Which beers are similar to Kwak?
January 6, 2010 2:51 PM Subscribe
I've never been a beer person, but a friend recently introduced me to a Belgian brew called Kwak, and I'm a fan. Unfortunately, few bars have Kwak on tap. Can any of you beer connoisseurs out there recommend similar beers - sweet and high in alcohol content? I'm generally not big on dark lagers or stouts.
Have you seen the list of Belgian strong pale ales on Beer Advocate? That's a place to start.
posted by lunalaguna at 3:01 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by lunalaguna at 3:01 PM on January 6, 2010
Steel Reserve 211 does not generally get good reviews, but it is a sweet, high alcohol content lager.
posted by torquemaniac at 3:02 PM on January 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by torquemaniac at 3:02 PM on January 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
Yum, Kwak is delicious, isn't it? If you like that, you might also like Chimay (I like Chimay Bleue, but they're all good - and fairly available where I am in the southeastern US, at least). Delirium Tremens is another one that - while I don't like it quite as much - is still quite happily drinkable and reasonably available ... And overall, while (as I understand it) there are a variety of styles within this category of beer, in general I've had good luck with many of the Trappist beers I've come across in terms of finding drinks similar to Kwak and the like ...
posted by DingoMutt at 3:13 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by DingoMutt at 3:13 PM on January 6, 2010
I have never tried Kwak, but the Oxford Bottled Beer Database suggests Duvel, which I have tried and like and which is pretty easy to find here in GA, so is reasonably available.
posted by TedW at 3:14 PM on January 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by TedW at 3:14 PM on January 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
Congratulations! You will probably like just about any Belgian beer. Sure, there are a million variations, but what you describe (sweet and alcoholic) is the classic Belgian flavor profile, even for the darker varieties. (Okay, so there are a few exceptions, like Hoegaarden and Stella Artois, but not many.) Depending on where you live, you ought to be able to find Duvel, Leffe, and Chimay pretty readily, and others like Affligem, De Koninck, or Piraat somewhat less readily. You could also try Abbey or Trippel from New Belgium, an American microbrewery.
(Belgian beer made me a beer person too.)
posted by jjg at 3:17 PM on January 6, 2010
(Belgian beer made me a beer person too.)
posted by jjg at 3:17 PM on January 6, 2010
Nthing Leffe
posted by fire&wings at 3:19 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by fire&wings at 3:19 PM on January 6, 2010
Generally, try what you can of the lighter Belgians, especially the Belgian golden strong ales. Any place that has them on tap will know a little about them if you ask. Some US breweries do the occasionally Belgian as well. For example, Great Divide here in Denver makes a beer called Hades, which I quite like and is within the same realm.
Also, if you want big time sweetness, you may want to try lambics. They're generally *very* sweet and often come in fruit flavors; raspberry or pear are common. Not everyone's proverbial cup of tea though.
Milk stouts may be an entrance into darker beers, if you want to venture that direction at all. They have a lactose (milk sugar) addition that the brewing yeast can't ferment, so they're sweeter and have more body than a standard stout. Think chocolate milkshake instead of roasty coffee flavors.
Finally, note that "trappist" beers refer to all beers brewed by a distinct set of monasteries. While they are usually Belgian style beers, to know that something is "trappist" doesn't necessarily tell you anything about the beer itself, be it light, dark, sweet, dry, etc.
posted by craven_morhead at 3:20 PM on January 6, 2010
Also, if you want big time sweetness, you may want to try lambics. They're generally *very* sweet and often come in fruit flavors; raspberry or pear are common. Not everyone's proverbial cup of tea though.
Milk stouts may be an entrance into darker beers, if you want to venture that direction at all. They have a lactose (milk sugar) addition that the brewing yeast can't ferment, so they're sweeter and have more body than a standard stout. Think chocolate milkshake instead of roasty coffee flavors.
