Duvel Moortgat Marks 'belgian Independence Day' July 21

St. Patrick's Day - of course. Cinco de Mayo - check. Belgian Independence Day? Over the past few years, a new beer-lovers holiday is fast cementing its place on the calendar. In fact, Belgian Independence Day, which is officially July 21st, is in the true spirit of Belgium's celebratory nature stretching to a week-long celebration starting July 13 and running through July 21. And why not - Belgian beers are respected the world over as the best in the world and with so many wonderful flavors and styles to choose from, one day simply isn't enough.

Duvel USA, importers of Duvel, Chouffe, Liefmans, DeKoninck and Maredsous, as well as brewers of the Belgian-style beers of Brewery Ommegang, has for the past several years been working closely with restaurants, bars, grocery stores and beverage centers to raise awareness and interest in this historic day - when Belgium threw off the shackles of the Dutch, put away the wooden shoes and tulips and stood independent for the first time in history.

"Belgian Independence Day is fast becoming one of the most anticipated and participatory of holidays,' said Simon Thorpe, President and CEO of Duvel USA. 'The rapid growth of Belgian and Belgian-style beers is reflected in the excitement of consumers for our events. With the 4th of July fading away and Labor Day nearly two months away, Belgian Independence Day provides a wonderful new reason to go out and celebrate with good friends."
The diversity in Belgian beers is mirrored in the wide variety of events that are occurring all throughout the USA. On facebook.com/Ommegang, there is a comprehensive list of Duvel USA-sponsored promotions on a dedicated 'Belgian Independence Day' tab. A favorite of consumer and retailer alike is a 'tap take-over.' This is where anywhere from 6 to 16 tap lines in the bar are dedicated exclusively to Belgian beers for the day. Many restaurants are running special pairing menus throughout the week - reflecting Belgian beer's preeminent position as best for complementing all styles of fare from casual to fine. As well there will be presentations by brewers; rare beer tastings, glass and collectibles give-aways (where legal) and many other promotional events.

Duvel - the legendary and iconic beer of Belgium - is the flagship of the Duvel USA portfolio. One of only 2 beers to ever achieve a perfect '100' rating in Draft Magazine and among legendary beer critic Michael Jackson's all-time top 5 beers, Duvel is the centerpiece the Belgian Independence Day activities. Also showcased will be:

- The Abbey ales of Maredsous (Blonde, Brune and Tripel) - brewed under the supervision of the Benedictine monks of Maredsous in Denee, Belgium;
- DeKoninck Amber from the iconic brewery of Antwerp, refreshing palates since 1833
- Liefmans Goudenband, Cuvee Brut and Fruitesse - spontaneously fermented, aged and blended Flemish Sour beers from Oudenaarde, Belgium
- LaChouffe, Houblon Chouffe and McChouffe from the only known brewery founded by gnomes - Brasserie d'Achouffe nestled in the lovely Ardennes mountains
- The Belgian-style beers of Brewery Ommegang - founded in 1997, this rustic farmstead brewery in Upstate NY draws Belgian inspiration and then tickles with American creativity. The everyday lineup includes Three Philosophers, Abbey Ale, Hennepin Saison, Rare Vos Amber, BPA- Belgian Pale Ale and Witte. Witte is the reigning GABF gold-medal winner in the Belgian White category; Rare Vos just took home gold at the most recent World Beer Cup

Duvel Strong Golden Ale is the signature beer of Duvel Moortgat - fourth-generation Belgian brewers. Duvel Moortgat USA, Ltd. imports Duvel Golden Ale, Maredsous Abbey Ales, Chouffe Ales, Liefmans, and DeKoninck Ales and also sells the beers of Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown NY. For more information visit www.duvel.com, www.achouffe.be, www.maredso