Belgium produces a wide variety of specialty ales that are not easily classified so we’ll stick to some general characteristics of many Belgian Style Ales.

Refreshing, light in body, dry, golden to orange in color, effervescent and moderately hoppy. They usually contain 5% ABV or less (with the exception of many Trappist/Abbey ales which are those that are either brewed by a Benedictine order of monks or in the same style.)

They may or may not have spices added (some take on a spicy flavor naturally from phenols produced during fermentation), and can be citrusy and floral. display a fluffy, continuous head, a hearty body, and a mellow, soft and round finish.

Our pick – Pretty Things Jack D’Or, Cambridge, MA

Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project – A Crowning Achievement

Dann Paquette is something of a brewing legend in Massachusetts with a reputation for creating unique and innovative beers. He has worked at several area breweries including the Ipswich Brewing Company, the Pilgrim Brewery, Mill City Brewing Company and the Concord Brewery. However, it may be his most recent venture that is the crowning achievement of his brewing career... Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project was a concept that had its roots in ideals of excellent beer, affordability, self-ownership, and locality. In its creation, form became content as Pretty Things is now a highly regarded brand in taste and price with business and brewing offices in Cambridge and Westport respectively. Dann has grown Pretty Things literally from batch to batch (and label to label - his own artwork) and in it designed simple and delicious brews like the Belgian inspired Jack D'Or, an English brown ale called St. Boltoph's Town, and the Easter celebration ale, Baby Tree. In our segment (filmed at craft beer haven Deep Ellum in Allston), host Hillary Coughlin chats with Dann about Pretty Things and covers a good deal about the brand and the idea of the project itself. Dann and Hillary complete the interview with a tasting (well, more than just a tasting!) and breakdown of the delicious Jack D'Or. Many thanks to Dann - a wonderful guy who was quite gracious in spending an afternoon with us. We're quite pleased with this segment and hopefully you will be too! - RL