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Franc Belge

Brouwerij De Ranke
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🌍 Belgium · Belgian Pale Ale · One of 26 Belgian Pale Ales in hopIQ

Franc Belge is De Ranke's take on the Spéciale Belge, the amber everyday ale long regarded as an Antwerp speciality, and it was launched there in 2019 at a taproom named after the style. Pilsner, pale ale and Munich malts give a soft, biscuit-like body at a moderate 5.2 percent, while whole Fuggles cones supply the bitterness. It is unfiltered and unpasteurised. The nose is floral and bready with a light marzipan note. On the palate, toasted biscuit and a mineral dryness lead into a long, delicate but decided bitter finish.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter40 IBU
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
golden8
See all Belgian Pale Ale alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Medium body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Moderate bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Balanced mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

Each axis lands close to the centre in a considered, even reading.

A profile in balance where the form comes from all sides, every layer speaks in turn.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Belgian Pale Ale.
Hop character
floral
Malt character
bready
toasty
malty
Fermentation & yeast
fruity
Distinctive notes
mineral

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Franc Belge

◎ Appearance

Franc Belge presents a clear, golden-amber hue with bright transparency characteristic of the style. The head rises quickly and settles to a fine, persistent collar that leaves delicate lacing down the glass. Carbonation is moderate and even, supporting the beer's refined presentation.

golden-amberclearpersistent lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with floral and herbal notes from the Fuggles hops, accompanied by a warm, bready malt foundation. A subtle marzipan sweetness emerges in the background, adding complexity without overwhelming the primarily clean, hop-driven character.

floral, herbalbreadylight marzipan

◐ Taste

The palate opens with soft, toasted biscuit character from the malt blend of Pilsner, pale ale, and Munich varieties. A mineral dryness builds through the mid-palate, underpinned by the whole flower Fuggles bitterness. The moderate 5.2% ABV keeps the body light and approachable while the 40 IBU provides a decided, lasting bite.

toasted biscuitmineral drynessrestrained bitterness

◑ Finish

A long, delicate yet assertive bitter finish unfolds, with the Fuggles character persisting cleanly into the aftertaste. The unfiltered and unpasteurised nature contributes a subtle textural complexity to the dry farewell.

dry finishhoppy persistence
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
84
Appearance
80
Finish
82
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Franc Belge

Serve at 7–10°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Goblet
Recommended for this style

The wide mouth and heavy base promote head formation and channel rich aromatics toward the nose. Traditional for Belgian strong ales.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Franc Belge

About Belgian Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Belgian Pale Ale?

Pale Ales balance malt sweetness with moderate hop character at 4.5–6% ABV and IBU 20–40. Approachable with floral, citrus or earthy notes over a biscuit malt base.

Finding a similar Belgian Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same floral, bready, bitter character as Franc Belge will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Belgian Pale Ales in hopIQ

Compare with another beer →Explore all Belgian Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse Belgium beers →