Pauwel Kwak - Brouwerij Bosteels

doktorhops

Australia

3.45/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

More unusual than the name is the story behind "Kwak" and it's unique glassware. Devised as a method of giving the late 18th century coachman (who was not allowed to leave his coach) a thirst-slaking brew, and as the coaches of the day had a handy little slot cut out to hold the mini yard glass they could ride on and drink at the same time. A romantic notion, unfortunately dashed by the fact that coaches didn't have these glass holding slots cut out of them, in fact the glass and the story behind this brew is a marketing ploy from the 1980's to help it compete in the already oversaturated Belgian beer market, but who cares if it tastes good right?

Poured from a 330ml bottle into a tulip glass (closest thing I could find to Kwak's mini yard glass).

A: The body is clear deep chestnut, with a tan head that disappears almost immediately.

S: Smells quite nice; honeyed figs, papaya, caramel malts, candi sugar with a spiced rum note.

T: Bold and sugary flavours straight away. There is a big alcohol hit in the middle. Dark fruits are the most noticeable taste outside of this. Similar flavour to the Grimbergen, but Kwak certainly doesn't have the same finesse and isn't hiding the booze at all.

M: Medium carbonation with a slightly sticky body.

D: Average overall... for the style that is. Kwak places itself in a similar playing field to the Trappist dubbels, however where they bring their own unique dimensions to the table, and also taste like they've been crafted with passion (on a small scale), Kwak tastes like a macro attempt at a Trappist style, which ultimately falls sour for me.

Food match: Would lean towards desserts with a brew this sweet, something along the lines of a baked custard tart (Portuguese style) or if you were really interested in something savoury - Baked lamb with mint and almond pesto for a nice change.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2012 06:15:36 | More by doktorhops

DutchBeerDrinker

Netherlands

3.75/5  rDev +0.3%

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Kmat10

Alberta (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev +0.3%

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gshackles

New York

3.75/5  rDev +0.3%

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jimctin

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev +0.3%

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mrw1zard

Alabama

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%

05-13-2013 13:06:01 | More by mrw1zard

Stugotzo

Florida

3.75/5  rDev +0.3%

05-12-2013 16:23:52 | More by Stugotzo

RoamingGnome

Wisconsin

3.71/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Kwak

On tap at Cafe Hollander. Served in a test tube. Pretty well chilled...

A) A rusty looking brew with over a finger of light tan head. Decent retention. No lacing noted.

S) Fairly sweet and malty. There is some banana, and a mix of spices. Faint alcohol...

T) A little toast and caramel sweetness. Yeasty, fruity, mostly banana. Adequate spice, mainly clove. The alcohol is pretty well hidden, but worth noting.

M) Medium body... Carbonation is about the same. Finishes with some alcohol warmth, but not an unpleasant lingering burn. Drinkability is good from a mouthfeel standpoint.

O) I've had this several times, so I knew what I was getting. It's good... Although, half way through I reached the conclusion I was over paying for the privilege of drinking this from the test tube, and accompanying wooden holder.

Serving type: on-tap

05-11-2013 02:33:33 | More by RoamingGnome

paulromeroii

California

3.25/5  rDev -13.1%

05-10-2013 06:50:15 | More by paulromeroii

dalepryor

Kentucky

3.75/5  rDev +0.3%

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FliryVorru

Alabama

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%

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sumpjh

California

3/5  rDev -19.8%

04-30-2013 15:09:34 | More by sumpjh

jkball01

Kentucky

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%

04-30-2013 03:13:37 | More by jkball01

pathman

Ohio

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%

04-28-2013 23:46:31 | More by pathman

tastymug

Ohio

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%

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Jason1337

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev +0.3%

04-27-2013 16:06:12 | More by Jason1337

randylangford

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%

04-26-2013 23:16:00 | More by randylangford

WallE89

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev +0.3%

04-22-2013 15:09:26 | More by WallE89

JHurley

Alabama

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%

04-21-2013 02:05:44 | More by JHurley

M_C_Hampton

Georgia

3.79/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A: poured from a 330 ml bottle into a pint glass, red orange brown colored with a short light tan head that dissipates leaving little lacing, cloudy

S: caramel malt, yeast, honey, banana, bread

T: yeasty, clove, banana, spice, cardamon, cinnamon, vanilla

M: lively carbonation, full bodied, sticky feel, alcohol well hidden

O: an interestingly flavored beer, typical Belgian characteristics with a unique flavor

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 00:49:26 | More by M_C_Hampton

JSkone09

Pennsylvania

3.25/5  rDev -13.1%

04-13-2013 00:45:04 | More by JSkone09

wstitzel

Texas

4.75/5  rDev +27%

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magpieken

Australia

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%

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Virginia

4/5  rDev +7%

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Noonan425

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +13.6%

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