Whether you’re already a long-time fan or discovering it for the first time, La Chouffe remains a benchmark for Belgian strong ales. From its fairytale origins in the Ardennes to its unmistakable flavour profile and iconic gnome, it’s a beer that balances tradition, character and drinkability with ease. And if La Chouffe has sparked your curiosity, there’s a whole world of Belgian beer alternatives waiting to be explored, from the crisp power of Duvel to the elegance of St-Feuillien and the bold complexity of Delirium. Pour slowly, savour the moment, and enjoy discovering what makes Belgian beer so endlessly rewarding.
La Chouffe Beer History
The history of La Chouffe brewery
This beer’s story started deep in the Belgian Ardennes, where in the late 1970s two brothers-in-law, Pierre Gobron and Chris Bauweraerts, decided to bring their hoppy dream to life. In 1982 was the year for the first official production, shortly after that they became one of the most famous in the beer world.
Iconic in the story, as well as in the presentation, Brasserie d'Achouffe chose a little dwarf with a red hat and a bushy beard for their label. It’s inspired by the many legends of the region where the brewery is from.
La Chouffe beers
Brasserie d’Achouffe brews four all-year-round classics and two seasonal beers: Chouffe Bok 6666 and a strong winter beer, Chouffe N’Ice.
La Chouffe Blonde
Their most well-known beer is a great classic of the craft tradition. Belgian at heart, La Chouffe Blonde is a strong blond ale. With its 8% volume and a hint of coriander and citrus, it leaves behind a fruity scent followed by a slightly spicy and bitter taste. It is best served between 7-10 °C.
McChouffe
The other classic, McChouffe, has some Scottish roots, mirrored in the kilt worn by the iconic dwarf. It presents itself with a ruby shade and a smooth bitterness, accompanied by notes of anise, liquorice and toffee. It tastes best when served between 8-10 °C.
Houblon Chouffe and Chouffe Soleil are the younger beers of the renowned brewery. Houblon (hops in French) is, as the name suggests, a beer rich in hop. Expect more hop aromas compared to the La Chouffe, with more bitterness. It’s still well balanced with a higher alcohol percentage (9%). Finally, Chouffe Soleil is the lighter version of La Chouffe. This is the ideal summer ale: light (6%), cloudy with refreshing citrus aroma.
La Chouffe serving tips
All d’Achouffe beers are bottle fermented and therefore have a slightly higher amount of yeast. This means they need some extra attention when pouring. It is best to pour them slowly, trying to avoid any abrupt movements and leaving the last centimetre of beer in the bottle. From here, you can go two ways: you either serve this last bit in a separate glass or you pour it right in, giving the beer a stronger taste. We advise you to try both: your taste, your choice.
Beer alternatives to La Chouffe
Duvel, St Feuillien, Delirium
There’s a great chance that you might already know, and love, d’Achouffe's beers. Where to go from here then? Another great evergreen from Belgian ground is Duvel: very similar to La Chouffe, but less spicy. Great if you’re not a fan of coriander. Other La Chouffe alternatives are St. Feuillien Grand Cru, Delirium Tremens and Hapkin. All these beers deserve to be poured in a sparkly goblet glass and slowly enjoyed.
If you are looking for something a bit stronger, Malheur 10 is one of the best strong Belgian ales. The Duvel Hop is another alternative that also has quite some similarities with the Houblon Chouffe. Do you enjoy the Chouffe Soleil? De Leckere Gulden Craen from the Netherlands or the Belgian Belfort 9° can be considered as alternatives between the classic La Chouffe and newer Soleil.