Duvel - Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV

cretemixer

Indiana

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

Nice cloudy golden straw color. Beautiful white frothy head that never quits, but leaves a delicate lace as you drink. Hoppy citrus aroma dominates the nose. Smells clean. Tastes as refreshing as it looks. Highly carbonated, well balanced, very drinkable. I'm glad I have 3 more in the cellar.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2002 06:37:37 | More by cretemixer

Dantes

New Jersey

4.83/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Package: 750ml corked bottle, Black Label, labeled 8.5% ABV

Cost: $6.99

Presentation: Duvel glass at ~45º

Appearance: Rich yellow color. Cloudy. Moussy head lasts forever. Extremely fine bubbles. Strong lace as beer is finished.

Smell: Citrus, apple, pear, and hops. Mustiness. Marks off for slight alcohol bite.

Taste: More integrated than the aroma. Creaminess, yeast, and malty sweetness moderate the hops, fruit and alcohol. Vinous quality appears as beer warms. Spice notes are well-incorporated. Elegant. Dry palate-cleansing finish. Ready for more!

Mouthfeel: Warm. Carbonation plays across the palate. Mouthfilling.

Drinkability: Very quaffable despite relatively high ABV.

The Real Deal! Duvel was my introduction to great beer. I read an article about the 10 best beers in the world. Duvel was #1, so on my first trip to Europe, I couldn’t wait to try it. I remember sitting in Brussels' Grand Place with my father. They came out with that lovely golden brew with a beautiful head of foam. We were amazed by how good this was! I have seen this reaction from many people to whom I’ve introduced this masterpiece. At Belgo in London. one friend mentioned liking Pawel Kwak, so we each agreed to order the other’s favorite. Needless to say, after that round, we both ordered Duvel. It is the perfect “food” beer, especially for highly-spiced or “sweet” cuisines like Indian, Thai, or Szechuan. My only quibble is I think the “white label” is better than the “black label” version despite protestations from the importer that they are the same. The “white” seems smoother and less carbonated. Winstonian says that the “white” is lower in alcohol, but I have no corroboration. More amazing is that this is no “boutique” beer. In fact, it is practically the Benelux Budweiser, and is still made by the family-owned brewery. I admire the Unibroues of the world, but this is the original and still champ; le vrai roi des bieres!

Backwash: Often someone on the forum asks which beer would you drink if it were your “desert island” beer. Well, I can’t think of a better one: refreshing, complex, satisfying, and devilishly drinkable. Appropriate in almost every circumstance. I’ve seen a novelty item, which enclosed a cigarette and match in a glass tube, marked “break glass in case of emergency.” Well, this is the beer I would want in that (bigger) tube.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2002 14:50:34 | More by Dantes

stoutlove77

Arizona

4.7/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

It started as I seen the bottle, it was the only one left sitting on the counter as it seemed it was destined for me to cherish for the night. As I poured I was curious as one of the most noticable details was the foamy top that reminded me of such south american beers I had before. It poured a rich golden blonde with a sweet aroma and luscious fruity essence that was one of the main attractions I had hoped for. The taste was rather clean and crisp with a warm spice of after taste. The ABV of 8.5% was cleary masked in the flavor though it later help in keeping warm. This is a keeper, if you have a chance to spot the black label give this a try.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2002 07:39:32 | More by stoutlove77

Winter

Wisconsin

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

A delicate, white, bubbly, rocky head sits a top a body of hazy golden liquid. The head remained throughout consumption. Carbonation present. Aroma consists of Saaz hops and a pleasant fruit (slight citrus or pear) scent. Touch of alcohol in aroma can be noticed as the ale warms. The crispness from the carbontation dominates the mouthfeel. The taste is exquisite. Some citrus flavor and pepper in midtones. Excellent balance to hop bitterness. Dry finish. Warming effect noticed as it goes down. Very drinkable for having an 8.5% abv content.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2002 10:29:36 | More by Winter

Ardon

Ontario (Canada)

4.85/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Fantastic. Possibly one of my all time favourites. Extremely easy to drink considering the alcohol content. I could go through six of these and not even notice until I passed out.

Possibly my favourite part of this beer is the head. Very creamy leaving a really nice looking Belgian lace. Possibly the head with the most flavour of any beer I have tried.

