The surge of warm-weather Sox-season barbecuing can only
mean one thing — beeeeahs, kid. A frosty cold one is just about the perfect
antidote to sticky weekend afternoons, and Bostonians are lucky enough to have
several suds holes dedicated to crafting the perfect brew list. Widely
considered the most intricate, even labyrinthine class of brews, Belgian beers
are a particular favorite among the STUFF staff. And, thanks especially to Deep Ellum (477 Cambridge Street, Allston, 617.787.2337), Sunset Grill & Tap (130 Brighton Avenue, Allston, 617.254.1331), The Publick House and Monk's Cell (1648 Beacon Street, Brookline,
617.277.2880), and Bukowski's (50 Dalton Street, Boston,
617.437.9999 and 1281 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 617.497.7077), there’s an
endless, foamy stream of Belgian brews to choose from when you hit the town.
Belgian (and Belgian-style) beers encompass an enormous and
diverse array of types; the simplified list includes witbier (white beer),
lambic (a wheat beer, sometimes flavored with fruits), Trappist (brewed in
Trappist monasteries), saison (artisan “farmhouse” pale ales), amber ale
(reddish-brown, hoppy, and easy to drink), and blonde or golden ale (pale,
crisp, and a little bit sweet). The list goes on and on and on. Websites like
belgianstyle.com, belgian-beer.net, or trappistbeer.net are all fantastic
entrees into this oft-dizzying realm, and, frankly, they do a much better job
of breaking this all down. There’s more space for jibber-jabber on the
Internets, kids.
Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Leffe, Blue Moon, and Chimay are all
excellent, affordable, and fairly accessible Belgian/Belgian-style beers —
they’re easy to drink and, for casual beer drinkers, great introductions to the
wonders of Belgian brews. Help cultivate a reputation as a beer snob by getting
to know these beers. (It helps to treat your pint like a hot Belgian exchange
student. Really stick your face in there.) Of course, if you’re already deep
into your love affair with Belgian beers, your palate is likely hungrier for
something more intimately sexy on the tongue. Here are a few to try: Foret is a
light, dry, and floral saison that bills itself as the only organic beer brewed
in Belgium. Pick it up at Liquor World(13 White
Street, Cambridge, 617.547.3110). The dark and sweet Gulden Draak Triple Ale
can be found at Downtown Wine & Spirits (225 Elm Street,
Somerville, 617.625.7777). And Brasserie Dupont Bière de Miel, brewed with
honey but surprisingly dry, is waiting for you at Bauer Wine and Spirits (330 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.0363). If you’re truly
obsessed and feel that even these fermented marvels are beneath you, head to
Sunset Grill & Tap and ask for Mark. If he can’t help you find your ideal
brew, well, tough luck, super snob.
