Oaked / Barrel Aged

Buy oaked beer at Belgian Beer Heaven

Belgian Beer Heaven is the go-to specialist for Belgian specialty beers, offering a wide selection of oaked beers and barrel-aged specials. We carefully package our beers and insure them against breakage so they arrive in perfect condition. Place your order today and discover the unmatched flavor of barrel-aged beers. Ordering before 12 noon? We’ll ship your package the next business day.

Brewing and aging oaked beer

Beer consists of relatively simple ingredients: water, malt, hops, yeast, and possibly added herbs or spices. As a brewer, your only other tools are your equipment and the beer’s aging process to experiment with. The technique of barrel aging is centuries old but has regained popularity in recent years. 99% of barrels used are made of oak, hence the term “oaked beer.”

Oaked beer develops its unique character through an extended maturation process. After brewing, the beer is transferred into wooden barrels where it rests for weeks, months, or even years. During this time, the wood influences the beer’s flavor. It absorbs aromas such as vanilla, caramel, toast, or even smoke.

Depending on the barrel type and the length of aging, the oaked beer becomes smoother, rounder, or more intense. The natural oxidation process in the wood contributes to the development of complex flavor profiles. Brewers increasingly experiment with different barrel types to create unique combinations.

The impact of wood on oaked beer

Generally, barrel-aged beers have more pronounced notes of vanilla and wood. But barrel aging is a complex process with unpredictable results. Many factors come into play:

• The barrel itself: connoisseurs notice the difference between beers aged in European versus American oak barrels. The larger the barrel, the less surface contact with the beer.
• The barrel’s history: is it brand new or previously used? What was stored in it before, and for how long? How often has it been used for aging beer?
• The previous content: calvados barrels bring an apple note, rum barrels add fruitiness, and bourbon barrels create sweetness.
• The beer type: high-alcohol beers are best suited for barrel aging, as they absorb the deep aromas of the wood and the previous contents. Think of dark beers like quadrupels and stouts, or sour beers such as lambic and gueuze.
• The aging period: did the brewer rest the beer for just a few months, or are you buying an oaked beer that matured for years and absorbed every bit of wooden character?

Wide range of Cornet Oaked

In our extensive selection of barrel-aged beers, you'll find craft beers, fruit beers, and Trappist beers aged in wooden barrels. One of the most well-known Belgian barrel-aged beers is Cornet Oaked – a powerful blond beer with a subtle oak note. Brewed by Brewery De Hoorn (now Brewery Palm), it is known for its full flavor and lightly roasted finish. The oak infusion gives Cornet a smooth, vanilla-like touch that pairs beautifully with the spicy and malty undertones.

Cornet Blonde Oaked is an accessible yet flavorful beer with a balanced woodiness – perfect for discovering the world of barrel-aged beers. The alcohol-free Cornet Oaked Alcohol Free retains its barrel character and complexity without the alcohol, ideal for mindful enjoyment.

Food pairing with oaked beers

The rich and intense flavor profiles of barrel-aged beers make them perfect for food pairing. Dark oaked beers like stouts and quadrupels go well with strong cheeses, smoked meats, and decadent desserts like chocolate fondant. Lighter barrel-aged beers such as blond ales and saison-aged styles pair beautifully with grilled poultry, spicy Asian dishes, and creamy cheeses.

Craft beer Special beer