Belgium's Great Beers
Understanding the styles
British-style Ales
During the two World Wars, the beers brought by British troops in Belgium inspired similar brews locally. Several Belgian brewers still produce "Le Pale Ale" and "Le Scotch". The first is usually stronger, hoppier and fruitier than an English Pale Ale or Bitter, and is served as sociable beer. The second is typically more potent, maltier and richer, than a strong dark ale in Scotland, and is served as a digestif or winter warmer, often in a thistle glass. John Martin's is a well-known example of a Belgian-brewed "English Pale Ale". Gordon's Highland Scotch Ale (8.0abv) and a fractionally stronger Christmas version are brewed in Scotland for the Belgian market.
