Anyone from Belgium – especially a Belgian will probably find the following highly controversial…
However, it was a Belgian friend who told me that Omer was the challenger to Duvel’s crown – So, we start off with a clash between one of the Godfathers of Belgian brewing against a lesser-known, but worthy contender.

Duvel weighs-in at 8.5%ABV with Omer at 8%. Nothing to choose in the potency and in these parts, such numbers at in the medium-band, compared to the UK where if either of these were offered on draught in the pubs, things would get very messy.

For many newcomers to Belgium, Duvel is their first initiation into the indigenous beer-culture. It’s ubiquity and familiar can be beguiling – many locals have introduced visiting friends with a ‘this is really popular – everyone drinks this’ only to find them in a gutter two hours later calling for their mothers.

Duvel packs a solid punch in a sweet and soft velvet glove. It goes down without challenge leaving a pleasant, sugary after-taste. Omer has a slightly more bitter palate and a ‘second-phase’ which seems to fade away somewhat and while highly pleasant, is perhaps not so distinctive.

Duvel pours into its iconic glass with a head that foams with a delightful urgency. Omer is less lively and is no way less visually appealing – and much less likely to embarrass an over-enthusiastic bartender by frothing over the counter.

At around the 1.35 (Euro) mark, both beers will not damage the wallet too badly – although the effect on brain-cells may be more serious.

The thought of Duvel losing popularity to Omer is a bit like Guinness being usurped by Murphy’s. Nice though the latter brews may be, there is just too much history, support, loyalty and overall status for me to see this happening.

Overall: two fine beers of comparative merit.  Ultimately, it’s a case of imaging a moment where I could hear myself saying ‘I fancy a Duvel’ – making an instinctive decision to choose an Omer seems less likely.

Duvel: 85% : Strong, tasty and everywhere (including the UK)
Omer: 78% : Refreshing, a little hoppier than its more famous friend, but in this battle – it’s in second place.

Duvel moves on to face a new challenger…