The Knighthood of the Brewers' Paddle is all about keeping the centuries-old brewing traditions alive and showing some respect to Belgian beer and the people who brew it. Every year, the Belgian brewers throw a big party to honor the "King of Beer" himself, Gambrinus. Here in the US, we celebrate it as Belgian Beer Week, which was held the first week of May this year. Hop City Beer & Wine Owner Kraig Torres traveled to Washington, DC for the festivities to receive enthronement into the Brotherhood as an Honorary Knight, which is given to individuals who have rendered loyal services to the brewing profession. "When we opened Hop City 14 years ago I could never have imagined an honor like this," says Kraig. "It's humbling to think that something as simple as enthusiasm for Belgian beer could lead to such a prestigious award."
Below are some of Kraig's notes of his favorite beers from Belgium available at Krog and West End. Give them a try!
Chimay Cinq Cents (White, 8.0%); Tripel Ale - Chimay White was my very first Belgian beer, and it kickstarted my love for the style. $22.99 / 11oz 4-pack; available at Krog & West End
Orval (6.9%); Pale Ale - Like Chimay, Orval is also a Trappist ale. It's the most complex of Belgian beers, always different every time you drink it - in the most positive of ways. $5.99 / 11oz bottle; available at Krog, West End & Fayetteville
Delirium Nocturnum (8.5%); Strong Dark Ale - Nocturnum is not as famous as Tremens, yet it's so delicious and roasty. $21.99 / 11oz 4-pack; available at Krog & West End and ON TAP at Krog Bar
Avec Les Bon Voeux (9.5%); Saison - a seasonal / celebration ale from Dupont. If a Saison and a Tripel had a baby, it would taste like this! $39.99 / 750 mL; available at West End
Duchesse Cherry (6.8%); Sour - For those who find Duchesse a bit too vinegary, the addition of cherries lowers the acid and adds a layer of complexity that is hard to beat. $22.99 / 11oz 4-pack; available at Krog & West End (Fayetteville has the Duchesse Chocolate Cherry)
We always have a few lines dedicated to Belgian beers ON TAP at each of our bar locations. Grab a fresh pour - it's a great way to introduce yourself to the style!
May's session of Fizz Ed, a.k.a. “beer school” features experts from Terrapin Brewing. Mark Crouch, Chad Martin and Seb Winkler's class will be focusing on "Building the Perfect Beast: How Brewers Create Flavor Complexity in IPA’s". Tuition is only $5 and each ticket comes with a welcome draft pour (8 oz) of Terrapin High & Hazy and 5-8 additional tasting samples.
Wednesday, May 24, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Hop City Beer & Wine - West End, 1000 White Street SW, Atlanta, GA
NEW STUFF!
HOPS
- Roadhouse/Creature Comforts: Cosmic Kush (6.5%)
- Roadhouse: The Walrus (8.3%)
LIGHT
- Green Bench/Barriehaus: Greetings From Florida (3.8%)
- Green Bench: Travel Set (4.7%)
- Roadhouse: Highwayman (4%)
