Best Belgian beers for stews & game
25 beers in our guide pair beautifully with stews & game (carbonnade, venison). Expect quadrupel, trappist ale, dubbel and more, each chosen for how it meets the dish.
St. Bernardus Abt 12
Brouwerij St. Bernardus · 10%Pairs with rabbit stew with prunes, a classic Belgian dish that mirrors the beer's dark fruit notes.
Read the dossierChimay Blue
Abbaye de Scourmont · 9%Excellent with roasted beef or venison; the peppery yeast notes season the meat perfectly.
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Westmalle Dubbel
Abdij der Trappisten van Westmalle · 7%Pairs famously with hearty beef stew (Carbonnade Flamande) or roasted root vegetables.
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Gouden Carolus Classic
Brouwerij Het Anker · 8.5%Excellent with game meats like venison stew, where the dark fruit notes complement the gaminess.
Read the dossierDelirium Nocturnum
Huyghe · 8.5%Excellent with beef stew or dark chocolate, which amplify the beer's mocha notes.
Read the dossierScaldis Prestige De Nuits
Dubuisson · 13%A standalone experience, but pairs magically with dark chocolate truffle or roasted game meats.
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Boon Mariage Parfait
Brouwerij Boon · 8%Can handle game pâtés or turkey; the high alcohol and acidity cut through rich meats.
Read the dossierBoon Oude Kriek
Brouwerij Boon · 6.5%Pair with game meats like venison, as the sour cherry notes mimic a traditional fruit sauce.
Read the dossierCuvée des Jacobins Rouge
Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste · 5.5%Pairs with duck breast or a beetroot salad; the wine-like acidity complements rich game and earthy vegetables alike.
Read the dossierBrugse Zot Dubbel
Brouwerij De Halve Maan · 7.5%A natural with beef stew (carbonnade) or roasted root vegetables that echo the malt sweetness.
Read the dossierN'Ice Chouffe
Brasserie d'Achouffe · 10%Pairs with game, hearty stews, and dark chocolate by the fire.
Read the dossierTripel Van De Garre
Brouwerij De Garre (by Van Steenberge) · 11%Complements rich meat dishes like Carbonnade Flamande, or strong, aged cheeses. Also a perfect digestif.
Read the dossierSt. Bernardus Prior 8
Brouwerij St. Bernardus · 8%Pairs with braised beef, game, and blue cheeses.
Read the dossierLa Trappe Dubbel
De Koningshoeven · 7%Pairs with roasted meats, stews, and aged cheeses.
Read the dossierGulden Draak
Brouwerij Van Steenberge · 10.5%Best with a rich meat stew or very strong cheddar, as the beer's sweetness balances salty/savory intensity.
Read the dossierGouden Carolus Cuvée Van De Keizer Imperial Dark
Brouwerij Het Anker · 11%Best savored slowly on its own, or paired with rich chocolate desserts, strong blue cheeses, or roasted game meats.
Read the dossierRodenbach Grand Cru
Brouwerij Rodenbach · 6%The "wine lover's beer"; pairs with shrimp, duck breast, or game meats, where acidity cuts through the richness.
Read the dossierLiefmans Goudenband
Liefmans · 8%Serve with soft blue cheese or rabbit stew; the sweet-sour profile complements both funk and savory meat.
Read the dossierDe Koninck (Bolleke)
De Koninck · 5.2%Pairs with mussels or stew; the velvety texture and nutty malt notes bridge the gap.
Read the dossierPetrus Aged Red
Brouwerij De Brabandere · 8.5%Pairs with rich game or a sharp aged cheddar; the acidity keeps heavy dishes lively.
Read the dossierMcChouffe
Brasserie d'Achouffe · 8%Pairs with beef stew (carbonnade), game, or a mature hard cheese that stands up to the malt sweetness.
Read the dossierMaredsous 8 Brune
Duvel Moortgat · 8%A natural with beef stew (carbonnade), roasted meats, or an aged hard cheese that echoes the malt sweetness.
Read the dossierDe Dolle Oerbier
Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers · 9%Stands up to beef stew, game, or an aged hard cheese; the vinous tartness also flatters dark chocolate.
Read the dossierCaracole Nostradamus
Brasserie Caracole · 9.5%A winter beer: game, rich stews, blue cheese, or dark chocolate.
Read the dossierPannepot
De Struise Brouwers · 10%A beer for the cold months: game, braised beef, blue cheese, or dark chocolate.
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