Brasserie d’Achouffe, a relatively recent addition to the scores of excellent small Belgian breweries (they began in the mid-1980s) will become the second Belgian brewery (after Urthel) to create a Double IPA to import to the American market. Their new Houblon Chouffe IPA Dobbelen Tripel will reportedly be available in the U.S. through B. United beginning later this month. Shaun O’Sullivan, brewer and co-owner of 21st Amendment Brewery & Restaurant in San Francisco, California, became the first American to try the beer during a brewery visit last week. I have to say that I like this trend. For years, American brewers have been paying homage to the wonderful beers of Belgium. It’s nice to see that trend beginning to reverse even on a small scale. It means at the very least that we’re doing something right, even if the majority of our own consumers are largely oblivious. I for one look forward to giving this one a try.

Jean Louie, Marketing director of Brasserie d’Achouffe leads Shaun O’Sullivan on a tour of the Achouffe brewery.

Drinking the Dobbelen IPA, Jen Garris and Shaun O’Sullivan were the first Americans to try this beer. They took pictures of Shaun drinking it. The Imperial IPA will be sold only for the American Market. According to Shaun, it’s a very bitter beer with the Achouffe yeast aroma. Chris, one of two owners is on the far left. Jean Louie is next to him and then Christopher. Shaun also brought two bottles of his Double Trouble Imperial IPA and it blew them away.

Jen Garris and Shaun O’Sullivan trying the range of beers from Brasserie d’Achouffe in their new tasting room.

Jen Garris and Shaun O’Sullivan toasting with Achouffe’s Dobbelen IPA.