Fourteenth J. De Clerck Chair 2012: “Special Beers – The Belgian Paradox”

Since 1984, the J. De Clerck Chair has attracted up to 150 brewing experts from all over the world every two years, coming from different research institutes and breweries as well as the supplying industry. After three successive events which dealt with topics like oxygen, pH and polyphenols in the malting and brewing sciences, this edition will focus on what makes Belgium so attractive and original in the world of brewing : “Special Beers : The Belgian Paradox”. The event takes place from 12. – 14. September in Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium, Université Catholique de Louvain-La-Neuve.

Marketing opportunities for brewers will be discussed as well as raw materials and processing in special beer production (caramel and chocolate malts, dry hopping process, organic hops etc.). Different fermentation and post-fermentation processes will be compared, including those used for Belgian acidic beers, trappist beers or bottle-fermented products. Last but not least, a session will be devoted to the ageing of beer. Tasting sessions will make this event perfect.

For more information see www.declerckchair.com.