This is a fantastic middle ground for luring over lager fans to the ale side of beer. Duvel has that same clean and bitter refreshment of a lager but so much more complexity. Could also win over Champagne drinkers.
Overall, astounding.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2002 02:51:49 | More by Ardon

aaronh

Pennsylvania

4.85/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Slightly hazy, golden straw colored beer that pours with white, piloowy head that seems to stay perched atop the beer forever. Very fine bubbles of carbonation can be seen trailing up through the liquid. The lacing this beer leaves on the glass leaves no doubt why the call it "belgian lace". The aroma is unmistakably Saaz hops, with some similarities to Pilsner Urquell. However, this beer has much more going on in the nose. An overall sweetness, with some fruity pear notes dominate the aroma. The taste is fantastic. At first, it doesn't seem like much is going on, but then the flavors start developing. None of the tastes are stronger than the others, as this is a beautifully balanced beer. Alcohol notes of sweetness are present immediately, but just a hint. Then a light peppery citrus flavor appears, only to be replaced by a spicy bitterness. Then some sweetness reappears, but it's different than the initial sweetness. The finish is clean but yet flavorful. The mouthfeel is very good, but the carbonation seems a little strong as it tickles the back of my throat. For 8.5% ABV, this beer is amazingly drinkable. the alcohol is present in sweetness only, and that nice warming feeling your throat gets as you swallow the beer. I could easily make drinking this beer a regular occurence. Truly an exceptional beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2002 10:28:21 | More by aaronh

Morris729

Texas

5/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Saved for my 100th Review.
Pours a slightly hazy beautiful golden color with perhaps the most magnificent head I have ever seen on a beer—thick, rocky, and creamy white that you can have billowing out of the top of your glass with no spillage. It also has an outstanding retention and laces the sides of your glass as the head eventually dissipates. Nose is clean and fruity with notes of citrus, sweet malts, pepper, and spice. A light fruitiness of orange and lemon come through in the taste upfront with a nice blend of sweet malts and bitter and spicy hops. Smooth and creamy in the mouth with a very nice carbonation. This is one of the finest beers on the planet. Simply delicious.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2002 19:34:05 | More by Morris729

BeerAngel

Texas

4.72/5  rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I'm not as into belgians as some here at BA, but this one wowed me. Awesome appearance with a slightly hazed yellowish hue and one massive white rocky head that lasted longer than Duracell batteries. The aromas were a bit strange at first with a slight skunky twang to the aromas, but after letting it sit for a while, nice fruity esters and spices with a slight hint of yeast in the background revealed themselves. The taste was out of this world with nicely blending of yet again, fruity twang, spices, and light yet not sticky yeast and alcohol on the tail. It has a light to medium bodied mouthfeel and it leaves you wanting more. Simply amazing! Op uw gezonheid!

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2002 08:15:17 | More by BeerAngel

ipogios

Cyprus

4.83/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a golden colour topped by a huge nice head. The aroma of this beer is a bit spicy with hints of malt. Flavor is malty and spicy. Mouthfeel is quite strong due to carbonation and don't forget that the alcohol level is 8.5%. One the finest strong pale ales of Belgium.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2002 00:40:14 | More by ipogios

Wildman

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer poured a pale straw color and formed an amazing foamy-sudsy head like a float that left circular lace. A beautiful heavy carbonation was present. An aroma of malt, citrus and spice. A flavor of malt, citrus and spices with a mouthfeel quite tangy, but not overpowering brought on by the heavy carbonation and the citrus elements. Truely a great find with the new Ohio law change. Also good review for my 500th Karma level.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2002 19:37:17 | More by Wildman

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Huge, billowing lacey, white-as-the -driven-snow head that must be properly poured into it's own glass, or the closest equivalent. You know, I've seen people gulp Duvel out of the bottle, and I didn't have my gun on me? Their loss! This is a golden beauty whose aroma has to savored and worshipped. Spicey, fragrant, floral, angelic. Pours clear and golden like a lager or a pils, but, buddy, it ain't!
Letting the yeast in with the pour gives an extra amber/ orange haze: go ahead, drink the yeast, it's good for you! Flavor floods the tongue, Saaz hops jitterbug along the taste buds, and the finish will not quit the mouth. Overwhelmingly pleasant! Head settles some, but remains as a 1/2" ring. Excellent with the Thai ginger & curry noodles I'm having. The flavor, the spark, the spice, it all lingers on and on. Is there any greater delight? Do five stars mean anything at all if they are not applied to a brew so fine and lovely?

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2002 20:12:39 | More by feloniousmonk

Popsinc

Ontario (Canada)

4.6/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Golden in colour, large white head. Nicely hopped nose. This beer goes down like a champagne, well carbonated, with a dry finish. A nice balance of hops and an alcohol kick that is hidden in the wonderful mouthfeel of this classic. be careful, this one will sneak up on you!

