Bourbon. Beer. Rock.

Today at Idle Hands Bar, we took a break from cleaning out the place before construction for another tasting. The fine folks from Duvel USA stopped by with a smattering of Belgian and Belgian influenced beers from Brasserie d’ Achouffe, Maredsous & Ommegang.

Here’s a little sampling for your eyes.

OMMEGANG ABBEY ALE

• www.ommegang.com
• Belgian Dubbel
• 8.5% ABV
• Cooperstown, NY

THEY SAY: Ommegang, our first brew, was inspired by the centuries-old brewing practices of the Belgian Trappist monks. This burgundian brew gives off a variety of aromas, including plum and cinnamon, and packs in flavors such as caramel, toffee, and licorice. At 8.5% abv, it is known to cause spontaneous meditation.

REV SAYS: Ommegang makes Belgian style beers right here in the state of NYC. Generally they’re very drinkable and have a higher ABV then most beers you will run into. With the Abbey Ale, you’ll notice right away the spices used in this brew. A nice peppery bounce with a  clean finish makes it feel like fireworks at Christmas.

MARDESOUS BRUNE

• www.maredsous10.be
• 8% ABV
• Denée near Namur in Belgium

THEY SAY: Maredsous Brune has a creamy, foaming, dark, burgundy color, is easily recognizable by its expressive aroma bouquet. A generous caramel bouquet is completed with masterly fruity touches.

REV SAYS: The Brune is a cold, frothy caramel spicy ride through Eastern Europe.  Is it bread? Is it beer or is it safer than water? How about all of the above and definitely delicious.

HOUBLON CHOUFFE DOBBELEN IPA TRIPEL

• www.achouffe.be
• 9% ABV
• Achouffe, Belgium

THEY SAY: The HOUBLON CHOUFFE was brewed for the first time in 2006.  It is an ‘Indian Pale ale’ type of beer, with a harmonious balance between a marked bitterness (three types of hops are used to make it) and a pleasant fruitiness.  The HOUBLON CHOUFFE is unfiltered, and re-fermented in the bottle as well as in the keg.

REV SAYS: I love me a good Belgian especially when it’s unfiltered and this one does not disappoint. The Houblon has the taste of toasted fruity pebbles fighting off a million tiny bubbles with a dance battle on your tongue.