Belgica

Great Divide Brewing Co.
Denver, CO

Available: SC, MA, WI, KY, TX, OH, IN, MN, WA, MD, CT, PA, NY, FL, VA, NJ, MI, NE, AZ, MO, CT, AK, PA, OR, OK, TN, GA, NM, VA, IL, CO, NC, IL, KS, AL

Belgica, a Roman term for the Low Countries, is a blend of American and Belgian brewing traditions.

ABV: 7.2
ABW: n/a
Color: 5
Bitterness: 85
Original gravity: 1068

I really enjoy how U.S. brewers are weaving Belgian influence into their beers. In this case, they’ve added a little wild funk. The marriage works for me, but it may not for the Belgian beer virgins among us. There’s honeyed malt, marmalade, citrus and citrus rind, spice (clove, coriander), herbs, and a leathery, hoppy finish. And if you can imagine what a horse barn smells (and tastes) like, that’s in there too―big time!
- John Hansell

Well-hopped ales fermented by Belgian yeasts are becoming a minor trend of late, and it's one of which I approve heartily. Great Divide's entry is bright gold with a fresh tropical fruit nose underscored by hints of toasted walnut. In the body, the fruity notes (pineapple, tangerine) come first, followed fairly seamlessly by peppery spiciness, and finally the robust, spicy-citrus hop bitterness. The brewery suggests enjoying this with one of my favorite cheeses, époisses, and it is advice I intend to heed the instant my cheese monger is restocked.
- Stephen Beaumont

John Hansell
John Hansell is an equal-opportunity drinker. He writes about beer, wine and spirits. He is the creator, publisher & editor of Malt Advocate, a magazine for the whisky enthusiast.

Stephen Beaumont
Once described as “beerdom's Brillat-Savarin,” Stephen Beaumont is the author of five books and countless articles on beer, spirits, food, travel, and how it all goes together.

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