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2002 08:33:53 | More by Popsinc

mjohn27603

Michigan

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

11.2 fluid oz. bottle best before 4/04 served right out of the refrigerator. Poured very slowly as recommed by the bottle and fellow BA'ers. I got a fizzy carbonation like a seltzer. Aroma reminds me of cider. First impressions of taste indicate dry flavor with a hint of spiciness. Fizzy carbonation leaves light impression in mouth. High alcohol kicks in by stealth - deceptively drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2002 20:20:20 | More by mjohn27603

RBorsato

Virginia

4.95/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Hazy pale yellow with a full white head and good carbonation throughout. Spicy hop aroma (Saaz and Styrian Goldings) with a light fruitiness. Fruity flavors dominate (orange zest, pears) and alcohol is evident as it warms. Medium bodied but a very light impression for the strength. Also, very effervescent (a bit airy for me) with a smooth and dry finish.

Best Before: 05/2004 Tasted 11/11/02 [11.2 oz bottle]

Note: this beer was #4 in Stuart Kallen's "The 50 Greatest Beers in the World". Hard to argue with that one !

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2002 11:48:39 | More by RBorsato

bditty187

Nebraska

4.78/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Golden hue with a slight haziness from the yeast, the white head is magical in its fluffy nature, a soft pour can easily produce three fingers in height of a pillow head. This is an outstanding looking beverage, even more so if you serve it in the Duvel glass. The nose is lemon, pepper, spice, yeast, and sweet malt. The bouquet is delicate but alluring. The flavors on the palate are remarkable with a wonderful blend of citrusy grapefruit and lemon, pepper, intermediate hints of sweetness and full-blown hoppy bitterness. The beer finishes dry yet fruity and spicy. Good acidity. There is a creaminess and liveliness produced by the massive carbonation on the tongue. This is more than beer, it is magic in a bottle. Obviously the high alcohol content makes this a devil of a drink, mainly because you can’t detect it, and, well, it is so damn pleasant to quaff it is impossible to be satisfied with one glass. It’s like champagne but far more sophisticated. Duvel is flawless. It is worth every penny. I’d say this is my favorite beer all-time.

In Omaha four-packs run $12.00, however in Kansas City they run $8.00, a good buy!

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2002 14:11:42 | More by bditty187

TheLongBeachBum

California

4.68/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours a very pale golden color, totally translucent at first but can resemble a wheat beer if the yeast is mistakenly decanted into your Glass. Carbonation is very high, resulting in a very stiff “egg-white” head that is both rocky and extremely uneven, and rises VERY quickly when poured – first time drinkers, you have been warned!. Yeast resided firmly in the bottom of the bottle I had, and a swirl was required with some reverse decanted beer back into the bottle to extract it.
Nose was incredibly spicy, with some light peppery traits, a citric fruity presence, and a definite alcohol aroma with some malt-sweetness in the back. Introduction starts with some alcohol, a light spicy Saaz hop bitterness coupled with a little malt-sweetness is detectable. Citric, fruity lemon tinges were also perceptible as the beer warmed. A powerful beer, whose mouthfeel is totally solid and can be quite dominant at times. Aftertaste is quite short lived I noticed, something I have never paid particular attention to before, but noticed for the first time when I did this Review. This does not detract from the beer at all. The finish is astringent and bitter, with a feint alcoholic kick right at the death. Extremely clean drinking beer that is, despite its heavyweight 8.5% ABV, very easily and dangerously imbibed.
A highly accomplished Belgium Golden Strong Ale. For me, this beer is THE definitive example of this oft mis-aligned style, and one that I hope to continue enjoying for many years to come.
If Trappist beers are indeed Godly, then this is definitely the Devils Beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2002 14:44:17 | More by TheLongBeachBum

aracauna

Georgia

4.05/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours pale gold with a massive crown of stiff white foam. The foam fades unevenly, leaving peaks and crags. It actually looks fairly dry and sticky. I had expected the body to be cloudy from yeast, but it was clear. The yeast was firmly attached to the bottom and I had not left any beer in the bottle to swirl with thinking that enough yeast would come out that I wouldn't have too since I wasn't wanting a lot of yeast in the beer. The aroma was typical spiciness of the style, with a little of the spicy noble hops (saaz) complimenting the yeast spice. Lemon and a faint sweetness were also present. Duvel seems a bit maltier than other belgian strong pales. Besides the malt and typical yeasty flavors, there was a very faint hint of vanilla and cantaloupe melon. There was also a very faint cheese flavor in the finish. The flavor leaves the palate quickly and is rather dry. I was expecting more spice from this beer, but it's actually quite balanced (possibly because the yeast was stuck in the bottle).

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2002 23:09:42 | More by aracauna

Anonmatel

Australia

4.13/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Love it, My experience was dimmed the first time however, The Barmaid poured it improperly. Having said that, i still enjoyed it immensly.
The wide variety of tastes and smells in this brew alone,
peppery, fruity etc. I couldn't tatse the alcohol in it that much.

