I have always loved Savoyard fondues. The French and Swiss versions with white wine. Two cultures, two interpretations of the same spirit.
During a short visit to the Dent du Chat, one of our sales points, I discovered that they offered a third blend made from Dent du Chat, Beaufort, and Schürchäs (A powerful, structured blend with character) and I thought to myself:
Why not make a more local version?
Why not offer a Belgian version of fondue?
So… why not replace white wine with beer?
Beer fondue: a Belgian obviousness
Belgium is a country of cheeses and a country of beers.
But then, which beer should be offered with a fondue?
While researching, I came across several interesting leads:
- Light blonde for its freshness and roundness
- Triple for its strength and fruity notes
- Amber for its caramel notes and depth
- Season for its dryness and herbaceous quality
They all have their arguments.
Beer brings:
- A different aromatic complexity
- A malted structure
- A slight bitterness that balances the fat
While analysing the beers I had available, I thought to myself: if we're going for a Belgian version, why not try a Belgian Pale Ale?
And there, the First Sess established itself immediately.
Test with the First Session
The preparation is identical to that with white wine.
For two people, I used 25 cl of Première Sess. A simple glass was enough to achieve the right texture..
Honestly, I was expecting a big difference in taste.
As a fan of white wine fondue, I had a slight concern about the final balance.
In the end, I completely found myself.
- The beer was not taking over.
- It enhanced the taste of the cheese.
- The aromas were well present, clear, structured.
And an interesting point: the fondue seemed more digestible, lighter, despite the richness of the cheeses.
The subtle bitterness of the First Sess brought a welcome tension that avoided any heaviness.
Fancy giving it a try?
If you feel like trying the experience : Go to La Dent du Chat.
You will find their various cheese blends there, as well as our beers.
Feel free to try with the Première Sess… Or to choose another beer to create your own version.
Make the most of the last days of winter to try the experience.