Belgian beer – a world-renowned symbol of brewing excellence, steeped in a rich history and an unparalleled tradition of craftsmanship. In Belgium, beer is more than just a casual drink; it's a cultural icon revered and celebrated across the globe.
From the frothy head of a Trappist ale to the delicate effervescence of a Lambic, each sip offers a journey through a landscape of unique flavors and brewing techniques honed over centuries.
This article delves into the heart of Belgium’s brewing heritage, exploring the diverse styles, the artistry of its brewers, and the unwavering passion that makes Belgian beer a timeless treasure in the world of fine beverages.
Read on to learn more about Belgian beer and how Saint James Brewery brews new life into a classic beer.
What Is Belgian Beer?
Belgian beer is a distinctive category of beer originating from Belgium, known for its diversity, rich history, and unique brewing techniques. It encompasses a wide range of styles, including Trappist ales, Abbey beers, Lambics, Saisons, and Witbiers. These beers are often characterized by their complex flavors and aromas, with some being fruity and spicy, while others are sour or earthy.
Belgian brewers traditionally use a variety of ingredients and fermentation methods, and many Belgian beers have a higher alcohol content compared to other styles. This variety and the artful craft of Belgian brewing have earned it a prestigious status in the world of beer.
What Is the History of Belgian Beer?
Belgian beer's history extends back to the Middle Ages, a time when brewing was commonly undertaken by monasteries. Monks crafted beer for both consumption and as a vital source of revenue. In the 18th century, Trappist monasteries began brewing beer, leading to the creation of some of the most unique and revered beer styles. Today, Belgium is home to six of the world's fourteen Trappist breweries.
The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought about significant advancements in brewing technology and methods. This period marked the establishment of many breweries that are still operational, signifying a pivotal moment in the modernization of Belgian brewing.
The World Wars had a profound impact on Belgian brewing, with many breweries being destroyed or severely damaged. However, the post-war period saw a resurgence in the beer industry. Belgian brewers not only rebuilt their facilities but also gained international recognition, leading to a renewed interest in Belgian beer globally.
Contemporary Craft and Specialty Beers
In recent times, there has been a resurgence in traditional and artisanal brewing methods in Belgium. This movement, coupled with a growing interest in craft and specialty beers, has reinforced Belgium's reputation as a leader in diverse and high-quality beer production. This ongoing evolution reflects the dynamic and rich history of Belgian brewing, maintaining its prestige and appeal worldwide.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Belgian Beer?
Belgian beers typically have a wide range of alcohol content, generally between 6% and 12% by volume, reaching up to 14% or more. This higher alcohol content is a hallmark of many Belgian beer styles, contributing to their rich and complex flavor profiles.
What Does Belgian Beer Taste Like?
Belgian beers are renowned for their diverse and complex flavor profiles. They often exhibit a balance of fruity, spicy, and earthy notes, with some styles featuring sour or funky flavors. Many are characterized by a higher level of sweetness and a pronounced yeast-driven character, often with hints of cloves, bananas, or other spices. The taste can range from light and refreshing in wheat beers to rich and strong in darker ales, often with a noticeable alcoholic warmth. This wide range of flavors makes Belgian beers distinct and highly sought after.
Our Core Beers
We have a wide range of Belgian beers that you can try in our tasting room. Learn about some of our Belgian beers below.
Rachelle Blanche
On Tap: No
Style: Wheat Beer
ABV: 5%
IBU: 16
Rachelle Blanche is brewed in the style of a traditional Belgian Witbier. It is effervescent, hazy blond in color and displays notes of freshly picked fruit Must like the farmhouse brewers of the distant past, we use the freshest local ingredients including barley, hops and select spices.
Bière Des Chevaliers
On Tap: Yes
Style: Belgian Dubbel
ABV: 7.5%
IBU: 17
Our Belgian-style Dubbel is a deep reddish, moderately strong, complex Belgian Ale. It displays rich malty sweetness, moderate fruity aromas, and smooth alcohol warmth.
This Ale is brewed in tribute to the noble knights of the l'Hospitalier. These knights defended the Krak des Chevaliers Castle in Western Syria during the Middle Ages. Our Belgian-style Dubbel is brewed with select New York State-grown barley, hops, and our own proprietary yeast strain.