Finally, note that "trappist" beers refer to all beers brewed by a distinct set of monasteries. While they are usually Belgian style beers, to know that something is "trappist" doesn't necessarily tell you anything about the beer itself, be it light, dark, sweet, dry, etc.
posted by craven_morhead at 3:20 PM on January 6, 2010
You're not going to find a lot of these beers on tap, which seems to be part of your question. A few places will carry drafts of what you're looking for, but it will mostly be in bottles.
You might try the various fruit lambics, if you're looking for sweet beers. But, as noted above, a lot of Belgian beers will probably suit you.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 3:23 PM on January 6, 2010
You might try the various fruit lambics, if you're looking for sweet beers. But, as noted above, a lot of Belgian beers will probably suit you.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 3:23 PM on January 6, 2010
TedW is right--this calls for Duvel, which is a pretty readily available Belgian with a similar flavor profile. Delirium Tremens is also a good idea. It has pink elephants on the bottle.
posted by besonders at 3:25 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by besonders at 3:25 PM on January 6, 2010
Duvel is great. So is Chimay.
I don't think of either of them as sweet. I'd try lambics if you're interested in sweet.
Stella is not Belgian.
posted by dfriedman at 3:30 PM on January 6, 2010
I don't think of either of them as sweet. I'd try lambics if you're interested in sweet.
Stella is not Belgian.
posted by dfriedman at 3:30 PM on January 6, 2010
I've had Trois Pistoles (a Belgian style ale with 9% abv) on tap at beer-centric bars. It's a bit sweet and fruity, though maybe a little more rich than Kwak. If you're looking for sweet (but regular abv), you may like Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat. It's way too orangey for me personally, but who knows? I see it offered on tap more often than Trois Pistoles.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:31 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:31 PM on January 6, 2010
"Sweet" seemingly mostly applies to the highly-exported fruit lambics, like Lindemans, that are easiest to find in the US. Something like a Hanssens will be far less sweet, though if you do find you like the variety, I'd go all the way to gueuze: the very sour base product used to make the fruity offspring.
posted by kcm at 3:32 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by kcm at 3:32 PM on January 6, 2010
I think it would help to clarify what you're looking for. Belgian on tap? The only things I see much at non-Belgian bars are Stella and Leffe. Sometimes you see Chimay White or Delirium randomly.
posted by smackfu at 3:34 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by smackfu at 3:34 PM on January 6, 2010
You will enjoy practically anything from Unibroue (esp. Maudite or Trois Pistoles) Ommegang (esp. Abbey Ale and Rare Vos).
posted by mkb at 3:34 PM on January 6, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by mkb at 3:34 PM on January 6, 2010 [2 favorites]
If you live on the east coast I highly recommend checking out if your local bars have UniBroue on tap. They are based in Quebec, but import a ton into the states. They are pretty much new world versions of Belgian beers. La Fin Du Monde (their most famous) is good, but not their best. I personally prefer their Maudite. If you want something lighter, their Ephemere is wonderful (and by light I mean 7% instead of 9 or 11.)
It would also help knowing where you are situated as that influences what beers you can find.
posted by ghostpony at 3:37 PM on January 6, 2010
It would also help knowing where you are situated as that influences what beers you can find.
posted by ghostpony at 3:37 PM on January 6, 2010
Not having had Kwak but inspired by the Beer Advocate list, I'd recommend Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale and Lucifer. Neither are particularly high in terms of alcohol content and you're not likely to find them on tap (Lucifer maybe), but they do have the "sweet" part without being overly so.
Maybe not a direct comparison in terms of styles, but other than lambics, keep an eye out for sour beers/Flanders red ales. Yes, I know that sounds weird since you asked for "sweet," but it may have more of what you're going for (less hoppy/malty and more fruity/less bitter).
posted by darksong at 3:43 PM on January 6, 2010
Maybe not a direct comparison in terms of styles, but other than lambics, keep an eye out for sour beers/Flanders red ales. Yes, I know that sounds weird since you asked for "sweet," but it may have more of what you're going for (less hoppy/malty and more fruity/less bitter).
posted by darksong at 3:43 PM on January 6, 2010
There are numerous beer finders exist for just the purpose of finding your favorite brews. Regional versions of Ale Street News and Brewing News also have (incomplete) listings of good beer bars in your area, plus BeerFly and RateBeer.
