Monday, February 29, 2016

Gulden Draak The Brewmasters Edition Review

Br. Van Steenberge
Ertvelde, Belgium


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.  




Saturday, February 27, 2016

Trignac XII 2013 Review

Castle Brewery
Br. Van Honsebrouck


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.