XX Bitter
XX Bitter was first brewed after Nino Bacelle and Guido Devos teamed up in the mid-1990s, and it became the beer that made De Ranke's name for bitterness. It is a blond, top-fermented ale of pale pilsner malt, bittered with whole Brewers Gold cones and finished with Hallertau Mittelfrüh, all grown in Belgium. The aroma leans grassy and herbal, with resin, hay and a thread of grapefruit peel over white bread. On the palate a firm, long bitterness runs from the first sip into a dry, peppery finish with light lemon and unripe pear.
AWARDS
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for XX Bitter
Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.
The wide mouth and heavy base promote head formation and channel rich aromatics toward the nose. Traditional for Belgian strong ales.
More from Brouwerij De Ranke
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 bitter, dry, grassy character as XX Bitter will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.
Other Belgian Pale Ales in hopIQ
