XX Bitter – Brouwerij De Ranke

Bold. Bitter. Uncompromisingly Belgian.

Beer Overview

XX Bitter from Brouwerij De Ranke is a true cult classic—an assertively bitter Belgian pale ale that helped redefine hop-forward brewing in Belgium. First brewed in the 1990s, it quickly gained a reputation for pushing bitterness beyond traditional Belgian norms while maintaining balance and drinkability.

Golden in colour and naturally bottle-conditioned, XX Bitter delivers vibrant hop character layered over a crisp malt base and expressive Belgian yeast profile. It’s dry, punchy and refreshingly sharp—an unapologetic celebration of bitterness done properly.

Flavour Profile

Taste: Grapefruit peel, herbal bitterness, light biscuit malt and subtle yeast spice.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light, lively carbonation and crisp structure.
Finish: Firm, lingering bitterness with a clean, dry snap.

Aroma

Fresh floral hops, citrus zest and gentle herbal notes intertwine with subtle fruity esters from the Belgian yeast.

Brewing Process & Uniqueness

XX Bitter is brewed with pale malt and a generous dose of whole-leaf hops, traditionally including varieties such as Brewer’s Gold and Hallertau. Unlike many modern hop-forward beers, the bitterness here is classic and structured rather than juicy—firm but refined.

Bottle conditioning enhances complexity and gives the beer its signature lively carbonation. The interplay between hop bitterness and Belgian yeast character makes XX Bitter distinctly European: dry, elegant and unapologetically bitter.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at: 6–8°C in a Belgian tulip glass.

Perfect with:

• Moules-frites

• Grilled sausages

• Strong cheeses

• Fried foods

• Classic pub dishes

About Brouwerij De Ranke

Founded in 1996 in Belgium, Brouwerij De Ranke is renowned for brewing characterful, traditional Belgian beers with a particular focus on hop expression and balance. At a time when Belgian brewing leaned heavily towards malt sweetness and yeast-driven styles, De Ranke helped reintroduce firm bitterness and classic hop structure to the scene.

The brewery remains independent and dedicated to traditional methods, including bottle conditioning and the use of whole-leaf hops. Their beers are celebrated for their dryness, precision and bold flavour profiles, earning them a loyal following among those who appreciate authentic Belgian craft brewing.

If you’re as much of a fan of Belgian beers as we are then why not check out some of our all grain recipe kits.

And be sure to check out our YouTube channel for tips and advice on lager brewing at home.