Hop Horizons

Belgian-style IPA

There are 104 different Belgian-style IPA listed on Hop Horizons, with a weighted average score of 61.4%.

What is a Belgian-Style IPA?

Belgian-style IPAs are what happen when American hops crash a Trappist dinner party. Imagine all the juicy, citrusy, piney flavours of a modern IPA - now add peppery spice, clove, banana and a dry, bubbly finish from classic Belgian yeast. It’s bold, fruity, spicy and just a little bit eccentric (in the best way).

This hybrid style blends two brewing traditions into something fresh: Belgian fermentation character meets assertive hop bitterness. The result? A beer that’s dry, lively and sometimes a little wild - but always flavourful.

How It’s Brewed

Brewers start with a Belgian ale base - often golden or tripel-like in strength and colour - and layer in generous additions of modern hops, especially from the US or NZ. Yeast is crucial here: expect esters (banana, pear, bubblegum) and phenolics (clove, pepper), all dancing around the hops.

ABVs tend to sit between 6.0% and 9.0%, though most examples hover around 7.0–7.5%. Bitterness can range from moderate to punchy and carbonation is typically high, giving the beer a dry, crisp finish despite all that complexity.

Famous Examples

This is a relatively modern style, but there are some excellent benchmarks out there:

• Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel (Belgium) – Spicy, strong and full of hops.
• Brasserie Dupont Triomfbier (Belgium) – Herbal, yeasty and bitter.
• Flying Dog Raging Bitch (USA) – Tropical hops meet Belgian yeast in chaotic harmony.
• Stone Cali-Belgique (USA) – West Coast IPA meets Belgian flair.

How Belgian-Style IPA Differs from Similar Styles

Compared to a classic American IPA, the Belgian version is drier, fruitier and spicier - less focus on malt body and more on fermentation complexity. The bitterness can still be high, but the perception is softened by the esters and phenols.

It's also distinct from a Tripel or Strong Golden Ale - those focus on yeast character and malt balance, with little hop presence. Belgian IPAs, by contrast, lean into bitterness and modern hop aroma while still retaining that unmistakable Belgian identity.

Food Pairings

This is a great beer for flavour-packed veggie dishes - think spicy falafel, Thai green curry or herby grilled aubergine. The hop bitterness cuts through richness, while the yeast character plays well with aromatic spices and tangy sauces.

Style Stats (Typical Ranges)

• ABV: 6.0% – 9.0%
• IBU (Bitterness): 40 – 70
• Colour (SRM): 6 – 10 (pale gold to light amber)
• Carbonation: High

FAQs About Belgian-Style IPA

Is Belgian IPA the same as a Tripel?
Nope. Tripels are sweeter, stronger and much less hop-focused. Belgian IPAs borrow the yeast profile but crank up the hops for a bitter, fruity hybrid.

Is it a Belgian beer or an American one?
Both! The style originated from both American craft brewers experimenting with Belgian yeast and Belgian brewers exploring modern hop profiles. It’s a true transatlantic love child.

Is it always strong?
Generally yes - it’s not usually a session beer. Most Belgian IPAs clock in between 6–9%, with a dry finish that makes them seem deceptively drinkable.

Beers of This Style

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