Duvel - Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

4.45/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Taking a break from Augustfest for now. 11.2 oz bottle poured into a Duvel tulip, because the beer police would take me away otherwise.

A: Pours a golden color with moderate clarity. This has some of the most intense looking carbonation I've ever seen in a beer, as scores of bubbles rise up to the top. The head is a one finger white color with fantastic retention and texturing.

S: Aside from the light, pilsner-y malts, there's a pleasant layer of noble hops, and of course, the typical fruity Belgian yeast. Quite enjoyable to smell.

T: Fruity esters to start, before smoothing out into crackery, bready malts in the midtaste. The finish is lightly hoppy and yeasty, even a bit biscuity. Not quite as complex as I hoped, simply because it seems to eschew a little (but not all) complexity for increased drinkability, but it's still an enjoyable drink that doesn't come across as being anywhere near 8.5%.

M: No surprises here - this has very strong carbonation, almost too strong. Carbonation issues aside, this has a great feel, with a good blend between alcohol concealment/integration and crisp lightness.

O: I've mentioned before I'm not the biggest Belgian ale fan, simply because I find them too bloaty and overcarbonated; this does a decent job of not falling into those pratfalls. A very sophisticated yet easy to drink beer that every BA needs to have at least once in their lifetime. Having said that, it wasn't quite the masterpiece I expected it to be.

EDIT: After letting my third bottle decant before serving, I can now say it is as good as I initially expected, and as such, will bump up scores accordingly. It features this amazing citrusy note (both in the aroma and flavor) that's damn near orgasmic, and it feels even lighter and more refreshing on the palate.

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2012 01:28:31 | More by ThisWangsChung

--Dom--

Missouri

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%

05-23-2013 04:24:59 | More by --Dom--

ToddHolder

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -12.6%

05-23-2013 03:01:33 | More by ToddHolder

Isotope

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%

05-23-2013 02:22:15 | More by Isotope

mtc23

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%

05-23-2013 01:40:41 | More by mtc23

woostergooner

Massachusetts

4.75/5  rDev +10.7%

05-22-2013 21:28:28 | More by woostergooner

Rdc67

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%

05-22-2013 20:40:50 | More by Rdc67

randomNBGD

Serbia

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%

05-22-2013 19:36:09 | More by randomNBGD

davesway10

Iowa

3.5/5  rDev -18.4%

05-22-2013 18:23:57 | More by davesway10

Dreadnaught33

District of Columbia

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%

05-22-2013 04:00:06 | More by Dreadnaught33

Juice-O

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%

05-22-2013 02:53:54 | More by Juice-O

JMS1512

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -6.8%

05-22-2013 00:34:21 | More by JMS1512

pin

Australia

3.5/5  rDev -18.4%

05-21-2013 21:35:21 | More by pin

Busker

Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%

05-21-2013 18:04:32 | More by Busker

ChaseBacon

New York

4.75/5  rDev +10.7%

05-21-2013 02:02:28 | More by ChaseBacon

bobbyr5

Michigan

4/5  rDev -6.8%

05-21-2013 02:01:14 | More by bobbyr5

jarrett123

New York

3.25/5  rDev -24.2%

05-20-2013 04:17:44 | More by jarrett123

Kmat10

Alberta (Canada)

4/5  rDev -6.8%

05-20-2013 03:57:40 | More by Kmat10

jburd19

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%

05-20-2013 03:48:00 | More by jburd19

beerhunter13

Ontario (Canada)

4.75/5  rDev +10.7%

05-19-2013 20:17:05 | More by beerhunter13

ShawnMH

Indiana

4/5  rDev -6.8%

05-19-2013 15:56:02 | More by ShawnMH

MJSJr

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%

05-19-2013 15:11:00 | More by MJSJr

sh00ky

Hawaii

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%

05-19-2013 01:06:02 | More by sh00ky

Photekut

Azerbaijan

4/5  rDev -6.8%

05-18-2013 21:17:48 | More by Photekut

wizo

Quebec (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%

05-18-2013 17:18:56 | More by wizo