The 9 Best Belgian Pale Ales of 2022

Post By

Team Untappd

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:30:04 +0000

Responsive image — Photography courtesy of Brouwerij De Koninck

We love Belgian beers. But most popular styles like dubbels and tripels are drinkable, but not sessionable. For instance, Tripel Karmeliet or St. Bernardus Abt 12 are good for a glass or maybe two, but any more than that and you'll probably be taking a very long nap.

Plus, many of these stronger Belgian-style beers have very predominant flavors from the Belgian yeast—bubblegum, banana, and clove. Not everyone loves these very assertive flavors.

But what if a Belgian beer style existed that captured the best of both worlds: more sessionable and more approachable?

Thankfully, the Belgian pale ale fits the bill.

A lighter, more drinkable style, Belgian pale ales prioritize balance. You'll find these beers to be slightly malty with a more pronounced hop finish. And best of all they're easy to drink, usually clocking in around 4%-6% ABV.

A highly approachable, well-balanced, drinkable Belgian beer? We're all in!

What Exactly Is a Belgian Pale Ale?

Inspired by British pale ales, Belgian pale ales are similar but leverage their own local ingredients and traditions.

For instance, local water, Flemish hops, and Belgian yeast, known for esters that give off slightly fruitier notes.

To this day De Koninck Brewery's Antwaarpse Pale Ale is considered the quintessential example of the Belgian pale ale style and far and away the everyday, go-to beer for the city and region.

And renowned beers like Orval from Brasserie d'Orval have set the standard for this style across the globe, with many fans not only in Europe but in the United States and beyond as well.

According to the Beer Judge Certification Program definition, Belgian pale ales are "moderately malty, somewhat fruity, easy-drinking copper-colored Belgian ale that is somewhat less aggressive in flavor profile than many other Belgian beers."

And despite using pale ale in the name, these Belgian beers actually pour closer to gold-to-copper color.

On the nose and in the sip you'll find toasted biscuit, light caramel, and a touch of honey paired with a hint of earthiness from the hops.

Balance is the key to a good Belgian pale ale.

So while you'll find a high degree of carbonation, you'll also find a very dry finish. And while you'll notice some of the flavors of other Belgian styles of beer, you'll also get an incredible drinkability (again these beers usually fall between 4%-6% ABV).

And that's why we love these beers, because they are approachable and (basically) sessionable.