Beer Diary Today, Hasselt (2025)

12/12/2025

Happy Abt 12 day!!! St Bernardus Abt 12
Belgian quadrupel.
My first specialty beer love and still high up in my Belgian quad list!
#12

09/12/2025

🔸️Brouwerij De Leite 🇧🇪
🔸️Fils à Papa N°17
🔸️Barrel-Aged IPA
🔸️6% ABV
🔸️from
—
This one pours a golden glow with a soft orange hue. But don’t let the color fool you. The aroma hits first with a burst of sour apples and fresh fruity notes, layered over a subtle malt backbone and a soft, woody sweetness that whispers “rum barrel.”

First sip? Bright acidity, tangy fruit, almost tart, but balanced with bitterness and that barrel-aged boozy depth. The sour-fruity start only joined by caramel-wood undertones and astringent bitterness that lingers, leaving a sharp but pleasant edge.

The beer will definetely warms you up with it's full boozy notes but it misses much of that ipa touch. Through barrel aging it leaves more of a pale sour than an IPA, but hey maybe that is what happend when you barrel age IPA's?!

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🍺 About the Brewery:
Brouwerij De Leite is one of those Belgian craft outfits that likes to mix tradition with experimentation. With Fils à Papa N°17, they’ve taken a base of hoppyness and fruit and thrown in barrel-aging for a twist. The result? A hybrid that doesn’t sit neatly in one box — part sour ale, part barrel-aged curiosity, part something all its own.

I've always enjoyed De Leite their beers. They are always just a little different. Not the main stream you would expect. They don't follow the path - they carve their own!

Btw I'll notice in the comments if you have seen al photos 🙈

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04/12/2025

🔸️Force Majeure 🇧🇪
🔸️Chai Winter Ale
🔸️Winter Ale / Spiced NA
🔸️0.3%
—
When you open the beer, the aroma meets you straight away! It’s straight out of holiday-time daydreams: think cinnamon sticks, clove shadows, a hint of nutmeg and cardamom, maybe even a faint whisper of vanilla or baked spice cake.

But then when you pour it you get a beer with a golden blond colour, like fresh straw in the glass!
Could it be? This colour with those spice combination?

First sip starts off with fresh beer notes, malty backbone and a full texture, especially for a non alcoholic beer. Then the finish, a warm hug in liquid form. The chai spices hit softly but clearly: cinnamon, a faint clove cheek, a cardamom flicker, giving warmth rather than bite. The body sits somewhere between medium and full, enough to feel cozy, but still easy to sip.
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🍺 About the Brewery:
Force Majeure started with a mission: “100% flavour, 0% alcohol” — reinventing Belgian beer styles without compromise. Stijn started the journey since he didn't want to give in. Due to training for a triathlon, he didn't want to drink alcohol but still wanted to drink those traditional beers us Belgians are known for. Instead of giving in to all the non alcoholic IPA's he started brewing his own Belgian traditional NA ales.

But with Chai Winter Ale, they lean into tradition and seasonality: the Belgian winter ale, reïnvented. A winter-beer that doesn’t shy away from spices or warmth in a golden blonde jacket. It shows that even a brewery known for balance can throw down some holiday magic.

All proceeds of this beer also go to "De Warmste Week" from Studio Brussel to support a good cause!
To be honest I am a little bit biased but as a winterbeerlover, I do love this beer.
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02/12/2025

🔸️Brouwerij De Hophemel
🔸️Belina
🔸️Grape Ale
🔸️7.1% ABV
—
Belina arrives in the glass like a little invitation to mischief — bright, lively, and just a touch mysterious. The aroma immediately hints at grapes, not in a heavy wine-barrel way, but in that fresh vineyard-air kind of way: fruity, delicate, elegant and dry.

First sip? A crisp, clean snap of bitterness leads the way before the grape character starts weaving through. Think gentle fruitiness, hints of grape skin and must, a soft tartness that lifts the beer rather than pulling it sour. It’s light on its feet, playful, and refreshingly dry — almost brut-like without fully turning into champagne.

As it opens, Belina becomes this mix between two worlds: the bright bitterness of a modern ale and the soft, rounded notes of young grapes. It stays refreshing, never heavy, and finishes with a dry, vineous flick that keeps you coming back.