Both of the latter have forums where you could just ask where to find beer X on tap in area Y.
posted by mkb at 3:46 PM on January 6, 2010
Both of the latter have forums where you could just ask where to find beer X on tap in area Y.
posted by mkb at 3:46 PM on January 6, 2010
Another vote for Duvel
posted by kuujjuarapik at 3:46 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by kuujjuarapik at 3:46 PM on January 6, 2010
PS. the key word you are looking for is "malty" (instead of "sweet"). Pauwel Kwak is kind of a malt bomb while lambics are more... high frequency.
posted by mkb at 3:49 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by mkb at 3:49 PM on January 6, 2010
definitely try the gouden carolus tripel.
another vote for Maudite.
side note - they have one of the most badass labels.
i originally tried it based on label alone.
posted by lxh at 4:16 PM on January 6, 2010
another vote for Maudite.
side note - they have one of the most badass labels.
i originally tried it based on label alone.
posted by lxh at 4:16 PM on January 6, 2010
Victory Brewing Company's (in Pennsylvania) Golden Monkey is a Belgian style golden ale, and a 9% ABV kick in the pants, I believe. I see it in nicer grocery stores here in Oregon, and sometimes they have it in bottles at bars.
posted by medeine at 4:24 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by medeine at 4:24 PM on January 6, 2010
I've never tried Kwak, but it sounds like Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA might be something you'd appreciate. The first time I had it, it was on tap, and it was magical. Not exceedingly sweet, but the flavors were amazing, and there's 9.0% ABV. The second time I had it, it was out of a bottle, and not very chilled, and was less astounding. Third time, another bottle, but chilled and better. The tap was the best, but not available for home consumption.
posted by filthy light thief at 4:27 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by filthy light thief at 4:27 PM on January 6, 2010
If ever in New York, check out BXL Cafe. Lots of great Belgian beers and bartenders and servers who know them. The Times Square location which mystifies foodies actually makes perfect sense if (as they do) they seek and attract a hefty constituency of European tourists who know their high-alcohol beers, hearty food, and satellite soccer.
posted by MattD at 4:31 PM on January 6, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by MattD at 4:31 PM on January 6, 2010 [2 favorites]
While I love a lot of the beers that have been mentioned, they are definitely not common on tap at most bars I know of. To throw out a suggestion that you're likely to find on tap MUCH more commonly, you might like Blue Moon. It's a wheat beer, which gives it a sort of sweet/fruity flavor that appeals to me in much the same way that Kwak does, and it's usually served with an orange wedge. Of course its common-ness makes it less high-brow than the microbrews people are suggesting, but if your friends like to hit bars that don't focus on microbrews, it might be the closest thing to what you're asking for.
posted by vytae at 4:39 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by vytae at 4:39 PM on January 6, 2010
Never had Kwak, but I've been enjoying Delerium Tremens lately and it sounds like you'd enjoy it.
posted by ArgentineBlonde at 4:44 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by ArgentineBlonde at 4:44 PM on January 6, 2010
DT isn't very similar to Kwak, in my experience and taste.
I quite enjoy Kwak (8%) and I also enjoy the Hoegaarden Wit (4.9%), the Leffe Blonde (6.6%), the Allagash White (5.0%), Chimay Tripel White (8%), and my favorite, perhaps, is the Blanche de Bruxelles (5.5%).
I keep the fridge at home stocked with basic Blue Moon, or occasionally Hoegaarden if its on sale.
You may also like some German Hefeweizens as well. I like Paulaner's beers.
posted by jeffamaphone at 5:12 PM on January 6, 2010
I quite enjoy Kwak (8%) and I also enjoy the Hoegaarden Wit (4.9%), the Leffe Blonde (6.6%), the Allagash White (5.0%), Chimay Tripel White (8%), and my favorite, perhaps, is the Blanche de Bruxelles (5.5%).