Tripel
On Tap: Yes
Style: Belgian Tripel
ABV: 9%
IBU: 40
Saint James Brewery Belgian Style Tripel pays tribute to the time-honored monastic brewing traditions of Belgium. The marriage of spicy, fruity, soft alcohol flavors is supported by a sublime malt character. It is brewed with the finest New York State grown ingredients, including spring barley and noble hops.
Bière De Noël
On Tap: Yes
Style: Belgian Quadrupel
ABV: 11%
IBU: 25
Our Holiday Ale, the Belgian Style Quadrupel, is brewed to celebrate the creativity of American HomeBrewers interpreting and transforming classic Belgian Style Ales.
Exhibiting Dark Red Hues and a thick meringue-like head, the Quad is medium-bodied and delivers an impressive 11% ABV. While the alcohol level may be big, our proprietary Belgian yeast strain produces a smooth, rich product without any trace of harsh off flavors sometimes associated with high gravity and/or high alcohol ales. The result is a flavorful Holiday Ale with a smooth finish.
Table Beer
On Tap: Yes
Style: Patersbier
ABV: 4.8%
IBU: 15
Our Table Beer is a tribute to the Belgian tradition of crafting low-ABV beers that are effortlessly enjoyable. It's designed to be light and slightly hoppy, ensuring each sip is refreshingly easy on the palate. This beer is an ideal companion for social gatherings with friends or as a delightful accompaniment to a meal.
The use of New York State hops and malt underscores its commitment to quality and regional flavors. Its balanced composition provides a harmonious blend of lightness and subtle hop character, making it a versatile choice for any occasion where good company and good food are cherished.
Our Seasonal Beers
Our seasonal brews are a tribute to the rich, diverse flavors of New York, crafted exclusively with locally sourced ingredients that are harvested at their seasonal peak. This commitment to freshness and locality, inspired by the time-honored traditions of Belgium's farmhouse brewers, ensures that each beer we create is not only a unique celebration of the season but also a testament to the bountiful produce of New York.
Chérie
On Tap: Yes (New)
Style: Belgian Blonde
ABV: 7%
IBU: 15
The Blonde Ale is a beautifully crafted beer that showcases the best of New York's local ingredients. Made with barley and hops grown in New York State, it has a solid foundation typical of classic Blonde Ales. What sets this ale apart is the addition of Long Island honey, sourced from Promise Land Apiaries. This local honey not only adds a subtle sweetness to the beer but also imparts unique floral notes, making the ale exceptionally smooth and drinkable. This blend of quality grains and natural honey results in a beer that's both flavorful and refreshing, perfect for those who appreciate a brew with local character and a touch of sweetness.
Fleur De Lees
On Tap: No
Style: Belgian IPA
ABV: 7%
IBU: 75
Fleur de Lees, our Belgian IPA, exudes citrus aromas with a smooth earthy hoppy flavor. Hints of lavender, honey and thyme are also noted. East Kent Golding and Cascade Hops from Condzella Farm in Wading River. Proprietary Belgian yeast.
Abricot
On Tap: No
Style: Wheat Beer
ABV: 6.7%
IBU: 15
The Apricot Witbier is a skillfully crafted beer that highlights the essence of local produce. It is made using whole apricots sourced from Briermere Farms in Riverhead, NY, which imparts a natural, ripe apricot flavor and aroma. The beer base is formed with select Belgian wheat and barley, adding a classic, smooth, witbier character. Local hops from Condzella Farms in Wading River, NY, are incorporated, lending a subtle hop profile that complements the fruitiness of the apricots.
The brewing process is completed using the brewery's own proprietary yeast strain, ensuring a distinctive and consistent taste. This combination of locally sourced apricots, high-quality grains, and specialized yeast creates a witbier that is not only refreshing and flavorful but also a celebration of the regional agricultural bounty.
Pomme (Apple)
On Tap: No
Style: Fruit Beer
ABV: 8%
IBU: 15
The Apple Ale is a distinct craft beer brewed with apples directly sourced from Richter's Orchard in Northport, Long Island. This choice of local apples infuses the ale with a fresh and authentic apple flavor, capturing the essence of the orchard. The beer is further crafted using New York State Certified barley and hops, ensuring each ingredient contributes to a truly regional taste.
