We’re approaching the stretch of the year that calls for some European influence in our beers.  It’s time to keep the parties indoors and indulge in some original beer styles to accompany our afternoon and evening meals.  It’s tough to make that transition so quickly but we’ve been keeping a steady, year-round supply of German and Belgian favorites to fit into any beer lover’s routine. There’s a definite distinction between what domestic varieties offer compared to what our treasured imports can put on the table. This translates to an historic promise that whatever Eastern European labels you pick up here will always bring a unique taste and conversation to your drinking sessions with friends and family.

There’s an age-old law in Germany called “reinheitsgebot,” which establishes a purity standard for German and Bavarian beer as well.  The Germans even have a word, “bierernst,” that literally translates to “beer serious.” This law and term equal out to an assurance that only barley, hops, yeast and water are to be used in German and Bavarian beer. The last time we checked, the U.S. does not have a national decree in place to have such a revered quality assurance on our favorite brews. With that in mind, you can rest assured that what German and Belgian favorites beer you have in your fridge are brewed to the highest standard.

Here are a few suggestions from our staff on what German and Belgian favorites you should be cracking open soon!

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse – Hefeweizen

Sporting a very sweet and fruity body, this hefeweizen encompasses that original German style of the variety. With a floral and yeast-filled palate, bringing out notes of banana bread, orange and coriander, this import is full of flavors and accompanied with a subtle alcohol presence.

Weihenstephaner Korbinian – Doppelbock

Full-bodied, dark and voluptuous. Easy notes of chocolate, bitter fruit, caramel and a light candied taste make for a great chilled glass by the fireplace or kitchen counter. This Doppel has an eerily, easy drinkability and a smoothness that can bring a casual beer drinker to the light. Being one of our favorites at the store, we cannot talk this German mainstay up enough.

Trappistes Rochefort 10 – Quadrupel

Retaining a caramel head through an even pour, this Belgian is a beautiful one. The smell of a certain liquor belies a fruity and chocolate-shop essence of tasting notes. Overly smooth, it has an extremely gratifying finish that leaves your palate in need of another sip or a bite of sausage to fulfill the experience. Take a seat and pick this layered brew apart.

Duvel – Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Taking a spicier note compared to its Belgian brothers, Duvel’s pale ale is not only a popular import for the U.S. but has a dedicated following spanning the globe. Leaning towards a more fruit forward body, Duvel takes a leap past any Belgian style domestic beer with an even more glazed mid palate. An up-front fruitiness and dry, carbonated finish makes for an outstanding drinkability.