I keep the fridge at home stocked with basic Blue Moon, or occasionally Hoegaarden if its on sale.
You may also like some German Hefeweizens as well. I like Paulaner's beers.
posted by jeffamaphone at 5:12 PM on January 6, 2010
If you happen to be in the Bay Area, check out this place.
posted by jeffamaphone at 5:12 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by jeffamaphone at 5:12 PM on January 6, 2010
I like Hennepin, a Belgian style saison made by Omegang.
posted by Kafkaesque at 5:37 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by Kafkaesque at 5:37 PM on January 6, 2010
Adding my voice to the Duvel and Leffe recommendations, particularly as they appear to be the most commonly available outside Belgium. However I'd be wary of suggestions that because you like Kwak you will also like the white beers such as Hoegaarden or that you will like pretty much all Belgian beers. Belgian beers are tremendously varied and the chances of you liking them all are virtually nil (I love Kwak, but can't stand most white beers).
On a side note, one of the cutest things about Belgian beers is that each type has a unique glass. And Kwak's glass is up there with the best of them.
posted by jonnyploy at 5:38 PM on January 6, 2010
On a side note, one of the cutest things about Belgian beers is that each type has a unique glass. And Kwak's glass is up there with the best of them.
posted by jonnyploy at 5:38 PM on January 6, 2010
De Koninck, Palm.
posted by furiousxgeorge at 5:47 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by furiousxgeorge at 5:47 PM on January 6, 2010
dfriedman, Stella most definitely is a Belgian beer! I say this while almost literally living next door to the Leuven brewery. Granted, Stella is also brewed in several other breweries in other countries, but let me explain...
The first recorded history of Stella Artois dates back to 1366: Leuven's tax records mention the Den Hoorn brewery (The horn brewery). Hence the horn symbol and date on the packaging. In 1708 Sebastien Artois becomes master brewer and subsequently purchases the brewery in 1717, changing its name to Brasseries Artois (Artois breweries). The actual Stella beer is introduced in 1926, named after the Latin word for star, as it was marketed as a Christmas beer.
The expansion wave of the brewery targeted Belgium itself and its neighbouring countries. In 1954, Artois acquires an interest in the Belgian Leffe brewery, in 1968 in the Dutch Dommelsch brewery and in the French Brasserie du Nord in 1970. In 1987 Artois merges with Belgian Brasseries Piedboeuf (Piedboeuf breweries) in Jupille and changes its name to Interbrew. Belgian-brewed Stella is still brewed in Leuven and Jupille. Interbrew grows even further with the 1989 acquisition of the Belgian Hoegaarden brewery and in 1990 the Belle-Vue brewery. The company keeps expanding with the acquisition of over 30 breweries in the 1990s. Interbrew expands to several East-European countries as it buys breweries in Hungary in 1991, in Croatia and Romania in 1994 and in Bulgaria in 1995.
Another acquisition in 1995 is the Canadian Labatt brewery, with operations in the United States and a minority stake in the second largest Mexican brewer Femsa Cerveza. The expansion continues when Interbrew adds an Ukranian brewery in 1996 and engages in a joint venture in the Dominican Republic, buys Chinese breweries in 1997, Montenegrin and Russian breweries in 1998 and Bulgarian and Korean breweries in 1999.
In 2000, Interbrew transforms from a privately held company, headquartered in Belgium, with subsidiaries and joint ventures in 23 countries and across four continents, to a publicly owned company. In 2000, Interbrew acquires Bass and Whitbread in the U.K. and German breweries Diebels and Beck's in 2001 , Gilde breweries in 2002 and Spaten brewery in 2003. In 2002, Interbrew strengthens its position in China, by acquiring stakes in the K.K. Brewery and the Zhujiang Brewery.
The story continues with the Interbrew-AmBev merger in 2004 creating InBev and the subsequent Anheuser-Busch-Inbev merger in 2008, creating the leading global brewer.
So yes, Anheuser-Busch Inbev is a global company and Stella Artois is a global brand, but still, Stella Artois is a Belgian beer!