It’s the kind of beer you drink slowly because you want to follow all the little shifts, the kind that has you thinking, “Is this beer trying to be wine, or is wine trying to be beer?” And the answer is: it doesn’t matter. It’s simply a beautiful blend of both 🧡

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🍇 About the Brewery:
Brouwerij De Hophemel loves walking the experimental edge. They brew with curiosity first and traditions second. Bringing a refreshing craftbeer wave to the older city of Hasselt. Each release feels like a small story, a new idea, a “what if we tried…?” brought to life. Belina fits perfectly in that spirit: a beer that blurs boundaries, explores local ingredients by working together with local wineries, and refuses to stay in one category.

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24/11/2025

🔸️Brouwerij De Meester 🇧🇪
🔸️Winter Meesterke
🔸️Belgian Quadrupel
🔸️10.5% ABV
🔸️from
🔸️Also this weekend, winterbeerfestival perfect moment to try all those amazing winter ales ❗️
—
This is the kind of beer you want when winter’s in full swing: thick, dark, and wrapped in cozy spices. Winter Meesterke pours a rich mahogany-black, with a dense tan head, showing the roasted malts, that doesn’t disappear in a hurry.

On the nose, it's pure holiday nostalgia — speculoos spice, cinnamon, clove, and that warm orange peel all whisper in together.

The first sip brings comforting malt sweetness, then waves of brown sugar, dried fruit, and a gentle roast. But it’s the speculaas spices that really steal the show: the cinnamon and ginger feel luxuriously baked in, and the orange peels adds a citrus soft bitter brightness that keeps it from getting too heavy.

Mid-palate, there’s a lot of boozy warmth creeping in, 10,5% is something you definitely taste and feel. The finish is long, alcohol warming, and gently spiced, leaving your mouth with a sweet-spiced hug from St Nicholas or Sinterklaas! 🍊🍪

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🍺 About the Brewery:
Brouwerij De Meester (Harelbeke, Belgium) builds its beers on full on flavours. None of their beers will leave you cold, they are all outspoken and in your face! Close to the Belgian hopregion, Belgian hop is used a lot.
If it's barrel aging or blending or just using amazing ingrediënts, Dirk will get the job done.
With Winter Meesterke, they lean into their deep-dark quad roots and add a seasonal twist that feels homey without being gimmicky.

If you want a beer that’s like a speculaas cookie dipped in something boozy and indulgent to finish your evening, this is your warming winter hero.
—

20/11/2025

🔸️Brasserie Dupont 🇧🇪
🔸️collab Brasserie Cambier 🇨🇵
🔸️Bal Musette
🔸️Double Rye Saison
🔸️7.2%
🔸️Gifted by BAL
—
Here’s a beer that’s already legendary. Bal Musette pours a bright, golden-blond hue, light and slightly hazy, with a soft, foamy crown that invites you in. Right from the first sniff, you get rye’s distinctive spice, delicate graininess and a whisper of experimental Belgian hops that give it a floral and slightly herbal lift.

On the tongue, it’s a playful tango: the rye brings a dry, rustic bite, while the malt base adds a soft, warming sweetness. The bitterness is firm but well-balanced, and the aftertaste carries that rye spiciness with a gentle finish that’s both crisp and comforting. It’s not a wild saison, it’s a confident, festive one, the kind you sip while chatting, laughing, or just enjoying the moment.

What makes this beer really special? It’s one of the few collabs Brasserie Dupont has ever done! and that especially for BAL festival itself. Dupont isn’t exactly known for doing many collabs. Biere a Lille should count themselves lucky!

So this feels like a milestone: Belgian tradition meeting northern French spirit, all in one vibrant saison.
—
🍺 About the Breweries:
On one side, you’ve got Brasserie Dupont, the Belgian classic — their Saison Dupont is basically back to Belgian traditions. On the other, Brasserie Cambier, a rising star of the North, rooted in Lille, known for bold, creative brews.

Together, they’ve crafted something that embodies the spirit of Bière à Lille: a bridge between cultures, a toast to unity, and a dance of flavors.

If you’re at BAL this year, Bal Musette isn’t just a beer — it’s part of the festival’s soul. Pour one, share it, and feel the beat.

If you are anywhere this weekend, it should most def be @ Biere a Lille !!

—

17/11/2025

🔸️Brouwerij Boschdal 🇳🇱
🔸️brewed @ Brouwerij Het Nest 🇧🇪
🔸️Quadrupel vs. Whisky-Infused Quadrupel
🔸️10% vs. 11,8%
—
Tonight, I’m pouring two heavyweights from Boschdal, their classic Quadrupel, and the whisky-infused version. Both are rich, dark, and full of character. But oh, how they diverge once you take that first sip. Both not Belgian but a style so close to our Belgian hearts and brewed by at a full Belgian brewery.

