HOPIQ FACEOFF
THE HOPIQ TAKE
Belgium's two most beloved golden strong ales, and the argument between them has been running in Flemish bars for decades without resolution. Duvel is drier, more bitter, harder, the beer that a brewer's brewer might choose for its technical precision and its dangerous drinkability at 8.5%. La Chouffe is friendlier: a touch of spice, slightly more accessible, the gnome on the bottle matching the beer's slightly mischievous character. Duvel demands respect. La Chouffe asks you to relax. They're both right.
SIDE BY SIDE
| Duvel | La Chouffe | |
| ABV | 8.5% | 8.0% |
| IBU | 32 | 20 |
| Colour | Pale gold, SRM 5 | Golden, SRM 6 |
| Style | Belgian Strong Golden Ale | Belgian Strong Pale Ale |
| Origin | Belgium | Belgium |
WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH
Pick Duvel when…
- →You want the technically perfect golden strong ale — the benchmark of the style
- →If you like dry, bitter finishes that make the next sip feel necessary
- →You're among Belgian beer fans who will judge you for picking the other one
- →Evening drinking where precision matters more than personality
Pick La Chouffe when…
- →Someone who is discovering Belgian strong ales for the first time — more approachable
- →Pairing with spiced dishes where the coriander note plays beautifully
- →You want something a touch friendlier and rounder
- →With friends — it has an inherent sociability that Duvel's austerity lacks
WHAT IT TASTES OF
Both beers
STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT
TASTING NOTES
SIMILARITY SCORE
45%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between Duvel and La Chouffe?
Duvel (8.5% ABV) is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale — deceptively pale, highly carbonated, dry and bitter with a complex yeast character and a dangerously smooth finish for its strength. La Chouffe (8.0% ABV) is fruitier and more spiced, with a gnome-branded character that hints at its personality — slightly sweeter with coriander and orange peel notes.
Why is Duvel called Duvel?
Duvel means 'devil' in Flemish. The name was reportedly coined in the 1920s when a local cobbler tasted the beer and exclaimed it was 'a devil of a beer'. The name stuck. At 8.5% ABV in a deceptively light-looking golden ale, the name is appropriate.
Is La Chouffe a Belgian beer?
Yes. La Chouffe is brewed by Brasserie d'Achouffe in the Ardennes region of Belgium, near the village of Achouffe in the province of Luxembourg. The brewery was founded in 1982 by Pierre Gobron and Chris Bauweraerts. It is now owned by Duvel Moortgat, the same company that makes Duvel.
What does Duvel taste like?
Duvel is a golden strong ale that pours pale with a huge white head. The aroma is of fresh hops, yeast and a subtle fruitiness. The taste is dry and bitter up front, with complex yeast esters, a light sweetness and a long, dry finish. At 8.5% ABV, it's remarkably smooth — which is both the appeal and the danger.