Yeah, today I try something new to combine some styles in just one beer.
Think about a typical Belgian beer from La CHOUFFE and an IPA in one beer. Sounds interesting and it is. Enjoy my beery trip into the new taste.
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I found this delicious box of 4 gnomes at a local supermarket and couldn’t resist to take them home to free the spirit of the dwarfs.
It worked out well.
Wow here we have a Belgian IPA with Mischief in Mind
Houblon Chouffe is what happens when a gnome discovers hops and decides to use them generously.
This Belgian-style IPA from the folks at Brasserie d’Achouffe is a bold blend of Belgian ale tradition and modern hop-forward character, clocking in at a confident 9.0% ABV.
It pours a glowing golden amber with a frothy white head that hangs around like a polite guest who also brought the good cheese.
The Best of Both Worlds. Houblon Chouffe isn’t just hoppy for the sake of it.
Sure, there’s a vibrant citrusy bitterness
So, think grapefruit zest, pine resin, and a touch of herbal bite. It’s beautifully balanced by classic Belgian yeast notes: banana esters, peppery spice, and a slightly sweet, bready malt base.
The result? A beer that delivers the bitterness of a West Coast IPA wrapped in a Belgian blonde’s silky robe.
The alcohol is warming but well integrated, and the finish is long, dry, and just bitter enough to remind you that this gnome means business.
What sets Houblon Chouffe apart is how seamlessly it merges two beer cultures: the hop-centric innovation of modern IPAs and the expressive, complex fermentations of Belgian ales.
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You get all the layered esters and elegant carbonation of a traditional Tripel, but with a modern, punchy hop kick that IPA fans will love.
Yeah, let's be honest: who wouldn't want to try a beer brewed by a gnome with a hop obsession?
The label keeps it in the Chouffe family: yes, there’s still a gnome, and yes, he’s still rocking that iconic red cap—but this time, he’s got hops on the brain.
Literally. Surrounded by green vines and aromatic cones, the label lets you know this isn’t your average Belgian blonde.
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The bottle design walks the line between fairy tale and hop bomb, which is kind of the whole point.
Brasserie d’Achouffe, nestled in the verdant hills of the Belgian Ardennes, has a reputation for beers that are full of character, charm, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.
While La Chouffe is their flagship, Houblon Chouffe shows their playful side and a willingness to blend tradition with bold, international styles. And they pull it off with Belgian finesse.
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Fun fact: Houblon was one of the first Belgian IPAs to hit the market, way before “Belgian IPA” became a global trend. In that sense, the gnome wasn’t just brewing—he was trailblazing.
This is what they print on the box. Enjoy the fun and the different taste.
The gnomes of Fairyland may be little, but they have big, very big, personalities. Houblon CHOUFFE matches their impish spirits. All gnomes, with their innate good taste, are in full agreement about Houblon CHOUFFE, which is flavoured by three different types of hops. This India Pale Ale is appreciated for its pronounced bitterness combined with the fruity tones of traditional Achouffe beers: it softens the strongest of characters.
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Houblon Chouffe is the beer you reach for when you can’t decide between an IPA and a Belgian blonde—and suddenly realize you don’t have to.
It’s bold, balanced, expressive, and just a little bit wild—kind of like the gnome on the label.
Whether you’re a seasoned hop head or a Belgian classic devotee, this beer bridges both worlds with flavor and flair.
Prost, santé, cheers—may your glass be hoppy and your gnome forever cheeky.
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@Detlev loves HIVE