The brewing process is completed with the brewery's own proprietary yeast strain, which is key to developing the ale's unique character. This combination of locally sourced apples and high-quality grains results in a beer that not only showcases the richness of Long Island's produce but also offers a distinctive, enjoyable drinking experience.
Myrtille
On Tap: No
Style: Fruited Non-Sour
ABV: 9%
IBU: 16
Myrtille, brewed with local blueberries handpicked from the North Fork of Long Island, is a sublime embodiment of summertime in a glass. This exceptional beer is crafted using select New York State wheat and barley, ensuring a high-quality, regional foundation. The inclusion of hops sourced from Long Island adds to its local authenticity.
The brewing process is perfected with the use of a proprietary Saint James Brewery yeast strain, which plays a crucial role in developing Myrtille's unique flavor profile. This careful selection of ingredients results in a harmonious blend that captures the essence of summer with its fresh, fruity blueberry notes, balanced beautifully with the depth and texture provided by the wheat and barley. Myrtille stands as a flavorful tribute to the local produce and the art of brewing.
Plum Stout
On Tap: No
Style: Stout
ABV: 8%
IBU: 21
The Plum Stout is an exquisite addition to the Harvest Series of seasonal ales, renowned for its super smooth and creamy texture. It's a unique twist on the traditional Belgian style Stout, enriched by the sweet plums grown locally. These plums add a gentle, fruity sweetness that melds seamlessly with the deep, rich flavors of the stout. The entire brewing process is a celebration of local produce, utilizing only New York State grown barley and wheat, alongside hops and plums, to create this distinctive beer.
Completing its signature profile is the use of a proprietary Saint James Brewery yeast strain. This Plum Stout stands as a testament to skilled brewing, combining locally sourced ingredients to craft a beer that's both innovative and true to its roots.
Fraise
On Tap: No
Style: Belgian Fruited Non-Sour
ABV: 7%
IBU: 12
This Belgian style Strawberry Ale is a testament to artisanal brewing, incorporating strawberries directly sourced from Sujecki Farm, a fifth-generation family farm in Calverton, New York. The brewing process captures the essence of these locally-grown strawberries, resulting in a subtle yet unmistakable strawberry aroma. On tasting, it delivers a moderate and smooth strawberry sweetness, perfectly balanced without being overpowering.
The flavor journey concludes with a delightful tartness in the finish, adding a layer of complexity and making it a refreshingly unique brew. This ale is a celebration of local produce and traditional brewing techniques, offering a harmonious blend of natural fruit flavors and classic Belgian beer character.
Muré
On Tap: Yes
Style: Fruit Beer
ABV: 8%
IBU: 14
This beer is crafted using blackberries freshly harvested from local sources, paired with hops from Condzella Farms, situated in Wading River, Long Island. The inclusion of New York State-grown barley adds a distinct regional touch, grounding the beer in its local roots. To further enhance its unique character, a proprietary yeast strain is used in the brewing process. This special blend of ingredients results in a beer that not only embodies the essence of its local environment but also offers a taste that's both authentic and unique, reflecting the terroir of the region.
Bière De Mars
On Tap: No (Coming Soon)
Style: Farmhouse Ale
ABV: 5%
IBU: 30
The Biere de Mars is a celebratory brew that heralds the arrival of Spring. It's characterized by its vivid, sparkling appearance and an effervescent quality that dances on the palate. With its roots in Belgian brewing traditions, this beer features a complex array of flavors and aromas.
These Belgian notes might include a subtle spiciness, hints of fruit, and a slight yeasty character that beer aficionados cherish. Despite its complexity, the Biere de Mars is known for its refreshing and easy-drinking nature, making it a delightful choice for both seasoned beer connoisseurs and casual drinkers. Its balanced blend of flavor and lightness captures the essence of springtime rejuvenation and renewal.
Try Our Belgian Beers at our Tasting Room Today!
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of flavors that Belgian beer offers, a visit to our tasting room presents the perfect opportunity. Here, you can experience firsthand the unique and complex characteristics our Belgian beers have to offer.