{"title":"Van Steenberge","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"van-steenberg-variety-6pk","title":"Van Steenberg Variety 6Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVan Steenberg Variety 6Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a six-bottle sampler of Belgian ales from Brewery Van Steenberge, spanning 5.5% to 12% ABV across six distinct styles. The pack includes Piraat, a gold medal winner at the 2012 World Beer Cup, alongside five other acclaimed expressions — making it one of the most rewarding introductions to traditional Belgian brewing available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.5%–12% (varies by beer)  |  Origin: East Flanders, Belgium  |  Style: Belgian Ale Variety Pack  |  Brewery: Van Steenberge, Ertvelde\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrewery Van Steenberge has operated in Ertvelde, East Flanders, for generations, building a reputation on characterful Belgian ales driven by a proprietary house yeast strain. Primary fermentation takes place in cylindroconical tanks at 22–25°C, followed by bottle conditioning — a secondary fermentation achieved by adding yeast and sugar at bottling, then maturing for two weeks in a warm room at 20°C. This traditional refermentation process gives each beer a living quality, with flavors that continue to develop in the bottle over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhat's Inside the Pack\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGulden Draak (10.5% ABV):\u003c\/strong\u003e The brewery's flagship dark tripel, scoring 95 on BeerAdvocate and 98 on RateBeer. Toffee-like malt sweetness, a creamy head, and balanced hoppy dryness define this iconic Belgian strong ale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGulden Draak 9000 (10.7% ABV):\u003c\/strong\u003e A variant of the original, aged in whisky or wine barrels, rated 92 on BeerAdvocate. It builds on the Gulden Draak foundation with added complexity from barrel influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGulden Draak Imperial Stout (12% ABV):\u003c\/strong\u003e The strongest beer in the pack, rated 91 on BeerAdvocate. Aromas of chocolate and banana give way to a powerful roasted-grain body with a bittersweet finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePiraat (10.5% ABV):\u003c\/strong\u003e Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2012 World Beer Cup and a Gold at the 2025 World Beer Awards for Belgian Style Strong. Bitter, spicy, malty, and highly aromatic, rated 91 on BeerAdvocate and 92 on RateBeer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonk's Café Grand Cru (5.5% ABV):\u003c\/strong\u003e The lightest and most refreshing entry in the pack, offering a fresh, mildly acidic character that distinguishes it sharply from its bigger siblings. Rated 89 on BeerAdvocate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAugustijn Blond (7% ABV):\u003c\/strong\u003e A mid-strength blond ale with malty, fruity, and hoppy aromas plus a hint of vanilla. The finish is slightly bitter but smooth, rated 89 on BeerAdvocate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes (Overall Pack Profile)\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Across the six bottles, expect an arc from light fruity and vanilla-tinged hops in the Augustijn Blond to deep chocolate, roasted grain, and toffee in the Gulden Draak expressions. The Van Steenberge house yeast lends a signature estery warmth throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pack moves from the bright, mildly sour freshness of Monk's Café Grand Cru through the balanced malt sweetness of Augustijn Blond and the spicy bite of Piraat, culminating in the rich, dessert-like intensity of Gulden Draak Imperial Stout. Mid-palate textures range from crisp and effervescent to full-bodied and creamy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shorter and clean on the lighter ales, long and warming on the high-gravity expressions. The bottle conditioning ensures a fine, natural carbonation that keeps even the biggest beers from feeling heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink the Van Steenberg Variety Pack\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach beer deserves its own treatment. Pour the lighter Augustijn Blond and Monk's Café Grand Cru into a tulip glass at cellar temperature (10–12°C) to appreciate their aromatics. The stronger ales — Gulden Draak, Piraat, and the Imperial Stout — reward a slightly warmer pour (12–14°C) in a chalice or goblet, allowing their complex flavors to open up. These are sipping beers; take your time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Belgian beer enthusiast who appreciates bottle-conditioned ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a guided tasting flight from light blond to imperial stout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to the depth and diversity of Belgian brewing traditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing across a multi-course dinner, matching each beer to a different dish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does the Van Steenberg Variety Pack taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The six beers cover a wide spectrum — from the mildly acidic freshness of Monk's Café Grand Cru to the toffee-rich dark maltiness of Gulden Draak and the bittersweet roasted character of the Imperial Stout. Van Steenberge's house yeast ties them all together with a signature fruity warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does this pack compare to the Chimay Gift Set?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Chimay Gift Set showcases three Trappist ales from a single abbey tradition, while the Van Steenberg Variety 6Pk covers six distinct styles — blond, tripel, strong ale, sour-influenced, and imperial stout — offering broader stylistic range from a single secular brewery.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this variety pack good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e It works well as an educational tasting, though several beers exceed 10% ABV and carry bold, complex flavors. Starting with the Augustijn Blond at 7% or Monk's Café Grand Cru at 5.5% provides a gentler entry point before progressing to the stronger ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Van Steenberge beer made?\u003c\/strong\u003e All six beers are brewed at Brewery Van Steenberge in Ertvelde, a town in the East Flanders province of Belgium, where the brewery has long specialized in bottle-conditioned Belgian ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with the Van Steenberg Variety Pack?\u003c\/strong\u003e Augustijn Blond pairs with steamed mussels and frites due to its clean bitterness. Piraat stands up to spicy Thai curry, its malty backbone matching the heat. Gulden Draak complements aged Gouda or Gruyère. The Imperial Stout pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts or a rich beef carbonnade. Monk's Café Grand Cru works alongside fresh goat cheese salads, its acidity cutting through the creaminess.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does the Van Steenberg Variety Pack come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is a six-bottle variety pack, typically containing 330ml bottles of each included beer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the Van Steenberg Variety Pack worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium Belgian variety pack, and the inclusion of multiple award-winning and critically acclaimed beers — several scoring above 90 on both BeerAdvocate and RateBeer — represents strong value relative to purchasing each bottle individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Van Steenberg Variety 6Pk?