/steps down from horse and puts down tiny Belgian flag
Zembla3, sorry my answer isn't more helpful to you, but I'm not really a beer drinker, actually. I will, however, ask my equally-Belgian-but-beer-drinking boyfriend and post his answer tomorrow.
posted by lioness at 6:02 PM on January 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
The first recorded history of Stella Artois dates back to 1366: Leuven's tax records mention the Den Hoorn brewery (The horn brewery). Hence the horn symbol and date on the packaging. In 1708 Sebastien Artois becomes master brewer and subsequently purchases the brewery in 1717, changing its name to Brasseries Artois (Artois breweries). The actual Stella beer is introduced in 1926, named after the Latin word for star, as it was marketed as a Christmas beer.
The expansion wave of the brewery targeted Belgium itself and its neighbouring countries. In 1954, Artois acquires an interest in the Belgian Leffe brewery, in 1968 in the Dutch Dommelsch brewery and in the French Brasserie du Nord in 1970. In 1987 Artois merges with Belgian Brasseries Piedboeuf (Piedboeuf breweries) in Jupille and changes its name to Interbrew. Belgian-brewed Stella is still brewed in Leuven and Jupille. Interbrew grows even further with the 1989 acquisition of the Belgian Hoegaarden brewery and in 1990 the Belle-Vue brewery. The company keeps expanding with the acquisition of over 30 breweries in the 1990s. Interbrew expands to several East-European countries as it buys breweries in Hungary in 1991, in Croatia and Romania in 1994 and in Bulgaria in 1995.
Another acquisition in 1995 is the Canadian Labatt brewery, with operations in the United States and a minority stake in the second largest Mexican brewer Femsa Cerveza. The expansion continues when Interbrew adds an Ukranian brewery in 1996 and engages in a joint venture in the Dominican Republic, buys Chinese breweries in 1997, Montenegrin and Russian breweries in 1998 and Bulgarian and Korean breweries in 1999.
In 2000, Interbrew transforms from a privately held company, headquartered in Belgium, with subsidiaries and joint ventures in 23 countries and across four continents, to a publicly owned company. In 2000, Interbrew acquires Bass and Whitbread in the U.K. and German breweries Diebels and Beck's in 2001 , Gilde breweries in 2002 and Spaten brewery in 2003. In 2002, Interbrew strengthens its position in China, by acquiring stakes in the K.K. Brewery and the Zhujiang Brewery.
The story continues with the Interbrew-AmBev merger in 2004 creating InBev and the subsequent Anheuser-Busch-Inbev merger in 2008, creating the leading global brewer.
So yes, Anheuser-Busch Inbev is a global company and Stella Artois is a global brand, but still, Stella Artois is a Belgian beer!
/steps down from horse and puts down tiny Belgian flag
Zembla3, sorry my answer isn't more helpful to you, but I'm not really a beer drinker, actually. I will, however, ask my equally-Belgian-but-beer-drinking boyfriend and post his answer tomorrow.
posted by lioness at 6:02 PM on January 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
I might just have a weird taste, but I find Newcastle to be overly sweet and malty. I seem to be alone in this amongst my friends, though. If you like that, though, Newcastle is pretty widely available.
posted by ishotjr at 9:51 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by ishotjr at 9:51 PM on January 6, 2010
Hm. I stand corrected about Stella. I'm pretty sure though it's brewed in other countries as well.
posted by dfriedman at 10:02 PM on January 6, 2010
posted by dfriedman at 10:02 PM on January 6, 2010
Kwak is brewed by Bosteel, who make another beer called Tripel Karmeliet - I think you'll like it too. Give Hoegaarden Grand Cru (not the regular Hoegaarden) a try as well.
posted by obiwanwasabi at 12:07 AM on January 7, 2010
posted by obiwanwasabi at 12:07 AM on January 7, 2010
For strong and sweet, I would recommend English-style barleywines:
Some listed here.