A wonderful beer that i can never get enough of.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2002 00:06:57 | More by Anonmatel

DerKaiser

California

4/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This sure is a pretty beer. Nice and golden with a huge white, lumpy head that hangs around forever.

The taste is nice and peppery, with hints of apple cider and clove in there as well. Finishes abruptly. However, I wasn't quite as impressed, overall, as most of the other reviewers have been. I even purchased the proper Duval glass the second time around (which I love), to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I mean it's a very good beer and I'll certainly never turn one down, but I'm much more impressed by La Fin du Monde, which seems all lot more complex. Bottom line is Duval is definetly a must try for every BA.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2002 19:11:39 | More by DerKaiser

Lupe

New York

4.85/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours absolutely beautiful: hazy pale-golden color with a creamy-chunky head that leaves woderful lace. The aroma is fruity and sweet, some yeast, and spicy notes. Light to medim body with a soft, smooth mouthfeel - carbonation works nicely. Full, rich flavor with a malt-candylike sweetness. Next comes some bitterness and spiciness. A lemon rind-like taste pulls it all together with great balance. great either chilled or after warming a bit. Alcohol stays hidden, making it very easy to drink. A temptation from the Devil. A -class beer!!

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2002 18:27:53 | More by Lupe

hyuga

North Carolina

4.9/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

When poured slowly into a Duvel glass, this beer is beautifully presented. Half of the glass is filled with the pale golden elixir, which is only slightly hazy since I left about 2cm in the bottle to keep the yeast out. This is topped off with a huge, rocky, pure white head that leaves a generous amount of lace, yet stays very well. A steady stream of bubbles rises from the very bottom of the glass, helping the head's wonderful staying power. Spicy aroma of pepper and fruit esters, along with some malt presence in the background. On the palate, delicate yet spicy pepper tickles at the tongue, creating a tingly yet smooth mouthfeel. Slightly fruity sweetness is the major player here, and goes perfectly with the spiciness. Very slight hop character shows itself in a rind-like bitterness around the middle and in the finish. The finish is otherwise sweet, but is dominated by the aforementioned hop bitterness. The high alcohol content is not at all noticeable, making this dangerously drinkable! This is a god among beers, truly a masterpiece and worthy of its high esteem. One of the wonders of the beer world.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2002 10:37:09 | More by hyuga

sponberg

New York

4.4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bright gold with a huge white rocky head that lasts forever. Bottle said "best before 6/2005."

A fruity sweet (pear/apple) nose leads to a sweet, malty, fruit estery (banana, green apple, pear, pineapple? clove?) flavor with a wonderfully mouth-filling character. The finish is remarkably like a granny smith apple dipped in malt. Vastly drinkable for its strength.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2002 02:21:43 | More by sponberg

Gusler

Arizona

3.6/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The pour produces a stupendous white, foamy head, heaps of lace. The beer is straw in color, clear, with a splendiferous nose, citrus, bubble gum, malt, hints of ripe pineapple, "Quite Sniffable". Front is malt, sweet, the top light, the finish acerbic, dry, sparingly hopped. A good beer, but I will take an "Orval" over this beer anytime. Ranks #494 on my current 1000 beer master list.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2002 17:28:03 | More by Gusler

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.68/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This beer poured perfectly clear until the end of the bottle when the yeast was roused. A perfect decant was not possible as the head was literally rising out of the glass! Hazy yellow-gold body with an orange-cast topped by a dense, rocky bright-white head that holds extremely well - buoyed by a tight-beaded effervescent carbonation - and leaves some exceptional lace . The aroma is quite fragrant: fruity, yeasty, candy sweet and malty, lightly peppery with a touch of spicy hops. The body is light/medium with an extremely fine and highly effervescent carbonation that is pillowy soft and velvety smooth in the mouth. The flavor is surprisingly full and rich, starting with a candyish malty sweetness, becoming dryish in the middle with some earthy and lightly spicy hop flavors, and finishing long and malty with some more distinct Saaz notes and touches of bitterness. The alcohol is amazingly well hidden. Impressively balanced with a fresh hop presence and bitterness that dances amongst such sweet malt character. Amazing. As Michael Jackson notes, Duvel is equally impressive served chilled, or as it warms toward cellar temperature. This makes it quite drinkable, and enjoyable, as a glass can be savored over a period of time. One of my favorite beers in the world, and absolutely recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2002 19:39:21 | More by NeroFiddled

jmatthew

Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A classic in every right. An intricately crafted, perfectly-balanced, golden yellow champagne of a beer under a lacy mountain of foam that dances perilously close to an avalanche when poured. With sweet fruit and spice, this beer packs a warm alcoholic kick in the arse without a threatening taste or mouthfeel. Smooth and beautiful.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2002 07:19:37 | More by jmatthew