If you ever wondered why a brewery would name a beer after a rave, the answer is simple: Trance Party 13 is a limited‑edition Belgian wheat‑ale brewed to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the iconic Trance Party festival, and it’s meant to be sipped while the bass drops.
What Exactly Is Trance Party 13?
Trance Party 13 is not just another seasonal release; it’s a collaborative project between the Belgian brewery Brasserie des Ondes and the organizers of the Trance Party electronic‑music festival. The beer was released in June 2023, timed to coincide with the festival’s headline weekend. Packaged in a neon‑green can with a holographic label that glows under black‑light, it’s designed to appeal to festival‑goers who also appreciate a well‑crafted brew.
The style is a Belgian witbier with a twist: a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) of 7.2% compared to the typical 5% for the style, and an infusion of natural citrus peels, coriander, and a touch of beetroot for a subtle earthy note. The result is a cloudy, slightly orange‑hued ale that balances the classic spice of a wit with a richer mouthfeel that can stand up to the high‑energy environment of a dance floor.
How Is Trance Party 13 Made?
The brewing process starts with a classic Belgian wheat mash, using 70% malted wheat and 30% barley. After mashing, the wort is boiled with orange peel, lemon zest, and coriander seeds – the same spice basket you’d find in a traditional wit. What sets this beer apart is the addition of beetroot puree midway through the boil, which not only contributes a faint earthy flavor but also gives the beer its distinctive amber tint.
Fermentation is carried out with a proprietary Belgian yeast strain known for producing fruity esters and a gentle phenolic spiciness. The yeast is allowed to work at a relatively warm 20‑22 °C (68‑72 °F) for 10 days, then the beer is conditioned on a secondary bed of dry‑hopped coriander and a small amount of Hallertau hops for 7 days. This dry‑hop step adds a faint floral aroma that complements the citrus notes without overwhelming the drinker’s palate.
Different Styles and Variants
While the core Trance Party 13 is a Belgian wit, the brewery experimented with two additional variants for local markets:
- Trance Party 13 – Nitro: A nitrogen‑infused version that pours with a creamy head, ideal for those who prefer a smoother texture while dancing.
- Trance Party 13 – Dark: A darker, amber‑colored version that incorporates roasted malt and a hint of smoked barley, aimed at fans who want a deeper flavor profile after the sun sets.
All three share the same base recipe; the differences lie in the finishing steps. The Nitro version undergoes forced carbonation with nitrogen, while the Dark version adds a small portion of caramel and roasted malts before fermentation.
What to Look for When Buying Trance Party 13
Because it’s a limited run, the beer can be tricky to find. Here are the key signs you’ve got the genuine article:
- Packaging: Neon‑green cans with a holographic label that shifts colors under UV light. Counterfeit cans often miss the UV‑reactive ink.
- ABV: The label clearly states 7.2% ABV. Some knock‑offs downgrade the ABV to 5% to reduce tax.
- Batch Code: Each can bears a batch code like “TP13‑2023‑01”. Verify the code on the brewery’s official website.
When buying in a bar, ask the bartender to show you the can; most reputable venues keep the original packaging on hand. If you’re ordering online, purchase from verified retailers that list the batch code in the product description.
Common Mistakes People Make
Many articles about limited‑edition festival beers get two things wrong: they treat the beer as a novelty that can be chugged, and they ignore the flavor nuances that make it worth savoring. The first mistake is to treat Trance Party 13 like a cheap party punch. Its 7.2% ABV and complex spice profile demand a slower pace. Drinking it straight from the can while the bass is blaring will mask its subtleties.
The second mistake is pairing it with the wrong food. Some writers suggest serving it with greasy festival snacks, but the citrus and coriander actually shine when paired with light, fresh dishes – think grilled shrimp, citrus salads, or a cheese board featuring goat cheese and apricot jam. Ignoring the food pairing potential wastes a major part of the experience.
How to Serve Trance Party 13 at Your Own Party
When you want to bring the festival vibe home, think about temperature and glassware. Serve the beer chilled at 6‑8 °C (43‑46 °F) in a tulip glass to concentrate the aromatic hops and citrus oils. If you have the Nitro version, a stout‑style pint glass works best to showcase the creamy head.
Consider incorporating the beer into a cocktail. A simple shandy made with equal parts Trance Party 13 and lemonade, garnished with a sprig of mint, works beautifully. For a more adventurous approach, try a “Trance Mule”: combine 45 ml vodka, 15 ml lime juice, top with Trance Party 13, and finish with a dash of ginger beer. For readers interested in mastering party drinks, see how to craft the perfect punch for any gathering.
Verdict: Should You Seek Out Trance Party 13?
Bottom line: if you value a beer that captures the energy of a rave while offering genuine craft‑beer depth, Trance Party 13 is worth the hunt. It scores high on flavor complexity, festival authenticity, and drinkability. For the casual drinker who just wants a cheap buzz, it’s overkill. For the craft‑enthusiast who enjoys a story behind the brew and can appreciate the nuanced spice blend, it’s a must‑try, even if you have to pay a premium on the secondary market.
In short, go after Trance Party 13 if you want a limited‑edition brew that doubles as a conversation starter and a delicious, well‑balanced wit. If you’re after a low‑effort party staple, stick to a standard lager and save the hype for the next festival.
