LIC Beer Project Takes Best American in Sixth Annual Battle of the Belgians

BotB2015_judgingWe had a great turn out for this year’s Battle of the Belgians (full beer list – many still available for purchase – is here), beginning Friday night with a blind tasting panel of judges that included Gregg Glaser (Publisher, Modern Distillery Age), Paul Zocco (Zok’s Homebrew Supply in CT), brewer Heather McReynolds (Sixpoint), Cat wolinski (Ale Street News) and Jonathan White (cheesemaker at Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse).

From 25+ Belgian and Belgian-style beers, the judges awarded the following:

  • First Place: Oude Quetsche Tilquin à L’Ancienne – Plum Lambic Gueuze
  • Second Place: Cuvée Des Jacobins Rouge – Flanders Red Ale
  • Third Place: Saison Dupont

On Saturday, it was on to the People’s Choice awards as the 6th Annual Battle of the Belgians was underway. Their favorites (by popular vote):

  • Best American Belgian-Style: Trigger Rye by LIC Beer Project
  • Best Belgian: Triporteur Full Moon
  • “Best in Show”L De Dolle “Teve” 10 Triple

And, of course, bar owner Jimmy Carbone had his own personal favorites:

  • Hitachino Saison du Japan
  • Crooked Stave Wild Sage Lambic (on draught; sadly, it went very quickly)

This being the sixth year of the event, we were once again trying to decide who makes the best “Belgian.” Our first year, we wanted to prove that American Belgian-style beers would kick Belgian beers’ butts! However, we met many Belgian beer importers like Wendy Littlefield of Vanberg and DeWulf and Matthias Neidhart of B. United, with an inventory of beers that continue to win every year. So big cheers to the Belgian beer importers!!

Battle_of_Belgians_bottles