Gulden Draak The Brewmasters Edition Review

Br. Van Steenberge

Ertvelde, Belgium

Globalbeer.com

Guldendraak.be

Aged in Whiskey Barrels
10.5% abv
750 ml bottle
Date bottled: 2/2014

Appearance: dense orange/amber body with a one and a half finger pour

Nose: nice light oak whiskey note; toasted candi sugar; stone fruit; golden raisin;
Flavor: pretty much follows the nose; stone fruits - white peach and a light apricot; white grape, golden raisin, pear, and gala apple in the mix; a creamy vanilla marshmallow swirls on the palate; light parmesan toasted cracker with a hint of white pepper on the back

Mouthfeel: sweet; malt focused; sweet candied fruits; light creamy feel; lingering sweetness - like me!

To the Point: for those who say, 'just buy the Gulden Draak' this has to be the G.D. 9000 aged in Whiskey Barrels.  I'll ask them at Global Beer. Gulden Draak is a dark brown color and 9000 is more golden-orange. This is a very nice barrel aged ale anyways. I have had this before and always enjoyed it.  

Trignac XII 2013 Review

Castle Brewery

Br. Van Honsebrouck

globalbeer.com

Kasteel Tripel Aged in Cognac Casks
750 ml bottle
12% abv
$60 a bottle

Appearance: lightly cloudy; golden orange body with a thin head half finger bubbly head

Nose: light citrus reminding me of fresh squeezed orange; some white wine stone fruit; light oak; I'm not picking up any cognac notes; pleasing nose but, light overall; as it warms up a little alcohol note comes through and with the fruit notes, oak and a hint of vanilla I get the Cognac now

Flavors: this ale excels in this department; a basket of summer fruits that remind me of a fine Champagne; white grapes, fresh apple, pear, maybe a hint of peach; nice touch of lemon and orange peel; nice floral notes; touch of honey, a hint of vanilla and Belgian candy sugar; the Cognac aging is showing in the flavors; a dash of white pepper coming from the alcohol; a light twist of coriander

Mouthfeel: crisp and dry; sweet up front; fruity; dry grass feel on the finish; fine feel of carbonation; light spicy feel;  

To the Point: I have to admit the price scared me last year when I saw it at the Belgian Fest at Ashley's and at the store that I go to.  This year I said, 'I buy a bottle of wine for a 100 bucks and don't like it, I get over it, so why not a beer.'  But, I love this Ale!  Next time I see this bottle I am buy 6 bottles.  It is that good.