Amber
Craving a copper-colored and full-bodied beer that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes? Choose from our wide selection of Belgian amber beers and place your order easily online. Questions about our selection? Contact us, we’ll be happy to assist you in purchasing your favorite Belgian beers.
What is amber beer?
Amber beer gets its name from its caramel-like to light red color. Don’t be mistaken: amber beer does not refer to a type of beer but rather to its appearance. Most amber beers are spicy and top-fermented, with a full and slightly acidic flavor – perfect for quenching your thirst. Their alcohol content typically ranges between 4.5% and 6.5%.
The origin of amber beer
Amber beer was first brewed in England, where it was primarily known as "pale ale," which literally means "light-colored top-fermented beer." At the time, breweries only mastered brewing beer with standard malt, which resulted in mostly dark beers. The introduction of lighter malts changed this, giving beers a beautiful amber color and a richer taste.
At the start of the 20th century, Belgians primarily drank dark specialty beers made with top fermentation. The rise of German and Czech pilsners as well as English pale ales prompted Belgian brewers to reconsider their offerings. In response to declining sales, they organized a competition to create a new beer. This led to the birth of the Spéciale Belge style: an amber-colored, top-fermented beer with more body than a pilsner.
The brewing process of amber beers
Discover the taste of amber beer
Amber beers are as complex as they are smooth. They feature subtle hop bitterness and fine notes of citrus, pepper, and caramel. During brewing, the distinctive color of amber beer is formed. By drying and lightly roasting pale malt at higher temperatures (15 to 25 degrees Celsius), the sugars caramelize slightly, giving the malt both a unique flavor and color.
Wide selection of amber beers at Belgian Beer Heaven
In our broad range of over 1,600 Belgian beers, you are sure to find your favorite amber beer. Discover the types of amber beer at Belgian Beer Heaven:
- Spéciale Belge: Belgian amber beer with a sweeter finish and a lightly bitter taste. Examples include the classic Palm and Palm Dobbel from Palm Brewery and the famous “Bolleke” from Brewery De Koninck – Duvel Moortgat. All are top-fermented beers with moderate alcohol content. Stronger variants include Bush Caractère (12%) from Brasserie Dubuisson, with notes of banana, cuberdon, and caramel, and Kwak (8.4%) from Brewery Bosteels.
- Pale Ale: a soft, top-fermented beer with caramel-like aromas, also known as India Pale Ale or Irish Red Ale.
- Non-alcoholic amber beer variants: want the taste of amber beer without the alcohol? Choose non-alcoholic beers such as Force Majeure NA Tripel Hop, Force Majeure NA Tripel, or Palm 0.0%.
Perfectly serving Belgian amber beer
Belgian beers should be served in the proper beer glasses to fully enjoy their unique flavor. Just placed your order for amber beers? Read our tips on how to perfectly serve our exclusive beers.
What is the ideal temperature for amber beer?
Amber beers with lower alcohol content are best served at 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. Heavier beers, such as those with 12% alcohol, are better stored and served slightly warmer, at an ideal temperature of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Which glass is best for amber beer?
Amber beer is best served in a goblet-shaped glass with a sturdy stem. This shape is crucial for capturing all the aromas and bringing them to your nose when you take a sip. Pour the amber beer in a smooth motion and avoid cutting the foam head. A well-known example of the ideal glass for amber beer is the iconic “Bolleke” used for the amber beer of the same name from De Koninck.
Perfect dishes to pair with your amber beer
Food pairing with amber beer
Amber beer is smooth yet full of flavor. Pair it with spicy ingredients or dishes with caramel notes. Think hearty meat stews or desserts like cheesecake, apple pancakes, or flan.
Order Belgian amber beer online at Belgian Beer Heaven
Make your selection of favorite amber beers above. Place your order easily online and have your beer delivered quickly and securely. Enjoy its complex, slightly acidic flavor and beautiful copper color.
No inspiration? Check out our Heavenly Selections, beer packs that will impress any beer lover. Or explore our blond beers or dark beers. Questions about our selection? Contact us for advice.
