Duvel - Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV

frank4sail

New Jersey

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

Lot 04 09 04

Don't forget to smell the cork! The brew is just bursting with fruit/yeast/lemon smells. Bright pale look with a slight haze. There is a thick rich white head with lots of action and a fluffy lace.. It just looks deliciously evil. The lace sticks to your glass (chimay gobletin this case) and lips like frothed milk.

There is some special yeast in store for you upon tasting. You are enveloped in smooth yeasty richness. The balence is helped along by hints of fruit and hop bitterness. This beer is not for the timid, but at the same time it slides down effortlessly. The look of this brew is hypnotic. Why on the bottle would they tell you "not to drink the yeast" is beyond me! Drink it.... drink it all!

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2002 09:40:15 | More by frank4sail

ElGuapo

New Jersey

4.68/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

this is one fine piece of beer crafting magic. i could not believe the silky smoothness of this fabulous belgian ale. delightful from start to finish, and quite potent. definitely one of the greatest beers i have had

rich and hearty with a slight hint of alcohol (they do a good job of hiding the 8.5%)

Serving type: bottle

06-20-2002 18:08:15 | More by ElGuapo

BeerManDan

California

2.88/5  rDev -32.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

The taste was mild concidering the 8.5% alcohol. Not to tart and not over spicy. I find it not enjoyable at all for a Belguim Ale. This is my second time and I rated it less than the first time.

Serving type: bottle

05-30-2002 17:05:36 | More by BeerManDan

Sigmund

Norway

4.63/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Like most belgian ales more heavily carbonated than I appreciate, otherwise this is an excellent beer! Dangerously drinkable - hence the name.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2002 05:53:57 | More by Sigmund

psugrad98

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I found this beer to be quite pleasant, with a soothing aftertaste. Like drinking fine brandy or wine. Dark reddish in color, with a moderate head. Spicy indeed, with somewhat floral tones. Alcohol taste comes through, and makes for a nice finish. Drink this one slow!!

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2002 06:04:02 | More by psugrad98

mickeymac

California

4.03/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

It's a nice looking beer with a big white head. It's got a pretty good spicy smell and a somewhat sweet taste with spicy undertones. I found the flavor and smell of alcohol to be surprisingly high for 8.5%. It seems less noticeable in other Belgians with a higher alcohol content.

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2002 21:36:04 | More by mickeymac

esprit

United States

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

Even if you don't like Belgians or appreciate the style, if you love beer (I do!) you cannot help but exclaim that this is one of the world's truly brilliant concoctions. Flavour, flavour , flavour, aroma, aroma, aroma, head, head, head and finish, finish, finish....without question one of the world's most perfect brews!

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2002 16:34:57 | More by esprit

inebrius

Michigan

4.63/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A skeptic no longer! From the sheer beauty as it rest's to the citrusy spice nose. From the blend of slight sweetness to a tart bite and finally bitter, but a clean sort of bitter, as if the carbonation had swept the bitterness away. Yes it's lively, for sure, full lively not harsh lively. Nary a hint of alcohol. I am possessed! Duvel; how can you be so bubbly and so smooth? Duvel; I love you!

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2002 08:11:25 | More by inebrius

IrishRedRock

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev -11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Duvel is legendary...the name, and especially its appearance. Beautiful thick Belgian head, and a strong yeasty smell. Extremely strong stuff that will knock you on your ass if you have too many. Too spicy and yeasty to drink many of them anyway, but great to get that big bottle every now and then to enjoy a truly renowned beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2002 13:18:04 | More by IrishRedRock

mophie

Delaware

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

In many ways, this beer sets the standard for Belgian strong ales. Golden, bubbly, spicy, intoxicating brew! I love this beer. However, if given a choice between this and a beer such as Victory's Golden Monkey or Unibroue's Don de Dieu, the latter beers will win. Hopefully, I will never be in a situation where I will have to choose one over the other!

