DB20 - Belgian Table Beer
13 July 2023
DB20 - Belgian Table Beer
Light, refreshing & easy-drinking
3.3%
Our next development beer is a Belgian table beer, also known as
"tafelbier" in Dutch or "bière de table" in French. Originating
from the beer-loving land of Belgium this style of beer is
characterised by its effortless drinkability.
The lower alcohol content and light-bodied nature make it a
perfect session beer and a great accompaniment to a meal; low
enough in alcohol that you could have a couple yet packing enough
flavour to accompany a tasty dish. We infused this beer with the
fresh flavours of toasted coriander seeds and zesty lemon peel
which add a subtle freshness to the flavours from the Belgian
yeast. It's like drinking a light version of our White.
It's on the bar in the tap yard, or available in the shop in 1
litre-takeaway bottle. The bottles should last a few days, but we
do only have a limited stock, when its gone, it's gone.
Please do give it a try, just ask for a sample from the shop or
Tap Yard.
Appearance: Pale, unfiltered so hazy due to the
presence of yeast and protein. Pillowy white head with good
retention.
Aroma: Mild and subtle. Some grainy, biscuity
notes from the malt, along with a touch of fruity esters from the
yeast.
Flavour: Delicate and balanced flavour profile.
Light on the palate, with subtle malt sweetness and a restrained
hop bitterness. Hints of or fruity, banana-y esters, and spice.
Mouthfeel: Light and effervescent; spritzy.
History
Table beers have been brewed in Europe since the medieval period
where they became particularly popular in Belgium and France at
social gatherings when people of all ages would drink the low
strength beer with a meal. It's likely that the poorer members of
the general population would be doing hard, manual work, sweating a
great deal and burning lots of calories. Table beer would be a
cheap source of hydration and nutrition to help you keep
working.
https://history.howstuffworks.com/medieval-people-drink-beer-water.htm
At the same time in Britain, the population was drinking 'small
beer', the British version of table beer which served a similar
purpose.
The beer style grew in popularity throughout the
17-19th centuries due to its lower strength, allowing
people to enjoy a good number of glasses without getting too drunk
and tasty enough to pair with food.
Brewing and table beers have come a long way since then and we
hope you enjoy a few pints of ours version of the classic Belgian
style beer.
