I have always liked beer, but only recently in the past few months became a BAer. I've been trying to expand my tastes in beer and I definitely have had a few of the Belgian Strong Ales before, but I guess I want to have them again as my tastes have matured. I'm in NYC, so I should be able to find a decent amount. What should I go after first? Chimay? Delirium? St. Bernardus?
No replies yet? Try this. In the beer styles section of this site there are lists like this one http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/56 When it comes up it is sorted by frequency of review which should be related to availability. Also you can sort the list by popularity and find out what BAs like best. From those you can make a pretty decent shopping list. Enjoy the journey.
You can probably spend a whole year just to taste the "mandatory ones"... It's an easy-drinking style, since they are usually quite sweet with a strong malt character and, at the same, quite fruity (strong notes of dark fruits) with a moderate and smooth bitterness. However, they normally have a high ABV in the way that I prefer enjoying them during the winter season. In any case, good luck in your quest! Cheers from Switzerland!
Start with any of the Trappist stuff and branch out from there. Rochefort, Chimay, Achel are all excellent. Delirium is fantastic, and St. Bernandus is a solid selection. Get what you can and enjoy.
My favs... Westy 12 St. Bernardus 12 Rochefort 10 La Trappe Quad (oak aged) Westmalle Tripel I also recently tried Gregorious, from the new Austrian Trappist abbey, it's quite good.
Having access to Ommegang helps. I love those guys. Otherwise, I second the recommendation of starting out with Trappist versions and branching out from there; of course, you could go the opposite route and try some American breweries' versions, then go and compare the originals. There are no rules and a lot of freedom to do it however you want.
Delirium Tremens, Rochefort 8 and 10, St. Bernardus 12, Westmalle are all fantastic. Ommegang makes some excellent ones as well. Being in NYC, you should also be able to find Unibroue, which makes some outstanding ones. Their La Fin Du Monde and Maudite are among my favorites of theirs.
My first experiences with Belgian quads were all Trappist; my first ever being a Rochefort 10. When I finally tried an American "Belgian Style" quad (Ommegang, Allagash) they all seemed one dimensional compared to their real Belgian counterparts. I wish I didn't feel this way because Ommegang and Allagash brews are a good bit cheaper than the usual Belgian suspects!
Someone above posted the BA link to the most popular and the most highly-rated beers in this style. Get what you can afford from this list, or get to know your banker. You just chose a pricey hobby, my friend.
When I hear Belgian strong, I think Duvel. Personally, I would start with Orval, though. Also, you should definately check into some stuff by Chouffe, especially their ipa tripel. Piraat is great, especially fresh. Peterus strong pale is a must, and if you want to see a good American example of the style, try Pranqster. Also you should check into some Gulden Draak.
Not sure if Dragonmead's Final Absolution is exactly the style your looking for, but is a solid Belgium trippel.
Abbaye des Rocs Grand Cru, Triple Imperiale & Brune are all delicious and available in smaller bottles.
Chimay Blue, Gulden Draak, Delirium Tremens, Rochefort 8. Don't get your Belgian Strongs confused with your Quads. Unfair comparison.
I much prefer the BSDAs and Quads over Tripels and BSPAs, but here goes: St. Bernardus 12 (and Christmas) Cuvee Van de Keiser Blauw Val-Dieu Grand Cru Pannepot (and Pannepot Reserva and Grand Reserva) Rochefort 10 La Trappe Chimay Grand Reserve Lots of people will mention Westy 12 and it's great, but if you haven't had the ones above don't go out of your way to get Westy yet. I believe he is just looking for stronger Belgian beers, not necessarily just BSDA and BSPAs. He said he is new and he mentioned St. Bernardus.
If you live in NYC I suggest a trip to BXL East (210 E 51st St). You won't be disappointed by the fine selection of Belgian's they have on tap. If you aren't careful it is easy to walk out of that place really, really drunk!
In terms of easily available, and in no particular order... Duvel, Gulden Draak, Chimay Blue, Ommegang Three Philosophers, Ommegang Abbey, St. Bernardus Christmas (Even better than the 12, in my opinion), St. Bernardus ABT 12, Delirium Tremens, Delirium Noel, Pannepot, St. Bernardus 8, Goose Island Pere Jacques, Allagash Curieux, Boulevard Sixth Glass, etc.
Fantastic! Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll try any of the names I can get my hands on and start deciding how I should expand on it.
