium. Notes of brett and spicy aromatics are in the flavor and it has a funky, malty and juicy note on the palate. The beer, 9.0 percent ABV, finishes with brett and dry hop notes.

Zoetzuur Flemish Ale
De Proef Brouwerij

Lochristi, Belgium
www.proefbrowerij.com

The name comes from the Flemish word for sweet and sour. This unique ale is made from multi-yeast strain fermentation with a hint of Belgian Kriek, or cherry juice added. At 7.0 percent ABV, it is a subtle and complex blend where sour is balanced by tart fruit, hints of wood and a velvety finish.