Quadrupel
This is the core, deep and powerful, with a warm pour that feels like candlelight in a cozy room. Aromas of dried fruit and soft coffee roast swirl up. The taste follows: think raisins, chocolate and a dry finish, much more dry than our Belgian versions, heated up by the alcohol warmth is there.It’s a “enjoy slowly” kind of beast, a real quad for reflecting, relaxing, and savoring.

Whisky-Infused Quadrupel
Now, this one is something else. It has all the deep, dark base you love from the regular quad, but layered on top are soft hints of single malt whisky, subtle, not preachy. You’ll catch the dried fruit, the chocolate, the coffee, but there’s also a woody smokiness, a touch of vanilla oak, and that mellow, malty warmth from the whisky itself. The booze is stronger, the finish a little more lingering, but the balance is surprisingly harmonious.

Head-to-head?

If you want pure, dark beer power: go for the Quadrupel. It’s traditional, dark, dry and deeply comforting.

If you’re in a mood for something extra, contemplative, and a more sipping beer: the Whisky-Infused version elevates everything without drowning it in barrel notes.

Both tell the story of Boschdal — a brewery rooted in history (yes, named after the castle estate Boschdal)
but the infused quad feels like a toast to new chapters, while the original is a nod to timeless strength.
—

12/11/2025

🔸️The Musketeers 🇧🇪
🔸️Troubadour Magma Tango
🔸️Single-hop Tripel IPA (hybrid)
🔸️9% ABV
🔸️from 🍻
—
Hold up! This one doesn’t tiptoe in, it kicks the door open. Magma Tango pours a glowing copper-amber, the kind of hue that makes you pause and say, “Alright, this means business.” The aroma bursts with more passion fruit and even cassis aromas than it's base cousin, the troubadour magma, right away, followed by subtle green-grass, woody and spice notes from the single hop Tango.

First sip: boom — lively hop bitterness meets that fruity sweetness head-on. You’ve got vibrant passionfruit and cassis dancing across the tongue, then herbaceous and grassy almost resinous edges anchoring it all. The bitterness is firm (around 60 IBU) but doesn’t overpower; instead it adds to the dry finish and keeps you hunkering for that next sip!
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🍺 About the Brewery:
Brouwerij The Musketeers (Sint-Gillis-Waas, Belgium) have carved out a reputation for beers that aren’t content to just fit in. Their Troubadour magma series blends Belgian tradition with adventurous hop work and modern twist. Magma Tango shows that this series is one to watch! Every variation on the magma they only change one ingredient giving you a great view in what part that ingrediënt plays in the beer.
—
If you’re looking for a beer that audibly says “let’s dance” instead of “just chill”, pour yourself a Magma Tango. Let the hop lead, let the beer hold its own, and enjoy the spiced, fruity glow of something different.

10/11/2025

🔸️Biertegendestroomin 🇧🇪
🔸️Brewed by BCB
🔸️ESKO
🔸️Belgian Blonde
🔸️6.5% ABV
—
Meet the beer that refuses to follow the crowd. ESKO pours a clear, radiant gold. Right away you get that crisp blond malt backbone, a hit of wheat and oats giving it substance, and then the hops jump in: florals, subtle spice, and a bitterness that doesn’t hide itself.

First sip? Bright, brisk, and unapologetically sharp. The bitterness leads, and it sticks around with confidence. This isn’t sweetness disguised as fruity malty hints. The lingering floral finish gives you something to look forward to. You know it’s done something by the time it’s gone.
—
🍺 About the Brewery:
Tegen de Stroom In isn’t chasing trends. Their motto? “Bier tegen de stroom in.” Bold, clear, no compromises.

They’ve teamed up with expert brewer-sommelier flow to craft ESKO for people who take their beer seriously, but still have fun doing it. It’s local, proud, and full of intent.

If you’re ready for a beer that is as easy drinking as much as it refreshes, that’s unapologetic and confident — pour yourself an ESKO, lean back and feel good about going your own way.

06/11/2025

🔸️Ban-B Brouwerij 🇧🇪
🔸️Genker Schedelkraker
🔸️Strong Dark Ale
🔸️11.5% ABV
🔸️Thanks .be
—
This one shows up like it means business. Poured jet-black with a tan head that lingers, and the aroma immediately hits—dark chocolate, roasted coffee, a whisper of molasses and black cherries.

And then you sip. Big, bold, warming. The roasted malts deliver heavy bitterness, the dark fruit sneaks in with depth, and the high alcohol gives a soft heat in the back of your throat. It’s intense but polished—like a midnight conversation rather than a wild party.

