Hey Bartender

RECENTLY, I INTRODUCED a few styles of beer that were probably not familiar to some of you. Each of these styles had one thing in common -- they were from Belgium. Belgium produces some of the best beers our world has to offer, but there are some beer styles from this region that tend to be overlooked. For those of you who are beer lovers, let's spend some time exploring some of these more obscure beers.

Let's start with Lambics. There are two types: fruit and unblended. Fruit Lambics are made by adding whole fruit into the mix once spontaneous fermentation has started. Among the most common fruits used are cherries (Kriek), raspberries (Frambroise), peach (Pêche), and black currant (Cassis). Once the fruit is added, the beer is aged a little longer before it is bottled. This type of beer has far less malt and hop character to allow the fruit to be more the focus on the palate. The alcohol content for fruit lambics tends to be low. The range is usually between 3.0% and 8.0% ABV. Unblended Lambics are spontaneously fermented unblended ales that are native to the Senne Valley of Belgium. This style is dominated by wheat, used to bring out a bit of crispness, although the beer is relatively tart. The tartness is brought about by a combination of wild yeast and bacteria that inoculate the beer both from airborne sources and the tainted barrels intentionally used to ferment it. Unblended Lambics are usually light bodied with some hops and bitterness. Unblended Lambics are aged before being bottled to ensure that the tartness mellows.

Of the many Lambics I've tried, my favorite is Lindemans Pêche, brewed by Brouwerij Lindemans, located in Belgium. It has a very vibrant orange color with very little head. The nose yields a bit of orange with a twist of peach. Sometimes, I get a hint of clove as well. On the palate, there is a lot of sourness that is surprisingly sweet. What's also surprising is the sour apple that you taste. These flavors are consistent throughout. The carbonation level is low, but that doesn't diminish the appeal of this beer. Lindemans also makes Kriek, Cassis, Apple, and Framboise if you're curious about their entire fruit lambic lineup. They also produce a tea beer, which is the best example of an unblended lambic. It has a sweet tea with lemon flavor. The best description is carbonated Snapple lemon tea with a little alcohol.

Next, let's look at Saison (Farmhouse Ale). These sturdy ales were traditionally brewed in the winter, so that they could be enjoyed throughout the summer months. This style is very complex, displaying very fruity aromas and flavors. They also tend to have very earthy yeast tones with moderate tartness, spiciness, and bitterness. Not long ago, this style was considered endangered. In recent years, it has been revived. Taking the lead in this revival are quite a few American brewers.

Brasserie Dupont, located in Belgium produces my favorite Farmhouse Ale. It has a pale-golden color that is cloudy when poured into a glass. There is also quite a bit of sediment in the liquid. On the nose, there is plenty of spice. On the palate, you find quite a bit of tartness up front, followed by lots of sweetness. The finish is rather bitter. It's very well-balanced from start to finish and it's also easy to drink and very refreshing. If you like living on the edge, Saison Du Buff is definitely worth giving a try. It's a collaborative effort between Dogfish Head Brewery and Stone Brewing Company, both located in the U. S. This bright, cloudy liquid is the color of hay with some copper tinges. The nose hints of herbs with hops, flowers and malt. On the palate, it begins sweet then shifts to the floral and herbal components in the middle before finishing dry and peppery. This is definitely a great beer for those hot summer days that are fast approaching.

Last on today's beer list is Witbier. The trademark of this Belgian style is the pale, cloudy appearance that comes from the high level of wheat used and the fact that it is unfiltered. Witbiers are always spiced, usually with herbs and spices such as orange peel and coriander. These beers are usually crisp and tangy, which is a side-effect of the use of wheat with the addition of a high level of carbonation. One of my biggest pet peeves are those who insist on serving this type of beer with fruit or those who insist on having fruit served with it. If you truly want to enjoy the untainted subtleties evident in the Witbier style, please refrain from tainting it with slices of lemon or orange.

Since 1445 AD, Brouwerij van Hoegaarden, located in Belgium, has brewed Hoegaarden Original White Ale. Many like to compare it to Blue Moon, but there's really no comparison. Hoegaarden is a straw colored ale that's very hazy when poured into a glass. The nose is very fruity with hints of pepper, honey and lemon. The palate reveals coriander and orange with a little bit of banana at the finish. This is one of the most drinkable beers I've ever had. It's also an excellent choice for the hot summer months ahead. Another example of Witbier, and one of my personal favorites, Allagash White, is brewed by Allagash Brewing Company, located in Portland, Maine. Again, there is no comparison between Blue Moon and this fine beer.

So, there you have it, not so common Belgian Beer Styles -- untapped. As I've said before, Belgium produces some of the best beers our world has to offer. If you're a beer drinker and you're looking to expand your beer horizons, the styles I've mention above are a good place to start. These days, it's not as difficult to find them as it use to be, so check your local beer outlet to see what's available. Another way to find and enjoy these styles of beer is to join me at the Virginia Beer Festival at Town Point Park on May 14, 2011. I had a great time trying new beers last year and I bet it will be even more fun this year. Come join the fun. As always, whether you're enjoying Belgian beer at home or at a local beer festival, please do so responsibly. Until next time...prosit!!!

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