Last week, Jimmy’s No. 43 in the East Village co-hosted (along with Beer Sessions Radio™) the third annual Battle of the Belgians. They had close to 40 different Belgian and Belgian-style beers in three categories: American, Belgian and Swiss. The overwhelming winner (both judge’s and People’s Choice) in the American category was Ommegang’s Gnomegang. Honorable Mention went to The Bruery Fruet, Ommegang 3 Philosophers, and Midnight Sun’s Panty Peeler Triple (a personal favorite of all-star bartender—Jimmy’s No. 43 and Blind Tiger—Luke Manson).
In the Swiss category, BFM’s very own Jérôme Rebetez was pouring five of his beers, with the BFM Abbaye de Saint Bon Chien 2011 taking both the judges and People’s Choice wins.
The Belgian category was very deep (25 different offerings), so there emerged no clear winner. Standouts included last year’s overall winner from Vanberg & Dewulf, Brasserie Dupont La Bière de Beloeil; Alvinne Cuvee d’Erpigny, which got its unique flavor from mustard seeds and being aged in wine barrels; Hanssens Scarenbecca Kriek; and People’s Choice winner in the Belgian category, Brouwerij Van Steenberge’s Monk’s Cafe.
The judges—Chris O’Leary from Brew York New York, Mary Izett (My Life on Craft), and Jimmy Carbone (host of Beer Sessions Radio™)—tallied their final scorecards and awarded the following:
- Honorable mention—to Hanssens Scarenbecca Kriek
- 3rd place—to Ommegang for it’s Gnomegang beer
- 2nd place—to Alvinne Cuvee d’Erpigny
- And 1st place (may I have a drum roll, please?)—went to Jérôme Rebetez of BFM for his Abbaye de Saint Bon Chien.
Even if you missed out on the amazing event last week, you can live (or relive) some amazing Belgians still available a la carte, including: Ommegang 3 Philosophers, Stillwater Folklore, Monk’s Cafe Flemish Sour, Brouwerij de Dolle Brouwers “Dulle Teve” Triple, Duvel Single, Chimay Triple, Jolly Pumpkin’s, Alvinne Melchior and others.