Autumn and winter styles of Belgian beer: what to drink when it's cold outside

• Why do we crave strong beer in cold weather?
• Choosing autumn beer
• What to pair it with

There is a stereotype that beer is exclusively a summer drink: it is refreshing and quenches thirst in hot weather. But this is only partly true — if you choose the right variety, beer can warm you up and give you a feeling of comfort even in the cold season. Let’s figure out which beer — and with what — is best to drink in autumn and winter.

Why do we crave strong beer in cold weather?

When the temperature outside drops, the body instinctively seeks sources of heat and energy. Light summer beer cannot warm you up, so it is replaced by something thicker and more aromatic. This is because its rich malty flavor with notes of caramel, dried fruit, and spices, as well as its higher alcohol content, create a long-lasting, deep feeling of inner warmth.

Choosing autumn beer

Belgium is one of the world leaders in creating these warming varieties of beer. Here are the key styles to look out for in autumn and winter.

Dubbel

This dark ale has a moderate strength (6–8%). Its taste is a harmony of caramel malt, dark dried fruits (raisins, prunes), light spicy notes, and sometimes a subtle chocolate depth. Dubbel is not too heavy, but rich, and is perfect for leisurely drinking.

An excellent example of this type of beer is Westmalle Trappist Dubbel. It is a classic Belgian dubbel with an alcohol content of 7%, with a well-balanced taste, filled with sweet notes of fruit and malt, as well as hints of spices and caramel.

Dark strong ale

A more powerful version of winter beer. The alcohol content often exceeds 8%, and the taste includes ripe fruit, caramel, spices (pepper, coriander), and hints of rye bread. Despite its strength, this beer is very drinkable.

Here you can try varieties such as Kasteel Donker or Adriaen Brouwer Oaked. They have a full, rich taste, warm you up and relax you.

Trappist beer

Legendary beer that has historically been brewed in monasteries. This includes dubbel, tripel, quadrupel, and dark strong ales. But regardless of the variety, Trappist beer is characterized by incredible depth, richness, and a balance between fruity, malty, and yeasty notes.

We recommend paying attention to varieties such as Westmalle Trappist Dubbel and Trappistes Rochefort 6 — they are ideal for drinking during the cold season.

Spiced beer

Many Belgian breweries produce seasonal winter or Christmas varieties. They often add traditional spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and orange peel. Such beer warms you up not only with its strength but also with its spicy bouquet.

For the Christmas holidays, we recommend Chimay Blue — this variety was previously produced specifically for the holiday, but due to its popularity, it is now produced on a permanent basis. It has a sweet and tart taste and a long aftertaste with bright hints of pepper.

What to pair it with

The rich flavor of Belgian winter varieties pairs well with equally rich dishes. The ideal gastronomic accompaniment would be:

— Slow-cooked meat dishes: braised beef cheek, pork ribs, lamb.

— Roasted and baked meat: steak, duck, goose, Christmas turkey.

— Hearty appetizers and cheeses: meat pâtés, smoked meats, aged hard cheeses (such as Gouda or Cheddar), blue cheeses (Gorgonzola). The pairing is based on contrast — the sweetness of the beer and the saltiness of the appetizer.

— Warm desserts: apple or pear pies, dark chocolate mousse, gingerbread cookies. The spicy notes in the beer and dessert will echo each other, creating a harmonious duet.

Key advice: drink winter Belgian beer slowly, from a suitably shaped glass, allowing it to warm up slightly in your hands. Better yet, come and try it at Lambic beer restaurants. We will help you choose an interesting variety and recommend the perfect snack to accompany dark beer. We look forward to seeing you!

Date: 26 December

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