Stout Beer
Belgium Stout Beer: A Seductive Dark Beer Everyone will Fall in Love With
Belgium is known to be the homeland of many world-class beers. If you have a special place in your heart for these types of liquors, then you should never let your lifetime pass without tasting one of the beers Belgium is so popular for – the Belgian Stout. This type of beer has been climbing the popularity ladder lately ever since American brewers tried creating them. What makes Belgian stouts even more interesting is the fact that they are very rare. In fact, there are only a handful of products being brewed by only the best artisan brewers.
Belgian stouts come in different tastes from sweet and dry to strong and weak. The sweet types are also known by the name milk stout while the stronger versions are named as imperial stouts. Milk stouts are called as such because of the inclusion of lactose, a type of sugar from milk, in its brewing process. Since lactose cannot be fermented by the beer yeast, it gives a one of a kind body and sweetness to the beer instead. Despite of the extra calories, this type of Belgian stout is said to be nutritious and are actually recommended for mothers who nurse. The imperial stout, on the other hand, is the exact opposite with its high alcohol content and dark color.
The average Belgian stout beer has ruby, almost black colors and aromas that are made up of caramel, liquorice, malt, and other normal Belgian spicy phenolic hints. Its taste is best described as velvety on the mouth. Despite its rich texture, however, Belgian stouts are not too heavy on the palate and gives off a perfect combination of chocolate, licorice, bittersweet cocoa, sweet raisins, and even a hint of smoke in its overall flavor. The result is a finish that is mild with laces of liquorice and chocolate in it. Though characterized as sweet, its taste is not to the point of being cloying.
Buffalo Belgian Stout
One example of a Belgian Stout brand is the Buffalo Belgian Stout by Brouwerij Van den Bossche. It is known for its earthy aroma and its taste which is a seductive combination of chocolate and malt. It has a dark brown color which shows hints of garnet when hit by light. It is best poured in wide-mouthed glassware like tulips and snifters. This beer is best paired with cheeses and meats.
Hercule Stout brewed by Brasserie Ellezelloise
Another popular brand of stout beer is the Hercule Stout brewed by Brasserie Ellezelloise. A favorite among many, it has a rich dark color and a perfect combination of aromatic vinous fruit and molasses. There are also hints of hop, chocolate, and aroma in its smell. If its aroma is good, its taste is considered as amazing. Its taste is like a kaleidoscope of different flavors which seem to sift and change with every sip. Dark flavors of molasses and chocolate can be savored from this beer, which is not too sweet and tart. Just when you think you get the treat of your life, you will be shocked by its very interesting bitter finish. If there is a beer that has the perfect combination of variety, flavors, and aroma, it is none other than this brand.
