Family Belgian Ale Style Pale Belgian Ale
Country Belgium ABV 8.0%
Producer Brasserie d’Achouffe
Price $$$$ Packaging 11.2oz/330ml, 25.4oz/750ml, 50.7oz/1.5L bottle
Characteristics Strong, unusual, refreshing, yeasty

Overview Brasserie d’Achouffe was started as a hobby in 1982, but La Chouffe (French for “the gnome”) won fans and acclaim from the start. And this beer-enthusiast’s Belgian is seen almost only at high-end beer-nerd bars here on this side of the pond.

Flavors and aromas Ample fruity esters—pear, strawberry, and banana—dominate the nose here. The palate is dry and fruity, and you can’t help but notice the generous carbonations as this fizzes in your mouth. The finish is crisp and dry in a way that suggests Champagne, and as this warms a bit, it develops some mineral water flavors that intensify the comparison to fine sparkling wine.