DARK BEER

What distinguishes dark beer from a blond beer is not only the color but also a fuller flavor. Both arise because the grain is roasted during the brewing process: the longer it's roasted, the richer the flavor. Sometimes you taste a hint of caramel, coffee, chocolate, or dried fruit. The alcohol percentage is also often slightly higher than in blond beers, which contributes to the warming feeling you may crave more during the colder months of the year. The variation within dark beer is large: from amber-colored beers to sturdier, darker variants with subtle bitterness or a touch of fruit. Some are—despite their color—light and refreshing, others are just heavy and syrupy. Each style has its character, but one thing is certain: all dark beers fit perfectly with autumn. Whether you're sitting in the pub with friends or serving an elaborate dinner at home, there's always a dark beer that fits the occasion.

FULL FLAVOR

Precisely because of that full flavor, a glass of dark beer is delicious with a hearty autumn dish, such as a flavorful stew or a tender piece of beef. It also pairs well with a snack platter featuring aged cheese and dried sausage. And it's not just for drinking: a dark beer can also perform well in a dish. A splash in the gravy provides subtle bitterness, and in a stew with, for example, lamb, it adds extra depth. With a sweet dessert, a dark beer can also match perfectly: try a brownie with nuts or a piece of chocolate cake accompanied by a Trappist Quadrupel. So, dark beer is much more than just a drink; it fits just as well with the meal itself, from starter to dessert. This way, you give a simple meal that little extra something. At Van der Valk, you can of course also enjoy a delicious glass of dark beer: from an amber-colored Schlösser Alt or Staropramen Dark to a full La Trappe Trappist Quadrupel or Palm, and from a powerful Pauwel Kwak Amber or Wallonie Scotch to a milder LeŽe Bruin (also available in 0.0%). For every moment, there is a good glass of dark beer to toast to the new season.