Brown/Dark
From ruby red to a deep mahogany hue, discover all the shades of brown beers in the Belgian Beer Heaven selection. Browse our extensive range, make your choice, and order easily online. Or keep reading to learn everything about the history, flavors, and different types of brown beers. Still have questions? Contact us with your query.
Our wide selection of brown beers
A Gageleer Superior Dark, a Leffe Brown, a Brugse Zot Dubbel… They all fall under the category of "brown beers." Aside from their color, these beers have little in common. For example, their alcohol percentages range from 6% to 12%.
The dark beers listed above do share a delicious flavor. Their distinctive aroma and color come from the use of dark malt during the brewing process. Double beers are especially popular in autumn and winter. They often include seasonal beers or Christmas beers.
The history of brown beer
Brown beer originated in 17th-century England. These "brown ales" were displaced by the cheaper "pale ales" but made a comeback at the end of the 19th century. Today, lighter brown beers are still popular under the names "porter" and "stout". In most pubs, these are even the beers served on tap. Across the Atlantic, Americans refer to this beer style as "brown ale". In Belgium, we call it brown beer, double beer, or dark beer – different terms for the same types of beer.
What is the difference between brown beer and old brown?
Belgian brown beer is not the same as old brown beer, and Flemish old brown is not the same as Dutch old brown. Here's a quick summary of the main characteristics of these three types of beer:
- Belgian brown beer: known for its dark color and sweet taste.
- Flemish old brown beer: a brown beer aged longer in wooden barrels, giving it a more sour taste.
- Dutch old brown beer: insufficiently fermented, leaving residual sugars that give it a sweet taste – although some brewers today add artificial sweeteners.
The delicious taste of a fresh dubbel beer
The brewing process of brown beer
Traditionally, brown beer was brewed with roasted malt. This malt is much darker than the malt used for other beers. It gives the beer its typical malty flavor and brown color. Over the past century, consumer preferences shifted toward blond beers. Today, most brewers use pale malt as the base for their dubbels, adding dark malt to it.
The result remains the same: sweet beer with soft notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Some brown beers have a slightly roasted malt flavor, although never as pronounced as in our black beers. Our golden tip: try them yourself and pick your favorite. Cheers!
Food pairing with brown beers: our recommendations
Delicious Belgian beers are perfect for pairing with tasty dishes. Brown beer goes particularly well with these preparations:
- Cheese such as Camembert or Brie
- Savory meat dishes like grilled meat or stews
- Sweet desserts such as chocolate cake and ice cream
Buy brown beer at Belgian Beer Heaven
Want to order brown beer online? You're in the right place 24/7 at Belgian Beer Heaven. Choose from our wide selection, order quickly and easily online, and rely on our 100% insured shipping. Questions about your choice or your order? Contact Belgian Beer Heaven, we’re happy to help with expertise and care.