As you settle into it, the chocolate turns into cocoa powder dusted on cherries, the coffee becomes espresso with a hint of burnt sugar, and that warmth? It’s the glow you want when you’ve got nothing but a comfortable chair and a good beer in hand.
—
🍺 About the Brewery:
Genker BanBrouwerij (Ban-B) isn’t your everyday commercial outfit—they’re a passionate, experimental Belgian brewery brewing from the heart of Limburg. Every brew they try new techniques and learning more and more about brewing. Everyday they’re pushing boundaries, playing with style and structure, and here with Schedelkraker they’ve shown they can go big and keep it tight.

If you’re in the mood to go deep, to let your beer hold a conversation instead of just quenching thirst—this is it. Grab a glass, lean back, and let the night take over.

Pairing with a new boardgame, thank you for this game from !
Lately I have been loving cooperative games. In this game you disarm a bomb by "guestimating" which numbers your coplayer has! Definitely worth playing!

—
dark ale

03/11/2025

🔸️Orca Brau 🇩🇪
🔸️Bella Ciao 🍊🇮🇹
🔸️Aperitivo-style ale
🔸️5.8%
—

Here’s a beer that instantly puts you in a good mood — Bella Ciao by Orca Brau feels like it should come with sunglasses and a view of Lake Como. It pours this beautiful orange-gold with a gentle fizz, and the aroma already hints at what’s coming: bittersweet orange peel, grapefruit, a splash of herbs, maybe even a touch of rhubarb candy.

The first sip? Boom — amaro meets beer. It’s got that perfect aperitivo balance: bitter enough to make your mouth water, sweet enough to pull you right back in. Think Aperol Spritz meets craft ale. Light on its feet but full of character, it dances between citrus, spice, and floral notes like it’s got its own summer soundtrack.

As it warms, it softens — a bit more sweetness, a little less bite, and that smooth, herbal bitter aftertaste that just keeps hanging around. It’s playful, bright, and effortlessly charming — a beer made for golden hours, long talks, even if your conversation partner is your dog, and a little bit of daydreaming.

—
🍺 About the Brewery:
Orca Brau (Nürnberg, Germany) never plays it safe — they love crossing styles, bending expectations, and bringing creative twists to classic ideas. Bella Ciao is them at their best: bold, fun, and just the right kind of weird.

If this beer were a person, it’d be the one calling you out to the balcony for “just one more drink” — and you’d never say no. Even Zazoe can't resist a little taste..

—

13/10/2025

🔸Galea Craft Beers 🇧🇪
🔸️5th Anniversario Gold Edition 2022
🔸Pedro Ximénez Barrel Aged Strong Dark Ale
🔸13,5%
🔸️From
—
Pours deep mahogany with ruby glints and a creamy beige head. The aroma is instantly indulgent — dark dried fruits, raisins, caramelized sugar, and a swirl of sweet sherry warmth from those PX barrels.

The first sip is pure dessert decadence: velvety malt sweetness layered with figs, dates, molasses, and toffee. Mid-palate, the Pedro Ximénez influence takes over — waves of wine-soaked oak, gentle oxidation, and a touch of nuttiness. The finish lingers endlessly with soft warmth, brown sugar, and dark chocolate bitterness to balance the sweetness.

Unfortunately, this rich experience came with a small flaw — noticeable residue and sediment pieces floating in the beer, which ended up ruining about a fifth of the bottle. It’s a shame, as what was drinkable showed beautiful craftsmanship and depth. A reminder that even anniversary beers can have imperfections hidden under the cap.2

Enjoyed in the bathtub, this beer becomes something almost meditative — the warmth of the water mirroring the warmth of the barrel-aged brew, each sip melting into the moment. It’s indulgence squared: a beer for slowing down, sinking in, and letting time dissolve. Nothing beats a great bathbeer 🐡
—
🍺 About the Brewery:
Galea Craft Beers (Antwerp, Belgium) has become a standout in the Belgian craft scene as Gypsybrewery for their bold, boundary-pushing brews. Whether it’s pastry stouts, experimental sours, or barrel-aged powerhouses, Galea thrives on complexity and character.

5th Anniversario Gold Edition 2022 embodies their signature style — big flavors, elegant aging, and a fearless balance of sweetness and strength. A beer that celebrates not just five years of brewing, but five years of passion, patience, and precision.

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Beer Diary Today

12/12/2025

09/12/2025

04/12/2025

02/12/2025

24/11/2025

20/11/2025

17/11/2025

12/11/2025

10/11/2025

06/11/2025

03/11/2025

13/10/2025

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