St. Bernardus Abt 12

St. Bernardus Abt 12 might best be described as a brown ale, though not exactly. It's one of those unique beers in a category all its own. At 10.5 % a.b.v., Abt 12 is the strongest ale offered by Brouwerij St. Bernardus. . The brewery's website calls it, "A dark ivory colored beer with a high fermentation." However, I have never seen an ivory colored beer. Dark reddish brown is more accurate. 

Abt 12's flavor hinges on a sweet-sour balance. An intense prune flavor is contrasted by an acidic, sour flavor. During the finish, the prune flavor intensifies and mingles with hints of chocolate and spice. 

Houblon Chouffee Vs. Urthel Hop-it

Here we have a battle royal showdown between two Belgium ales inspired by American IPAs. Houblon Chouffe bills itself as a Double IPA Triple, while Hop-it calls itself a "superior hoppy blond ale." Both ales are well hopped Belgium style beers, and each has it's own interesting qualities. Hybrid beers such as these are always worth a try if only to sample their uniqueness.



The Houblon Chouffe begins with a well retained, craggy mountain of a head. There is a flowery, zesty hop aroma followed by soft, fruity flavors. The Houblon's malt flavors are much closer to a Triple than an IPA. The body is light, and fluffy. Basically, the Houblon Chouffe has the aroma of an IPA, coupled with the more traditional flavor and body of a Triple.



Urthel's Hop-it did not pour with a massive head. The carbonation and head were more reminiscent of an IPA. The aroma was not overwhelmingly hoppy like the Chouffe. It smelled of toasty champagne yeast with a lemon hop accent. Hop-it's flavor features an IPA malt flavor of raw cookie dough. The lemon hop flavor carries into the flavor lending an acidic aspect. The Hop-it tastes like an IPA but retains a Belgium ale's body and mouth feel.


Head-to-head, there's no clear winner in this showdown. They are similarly billed hybrid ales inspired by the American IPA and maintain a Belgium ale's mouth feel. Both beers also have crazy cats on their labels. The similarities end there. Hop-it's flavor profile sticks to the classic American IPA model, while the Houblon Chouffe stays truer to a Triples flavoring. However, both beers are creatively inspired and worth a try.

Tripel Karmeliet

Many beers share characteristics with wine. Tripel Karmeliet is one such beer. The body features a creamy, champagne-like quality with lively carbonation and a dry finish. There is even a satisfying pop when it is uncorked.


Tripel Karmeliet drinks best when close to room temperature. It begins with bright apricot coloring. The aroma is fresh and similar to spearmint. The spearmint carries into the flavor. On the malt side of things, Tripel Karmeliet is nearly too sweet. If it were any sweeter, it would be sickening. However, the sweetness is the only criticism I can dredge up. Tripel Karmeliet is otherwise a delicate and lovely ale.