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this pack from generic samplers is the sheer quality ceiling of its contents. Gulden Draak holds a 98 on RateBeer and 95 on BeerAdvocate, placing it among the highest-rated Belgian strong dark ales worldwide. Piraat has earned gold at the World Beer Cup and World Beer Awards across multiple years. Every bottle undergoes traditional secondary fermentation, and Van Steenberge's proprietary yeast strain produces flavor signatures that no other brewery can replicate. For anyone serious about Belgian beer, this pack delivers six distinct arguments for why East Flanders remains one of the world's great brewing regions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Van Steenberge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838803308713,"sku":"14349","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/van-steenberge-van-steenberg-variety-6pk-bottle.webp?v=1787534798"},{"product_id":"van-steenberg-de-garre-750ml","title":"Van Steenberg De Garre 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVan Steenberge De Garre 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is an 11% ABV Belgian tripel brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge as the exclusive house beer of the renowned De Garre pub in Bruges, Belgium. Earning an outstanding 97 score on BeerAdvocate across hundreds of reviews, this tripel has built a devoted following among Belgian beer enthusiasts who seek it out for its rich malt complexity and warming strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 11%  |  Origin: East Flanders, Belgium  |  Style: Belgian Tripel  |  Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrouwerij Van Steenberge operates out of Ertvelde, a village in Belgium's East Flanders region, and has long been a contract and collaboration partner for specialty Belgian ales. De Garre was developed specifically as the house tripel for the tiny, famous De Garre pub tucked down an alley in the heart of Bruges. The grist bill combines Pilsner, pale, and Munich malts — with three times the standard malt charge to reach its formidable 11% ABV — while Saaz and Aurora hops contribute gentle bitterness and mild floral aroma without overpowering the malt-forward character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with striking apricot and ripe banana, followed by layers of vanilla, honey, and a peppery spice note. A vinous warmth lingers beneath, along with subtle floral hop presence and a trace of citrus zest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is generously sweet, led by honey, biscuity malt, and vanilla. Mid-palate brings phenolic spice — clove, coriander, and a touch of bubblegum — before orange zest, dried fig, and a hint of banana weave through. The high ABV delivers a noticeable but well-integrated warmth that keeps the sweetness in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and warming, with lingering honey, subtle cracker-like malt, and a gentle peppery fade. A faint citrus brightness stays on the palate, balancing the residual sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink De Garre\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDe Garre is best served in a wide-mouthed chalice or goblet at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, which allows the complex aromatics to fully express themselves. A \u003cstrong\u003eBelgian Peach Fizz\u003c\/strong\u003e — blending a small pour with peach nectar and sparkling water — highlights the beer's fruit-forward character. A \u003cstrong\u003eTripel Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e using fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey syrup tames the ABV while amplifying the citrus notes. For a warming winter drink, a \u003cstrong\u003eHot Tripel Toddy\u003c\/strong\u003e with cinnamon, clove, and a thin slice of orange peel leans into the beer's natural spice profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Belgian beer enthusiast who has explored the major Trappist labels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecial-occasion dinners where a high-ABV ale can stand alongside rich cuisine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a curated Belgian tripel tasting flight at home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing with friends who appreciate rare or pub-exclusive European beers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does De Garre taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Garre delivers a rich, sweet-leaning profile of honey, vanilla, banana, and biscuit malt, layered with clove, coriander, and orange zest, all carried by a warming 11% ABV backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does De Garre compare to Westmalle Tripel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Westmalle Tripel, the archetype of the style at 9.5% ABV, is drier, more restrained, and citrus-driven, while De Garre leans sweeter, spicier, and fuller-bodied with its higher alcohol content and triple-malt charge. Both are highly regarded Belgian tripels, but De Garre trades Westmalle's elegant precision for bold intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs De Garre good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Garre is ideally suited to slow, contemplative sipping from a goblet — its 11% ABV and layered complexity reward patience and reveal new notes as the beer warms slightly in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is De Garre made?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Garre is brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge in Ertvelde, a village in the East Flanders region of Belgium, under commission as the exclusive house beer of the De Garre pub in Bruges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with De Garre?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted chicken with herbs complements the beer's malt sweetness and spice. Aged Gouda or Gruyère mirrors its caramel and honey tones. Mussels in cream sauce echo its Belgian heritage. Pork belly with apple chutney balances the richness with fruit. Crème brûlée or bread pudding aligns with the vanilla and biscuit notes in the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does De Garre come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Garre is commonly available in the 750ml bottle format, designed for sharing or a generous solo pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs De Garre worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e De Garre positions as a premium Belgian tripel, and its 97-point BeerAdvocate score, exclusive pub heritage, and 11% ABV place it firmly among the top tier of the style — strong value relative to comparably rated Belgian ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy De Garre?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew Belgian tripels carry the backstory of being born as the exclusive house pour for a single centuries-old pub in Bruges. The triple malt charge that drives De Garre to 11% ABV sets it apart from lighter tripels and delivers a density of flavor — honey, vanilla, banana, dried fig — that few in the category can match. Its 97-point BeerAdvocate score places it in rare company among commercially available Belgian ales. For drinkers who have worked through the Trappist canon and want something with genuine provenance and boldness, De Garre fills a distinctive space.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Van Steenberge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839202422953,"sku":"38399","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Van-Steenberg-De-Garre__94697.jpg?v=1730517960"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/van-steenberge.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}