Battle of the Belgians Best Year Ever!

This year’s Battle of the Belgians harkened back to the early days, when two dozen beers were poured for a packed house. While there were fewer actual brews from Belgium, there were great American and European beers, including a surprisingly impressive array of Italian beers. And while the crowd was loving the variety of pours at three separate pouring stations featuring beers from B. United, Union Beer and independent labels, a cheer went up when the pièce de résistance showed up in the form of a roasted half-hog that was deliciously carved up to the hungry revelers.

Best of Show winner from our first Battle of the Belgians (2000), Brian Strumke of Stillwater Artisanal Ales, returned to pour three of his newest beers that were extremely well received by the crowd. The Dupont Bière de Belœil, which won our second year, returned this year to show us just how good old school Belgian’s could be. (Sadly, our third year winner BFM of Switzerland wasn’t represented this year.) But there was no shortage of great beers to enjoy, with both classics and newcomers taking away people’s choice votes.

So, without further ado, the “envelope” if you please…

Best Belgian-style American:

1st place went to Grimm’s Artisanal (Brooklyn) Beers witha Buzz Triple + honey

2nd place went to Stillwater Artisanal Ales’ Kentucky Folklore, a Bourbon Barrel Belgian Stout (gypsy brewer Brian Strumke)

3rd place went to the Secret Engine/Rocky Point collaboration Madame Saveur, an 11% ABV Triple with grenadine (Brooklyn/Long Island)

Best Belgian:

1st place went to Rochefort 10 Trappist ale

2nd place went to Westmalle Dubble Trappist ale

3rd place went to Dupont’s Bière de Belœil, a dark farmhouse ale

Best Belgian-style from other countries:

1st place went to Birra del Borgo’s 25 Dodici Christmas/holiday beer

2nd place went to Baladin’s Isaac

3rd place went to LoverBeer’s Duva Beer made with grapes

For all our photos from Battle of the Belgians, please visit (and like!) our Facebook page.