Belgian beer question

[CHAPPERS]

Re: Re: Belgian beer question

The Belgians are forced to put BBE dates on the beers under EU law. There is a strong lobby in the industry trying to get them an exemption because, as you rightly say, the date doesn't mean shit.

Most decent Belgian beers carry a date brewed (sometimes just the year), which is more significant, like a good wine.

If you leave them for a while the flavour might get more depth and improve, particularly if it has yeast in it (the white sediment in some bottles). I can especially vouch for the 75cl Blue Chimay bottles (the "Grand Reserve") on that score, which get immeasurably better if you leave them for a couple of years.

It's unlikely to get stronger in ABV though as you need yeast AND sugar for that to happen, and the sugar will already have been brewed out.

Incidentally, there is a theoretical maximum strength of beer that lies around 13.5%. Above this the alcohol "kills" the yeast and the fermentation stops...

Marvellous!

Thank you.
xx

 

[Lethargic]

Just drink it, if you get the shits then it was off.

However think of the life of regret if you don't drink it, start drinking immediately to reduce any risk.

 

[Bevendean Hillbilly]

The makers of Oerbier - the Dolle Brouwers ("Mad Brewers") - do a dark Xmas beer called Stille Nacht ("Silent Night"). That's well worth checking out if you ever see it - and it clocks in at around 12%.

Jesus, If I was drinking 12% abv pints, no one would be having a silent night I can tell you!!