Brouwerij Van Steenberge Gulden Draak Belgian Dark Strong Ale at 10% ABV ($5.29 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 330ml, best before 21-Sep-2015)
Pours opaque deep amber with a fat finger of light tan head, excellent retention, moderate lacing. (4/5) Nose is caramel/toffee, slight bubblegum, raisins, spices. (8/10) Taste is moderately strong sweet, mild bitter. (8/10) Full body, prickly sustained carbonation, and a mildly spicy boozy finish. (5/5)
Another excellent BDSA – not quite as “christmas-y” as the 2012 Vicaris Winter I had immediately before, but still quite spicy and pleasantly warming. I was just reading the commercial description, and the idea of this in a stew or as a bordelaise base, makes me drool. I’ve got myself just about convinced I can taste the difference made by the wine yeast they use in the secondary fermentation, and am detecting a hint of vinous character as it warms. Just slightly better than the Vicaris, perhaps. (17/20)
My 127th from the 2010 Edition of 1001 Beers, retired from the 2013 Edition.
8.5/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
