by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
A simple name but this beer leads the brand, offered widely throughout Belgium.
The Speciale Belge style gained popularity at the start of the twentieth century, created in response to the increasing numbers of German lagers and English ales, and then a little late the Czech pilsners pushing into the Belgian market.
In 1904 the Union of Belgian Brewers called on their members to create a beer that would compete with the imports, and the first Speciale Belge beers were presented at the World Exhibition in Leige the following year.
This style of beer is a session ale with a more malty flavour than the pilsners and lagers. Amber in colour, with a soft smooth body giving off some sweetness from the caramel malt, hints of fruits and a little nuttiness, low on bitterness with Noble hops.
De Koninck would have to be the most notable Speciale Belge on the Belgian market, and I reckon Palm is probably second in line.
As intended, the beer pours a lovely amber colour with a head that quickly disappears. Smooth, sweet at first with a moderate level of bitterness balancing out at the finish. These beers are made for easy drinking, yet with enough flavour to keep it interesting.
A 'Speciale' Belgian ale, crisp and dry and very refreshing with a bunch of flavour
A Special Belge style beer, with a hopper profile than the traditional style
A hoppy Speciale Belge with a good malt backbone supporting the Citra, Simcoe and Mandarina Bavaria hops
Amber ale with a spicy and malty character, crisp and light with a dry, slightly bitter finish.
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
A tripel known as 'The Beer of Bruges'; though no longer brewed within the city walls.
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
A very un-Belgian beer, which has found favour both in Belgium and abroad
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
A dark and rich Christmas beer, rumoured to be the first one of its style
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
An English-style IPA from the third generation Martin's family brewery
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
The famous Pale Ale from Antwerp, since 1909
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
A fruity, malty Belgian pale ale, originally brewed in 2003 to celebrate the 90th birthday of the brewey's former head brewer.
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
From the Palm Brewery portfolio comes the Steenbrugge Bruin
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
A classic Belgian witbier, brewed with a great mix common for all the Steenbrugge beers
by Brouwerij Palm (Swinkels Family Brewers)
A Belgian witbier made using 40% unsalted wheat, 60% barley, coriander, curaçao orange and a mix of spices
