Top fermentation
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In a top-fermented beer, also known as a beer with high fermentation, the fermentation process takes place at higher temperatures, typically between 15 °C and 25 °C. The result is often darker beers with flavours ranging from bitter to sweet, such as abbey beers, stouts and Belgian special beers.
Discover more than 1,400 Belgian top-fermented beers at Belgian Beer Heaven. Browse the selection above, use the filters or search bar, add your favourites to your shopping cart and order easily online.
Brewing top-fermented beer: the process
- Malting: beer starts with barley. The grain is soaked and then dried again, allowing enzymes to develop that will later extract sugars from the grain.
- Mashing: the malt is crushed and mixed with warm water. Heat activates the enzymes, converting starches into sugars. The result is a sugar-rich liquid known as wort.
- Boiling with hops: during the boiling of the wort, hops are added to provide bitterness, aroma and flavour. This step also kills unwanted bacteria.
- Fermentation: yeast is added to the cooled wort. It consumes the sugars and converts them into alcohol and CO₂. Depending on the beer style, fermentation can take several days to weeks.
- Maturation and packaging: during maturation, flavours soften and become more balanced. The beer is then packaged in bottles, cans or kegs, optionally with a small amount of sugar or yeast to allow for secondary fermentation.
In top-fermented beers, the yeast remains floating on top of the wort during the fourth step, unlike bottom-fermented beers such as pilsner, where the yeast settles at the bottom of the vessel. Due to the higher temperatures, the risk of unwanted bacteria is greater, making the brewing of top-fermented beers a complex and precise process. Regular tasting throughout the process is therefore essential. If the result does not meet expectations, the brewer may opt for an additional fermentation, either in the tank or in the bottle.
Order top-fermented beer at Belgian Beer Heaven
For those who appreciate rich aromas, deep complexity and pronounced character, top-fermented beer is an absolute must-try. Belgian Beer Heaven offers one of the largest online selections of Belgian special beers. From powerful tripels and spicy saisons to modern IPAs, all these beers are fermented with warm yeast strains and feature a full, fruity and layered flavour profile.
- More than 1,600 Belgian beers, including a wide range of top-fermented styles
- Fast shipping or free collection
- Safe and sturdy packaging, including insurance against glass breakage
Dive into the assortment and discover why top-fermented beers are among the most beloved Belgian beer styles.
