Brugse Zot

Brewery de Halve Maan
Brugge, Belgium
Imported by: WIN-IT-TOO Inc.
Santa Barbara, CA

Available: nationwide

The people of the city of Bruges are known to their Flemish neighbors as Brugse Zotten (Bruges Fools), or Brugse Jonckers.

Alcohol (vol.): 6
Color: 13 EBC
Bitterness: 29
Original Gravity: 14 p
Final gravity: 2.8 p
Malts used: Pilsner, optic, scarlet, Munich
Hops used: two different aromatic varieties (Hallertau, Styrian Golding), added on several dedicated stages in the brewing process.

This 6% beer takes its name from the people of Bruges in Belgium who have a reputation for being zot (jokers)—but serious brewers, too. The straw-colored ale has a big fruity aroma of pears. In the mouth there are spicy hops, juicy malt and a continuing luscious pear fruit note. The long finish is dominated by biscuity malt, spicy hops and rich fruit. It’s reminiscent of Duvel—and no bad thing.
- Roger Protz

A loud talkative head confronts the drinker and well worth the listen. The aromatics are impossible to ignore and beautifully Belgian. Even as the head talks itself into near total collapse, the wonderful invitation of these demandingly Belgian aromatics must be followed. All of Belgium's best is presented to one's palate. This is one very well managed brew, and one of the most satisfying beers I've enjoyed recently: basted with hints of sweet maltiness and a shadow of Belgian tartness.
- Fred Eckhardt

Zot tastes like a traditional Belgian pale ale with the spices of a Belgian wheat (wit) beer. Sort of a Belgian ale meritage. Bright, fruity nose of lemon and clementine (oh my darling!), and very “pale ale-like” on the palate, with more of the same citrus notes. Dry, orange rind finish. A versatile beer—refreshing enough on its own and complementary to many foods.
- John Hansell

Roger Protz
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Fred Eckhardt
Fred Eckhardt lives, writes about and drinks beer in Portland, OR. He is the author of The Essentials of Beer and Sake (USA).

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.

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