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) style guidelines say this:
Flavor: Strong, intense, complex, multi-layered malt flavors ranging from bready and biscuity through nutty, deep toast, dark caramel, toffee, and/or molasses. Moderate to high malty sweetness on the palate, although the finish may be moderately sweet to moderately dry (depending on aging). Some oxidative or vinous flavors may be present, and often complex alcohol flavors should be evident. Alcohol flavors shouldn’t be harsh, hot or solventy. Moderate to fairly high fruitiness, often with a dried-fruit character. Hop bitterness may range from just enough for balance to a firm presence; balance therefore ranges from malty to somewhat bitter. Low to moderately high hop flavor (usually UK varieties). Low to no diacetyl.
And list the following commercial examples:
Commercial Examples: Thomas Hardy’s Ale, Burton Bridge Thomas Sykes Old Ale, J.W. Lee’s Vintage Harvest Ale, Robinson’s Old Tom, Fuller’s Golden Pride, AleSmith Old Numbskull, Young’s Old Nick (unusual in its 7.2% ABV), Whitbread Gold Label, Old Dominion Millenium, North Coast Old Stock Ale (when aged), Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot
Note: English-style barleywines are brewed elsewhere, but it's important to distinguish between the English style and the American style, which tends to be much hoppier and more bitter. If you want sweeter, stick to the English style.
posted by sagwalla at 12:56 AM on January 7, 2010
Some listed here.
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) style guidelines say this:
Flavor: Strong, intense, complex, multi-layered malt flavors ranging from bready and biscuity through nutty, deep toast, dark caramel, toffee, and/or molasses. Moderate to high malty sweetness on the palate, although the finish may be moderately sweet to moderately dry (depending on aging). Some oxidative or vinous flavors may be present, and often complex alcohol flavors should be evident. Alcohol flavors shouldn’t be harsh, hot or solventy. Moderate to fairly high fruitiness, often with a dried-fruit character. Hop bitterness may range from just enough for balance to a firm presence; balance therefore ranges from malty to somewhat bitter. Low to moderately high hop flavor (usually UK varieties). Low to no diacetyl.
And list the following commercial examples:
Commercial Examples: Thomas Hardy’s Ale, Burton Bridge Thomas Sykes Old Ale, J.W. Lee’s Vintage Harvest Ale, Robinson’s Old Tom, Fuller’s Golden Pride, AleSmith Old Numbskull, Young’s Old Nick (unusual in its 7.2% ABV), Whitbread Gold Label, Old Dominion Millenium, North Coast Old Stock Ale (when aged), Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot
Note: English-style barleywines are brewed elsewhere, but it's important to distinguish between the English style and the American style, which tends to be much hoppier and more bitter. If you want sweeter, stick to the English style.
posted by sagwalla at 12:56 AM on January 7, 2010
Thomas Hardy's is the best beer I have ever had. And it is impossible to find.
posted by dfriedman at 7:19 AM on January 7, 2010
posted by dfriedman at 7:19 AM on January 7, 2010
dfriedman, that is because it's discontinued. Which means I better hie myself to the beer store and get a bottle.
posted by mkb at 8:23 AM on January 7, 2010
posted by mkb at 8:23 AM on January 7, 2010
Trappist Roquefort 10 is available at Whole Foods locations--it's delicious and smooth and tastes like liquid chocolate oatmeal raisin cookies.
On tap, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is my favorite german wheat beer--light and crisp with the slightest hint of honey.
posted by chalbe at 9:53 AM on January 7, 2010
On tap, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is my favorite german wheat beer--light and crisp with the slightest hint of honey.
posted by chalbe at 9:53 AM on January 7, 2010
That brings to mind another issue with Belgian beers, which is that some of them are very, very expensive. Roquefort 10 is $7.99 for a 11.2 oz bottle in a liquor store here. In general, I find the German beers to be more reasonably priced.
posted by smackfu at 10:06 AM on January 7, 2010
posted by smackfu at 10:06 AM on January 7, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by anti social order at 2:53 PM on January 6, 2010 [1 favorite]