Hopleaf-Belgian Beer

Maybe this post will get you reved up for Happy Hour today!

Image via Brew Like A Monk

I'm not a big drinker, in fact I hardly drink but this past year or so I've had the good fortune of trying some seriously good Belgian abbey-style ales. I like them enough to serve our favorite brands at the wedding if a) my mom would let me and b) if they weren't so expensive. Since we are providing our own alcohol we will probably be able to get the beer at a great discounted rate- or at least I can hope.

Most Belgian abbey's commission commerical breweries to make beers for them or licence their names as a means for receiving free beer and monetary support for the abbey's. The Trappists, in keeping with their principles of shunning the outside world, are the last of their kind to own and operate their own breweries. So you have your abbey-style ales and your Trappist ales- both delicious.

If you are in the Chicago area head out to Hopleaf, a Belgian-style tavern that serves both phenomenal beer AND food. Their beer list is exhaustive and the place is usually packed to the brim regardless the day. One of my favorite beers is the Triple Karmeliet (an abbey style ale). This 400 year old 3 grain recipe comes from the Carmelites of Dendermonde and it is made out of raw and malted barley, wheat and oats. Hopleaf's description is mouthwatering: "Restrained happiness, generous spring, fruity banana & vanilla character from the house yeast". Perfection. Another great beer is the Trappist Roquefort #10. This dark ale is full-bodied without the typical heaviness of dark ales and has a fruity and chocolaty taste (and an 11.5% alcohol content!). I can say from first hand experience that this makes a great dessert accompaniment.

Image via Flickr via George C K

If you try the food then share the Mussels for two Belgian-style at Hopleaf; the mussels are steamed in Wittkerke white ale with sliced shallots, celery, thyme and bay-leaf. They are served with frites and aioli that will make your mouth water; you will be tempted to eat them all on your own. Happy Friday and check out Hopleaf when you have time!

Image via Lyke 2 Drink