There are beers that are born to defy convention. It's not a bland, easy-going yellow drink, nor is it a sweet symphony for the masses. De Ranke XX Bitter arrives as a statement – where the edgy bitterness of hops meets the subtlety of Belgian yeast, where bold British IPA falls in love. Belgian Pale Ale tradition. This is a story about the uncompromising passion of two rebels in the age of industrial beer, a love song for those who believe that: true craft must know how to make people remember - even if it means trading in unforgettable bitterness.
Every drop of XX Bitter whispers a lesson about life. perfect balance – between passion and discipline, between identity and innovation. Are you ready to try… getting drunk on that bitterness?
1. History of the Rebellion: The Song of Rebels
Year 1994, when the beer world was drowning in the flood of industrialization, two kindred spirits Nino Bacelle - a distribution expert with a delicate sense of smell, and Guido Devos - an amateur brewer passionate about traditional flavors, together lit the fire of craft beer. They dreamed of beers that were rich and liberal like the temperament of British Ale, but with the soul of Belgium – where yeast is heritage.
At first, they had to rely on Buy Deca in Vleteren “midwifed” the first batches of beer. But to 2005, the story continues in Dottignies – where their own factory rises in the middle of the barley fields (correction: not Wevelgem as many documents mistakenly believe!). To this day, they remain steadfastly “outsiders” – small but never bending the principle: handmade quality is the motto.
2. XX Bitter: The Bitter Love Song of Hops
Year 1996, When XX Bitter born with brother Guldenberg, the craft beer world was startled by a provocative “hybrid”. It was a breakthrough: using British IPA as the skeleton, but wearing a Belgian soul – from golden Pilsner malt to the generous use of Kent Goldings (England) and Styrian Goldings (Slovenia) hops (IBU up to 45).
Completely different from Traditional Belgian Pale Ale Smooth, XX Bitter is a symphony of bitterness – harsh, clear, dedicated to those who are “addicted” to hops. It is no surprise that it quickly conquered the US and European markets, becoming a gem in the collection of craft beer enthusiasts. Every drop of XX Bitter whispers: “Let’s love, even though it is bitter!”
3. De Ranke XX Bitter: When “Rebellious” Belgian Pale Ale Meets British IPA
Call XX Bitter by the contradictory name: one Belgian Pale Ale but with the heart of a British IPA – a charming “bipolar” person. According to BJCP, it is still a Belgian Pale Ale, but anyone who tastes it will realize: “There is something rebellious about IPA!”
3.1. Unmistakable Mark
- Color: Warm amber glow, clear as autumn honey, crowned with a thick layer of white foam – proud as a traditional Belgian crown.
- Taste: 6% ABV – much stronger than the usual Belgian Pale Ale (only 4.5–5.5%), but the shocking truth is that the IBU is 45–50! Bitter, but not cruel. It is caressed by the sweet malt like toast with honey, the dry finish is like a haunting silence.
- Flavor: Imagine a Mediterranean citrus and floral garden (from Kent & Styrian Goldings hops) mixed with mysterious Belgian yeast – hints of pepper, cloves, and hints of ripe pear, fermented green apple. A magical complexity!
3.2. Comparison: The Different One Among the Stream
- With traditional Belgian Pale Ale (like De Koninck): XX Bitter is more bitter, higher in alcohol, less sweet – like an acoustic version of rock.
- With British IPA: Same generous hop ratio, but instead of straight English yeast, XX Bitter uses Belgian yeast to add layers of fruit and spice – like a floral cup of Earl Grey tea.
XX Bitter refused framed. It's a marriage of tradition and rebellion – for those who like “to bite into the hops, but still want a taste of European charm”.
4. De Ranke XX Bitter: A Concert for the Taste Buds
4.1. Beer Temperature & Glass: Perfect Enjoyment
Let XX Bitter shine in 6–8°C – the golden threshold when hops sing a citrus song, and Belgian yeast whispers fermented fruit notes. Drinking it too cold (below 4°C) is a crime! You will kill the complex aromas, turning the masterpiece into… alcoholic water.
The Tulip Glass (or Snifter) is the ideal companion:
- Bulging body Like the palm of a hand embracing the fragrance, slowly releasing notes of spice and fruit.
- slim mouth Gently retains the snow-white foam, guiding you to each complete sip.
Whisper: Drinking from a thin glass will make the experience "lose its class"!
4.2. Couple Cuisine: The Perfect Combination
- Moules frites:The salty sweetness of the beer-bathed boy caresses the bitterness, making XX Bitter suddenly become gentle.
- Aged Gouda:The rich cheese layer is a soft carpet for the bitter taste to "fall back".
- Honey Grilled Chicken: Caramel from the meat dances with the hops, creating a captivating umami flavor.
Surprise suggestion: Try it with salmon sushi – the fattiness of the fish balances perfectly with the dry finish!
4.3 Space Also Needs Fermentation
- Hot summer afternoon:The refreshing effervescence of XX Bitter is like a breeze blowing away the heat.
- BBQ Party: Place next to other Belgian Pale Ales to get a feel for the difference. "saucy" by XX Bitter.
- After dinner: Sip like digest, to let the aroma of pepper and ripe pear awaken sleepy taste buds.
Final words: XX Bitter is not a beer you “drink” – it’s an experience. Each sip is a chapter in a lyrical novel… steeped in hops and Belgian nostalgia.
5. De Ranke XX Bitter: The Laurel Wreaths
Win in category Belgian-Style Pale Ale, XX Bitter proves that the twist (adding IPA-style bitterness) doesn't take away from the Belgian spirit, but makes it shine in a different way. The judges especially praised the balance between honey-sweet malts and edgy hops.
Even though only received Silver Class, this award further confirms XX Bitter’s status as an “acknowledged rebel”. It lost out to a German beer – but it is a testament to the artful hybridism of England and Belgium.
With 98/100 points Overall (almost absolutely!), XX Bitter is not only “delicious” – but also the standard for Belgian Pale Ale (Style Score: 99/100). It holds the position of Top 12 Belgian Pale Ale in the world (2023) – a feat when standing alongside “giants” like Duvel or De Koninck.
“This is not beer, but a symphony of Belgian hops and yeast” — Comment from an anonymous rater.
6. Conclusion: Prelude to a Bitter Love
Life is too sweet sometimes need a little bitter to remember longer. And XX Bitter is that love song – passionate, thorny, but full of charm. Each drop of amber gold tells the story of two rebels dare to challenge the norm, blend the quintessence British IPA into the soul Belgian Ale.
This is not a beer to be drunk in a hurry. It demands you best regards – from a warm glass of Tulip, to a delicate 6°C temperature, or a rich piece of cheese that melts away the bitterness. The prestigious awards are just the tip of the iceberg, the condense Finally, the nostalgic feeling: hops citrus entwined honey bread, ending dryly like a promise "let's meet again".
XX Bitter for the Soul liberal – knows how to find beauty in difference. It reminds that: in the dull world of industrial beer, there still exist handmade masterpiece deserves to be cherished. Open the bottle, let the bitterness be first kiss of autumn - passing by but remembering forever.
“There are three things in this world that cannot be hidden: the hops in XX Bitter, the passion of the beer connoisseur, and the nostalgia after the last sip…”
