by Abdij Averbode (Brouwerij Huyghe)
This is a fairly random beer, even when in Belgium.
The Averbode Abbey is the home of the Norbertine Monks in Mechelen-Brussels. The abbey had a brewing history dating back to the 14th-Century, which continued until 1917 when the German occupation saw the copper kettles put to alternate use.
But in 2014, the good monks of the abbey decided to revive the brewing traditions. They contacted Brouwerij Huyghe (famous for the Delirium beers) to resurrect one of their beers. And hence we have Averbode Strong Belgian Ale.
It is a really well balanced, tasty beer. A multi grain mix of barley, oat and spelt combine to give a nice creamy, full mouthfeel. The dry-hopping accentuates the grassy and floral hop character. And constant in the background are the typical Belgian yeast characteristics.
Good carbonation aids the crisp mouthfeel, as the beer finishes dry with a lingering bitterness.
Awards: this beer won a bronze medal in the Australian International Beer awards in 2016 for best Belgian Pale/Blonde Ale.