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2002 21:32:31 | More by mophie

proc

Michigan

3.63/5  rDev -15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Where are those crazy monks who brew this stuff? I want to party with those guys. Duvel is a very fine beer. Is it my favorite Belgium? No, but it is good. Hints of fruit in the taste and nice, warming alcohol presence.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2002 06:57:43 | More by proc

ADR

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -16.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A second bottle-fermentation, so charged up, foamy medium-bubbled head, misty champagne color and bubbly upcharge. Astringent aroma with a malt background. Light vinous flavors and swallows with a lot of carbonation. There's a slight hoppy cut to the initial flavor and in the mid-mouth feel. There's a lot of sparkling wine-like flavor. It is interesting. A modern classic, finely brewed -- but not for my normal tastes. Tart and bready at the same time. But I found it to have a higher than expected drinkability. This brew is beautiful in a Duvel glass, there's that central geyser of carbonation charging up from the center and a head as rocky as a bowl of popcorn

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2002 08:22:48 | More by ADR

DrewS

Virginia

4.8/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

After a long time I finally tried this out. Let me tell you I was not disappointed. I must admit, Belgian style beers are not my all time fav, but I do enjoy them, and this one in particular. It poured out a nice light yellow color, reminiscent of champagne. A light pillowy head formed at the top and appeared almost meringue-like but not super creamy. The aroma was light and spicey with some subdued yeast. Had a pleasantly light, citrus and spice flavor with a light alcoholic echo in the background, almost unnoticeable. Nice effervescence, dry,slight yeast, and nice warming after effect. Slightly bitter aftertaste, but nice. Great Belgian!

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2002 18:35:05 | More by DrewS

jackndan

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Absolutely beautiful beer. Hazy, golden yellow with a classic dense thick white head. A full inch and a quarter over the rim of the glass without any spill. Duvel has a very pronounced, fruity aroma, lemons and pears. The first bottle I had, I did not realize that there was some yeast in the bottle (although I love the yeast). The beer is very refreshing, and very fruity. Somewhat dry finish, very pleasant. For a beer with this amount of alcohol, I do not get the alcohol warmth from other high octane beers.Looks great, smells good, very drinkable, but to me it misses the essence of a good beer. Great for its style, but it ain’t my style. Addendum: more than a slight hangover the next morning.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2002 19:48:44 | More by jackndan

Thrasher

Oregon

3.98/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

My initial impression is that this beer is overrated. That said, it's still pretty good. I am unclear on the delineation between a tripel and this style; no matter. Prolific frothy head, very pale; vaguely reminiscent of Aying's Jahrhundert although milkier and lacking the lager characteristics. Also a hidden spice but this is very subtle. It is an unseasonably hot and humid day today, and this seems to be affecting the beer in positive ways. It is crisper, more refreshing. This is the 3rd bottle of a 4 pack and the most enjoyable so far. The first 2 (and this one, to a lesser extent) had vague euro-skunky characteristics, much like Heineken. Expiration date is 5/04 so that can't be it. I wonder if this is a slightly off batch since I've recently had Victory Golden Monkey and Unibroue Eau Benite, and greatly prefer them both to this world-class, top-rated brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2002 14:55:39 | More by Thrasher

mattmaples

Oregon

4.88/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is what the style is all about, strong but easy to drink. With its sweet, fruity, spicy flavors, wonderful head and high Belgian level of carbonation makes for one perfect package.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2002 10:45:18 | More by mattmaples

cokes

Wisconsin

4.3/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Hot damn. I see this is rated tops on the site, and I can't argue.
Wonderful looking with a pillowy head that lasts the entire way down. The cloud-like head is amazing. I want to fall asleep upon it. Impressive beyond words.
Hits the nose with a bready spicyness and dusty pineapple..
Spicy and immense on the tongue, yet with nary a hint of it's ABV. Frighteningly easy to drink. Peppery and a touch tart (via green apples and pineapple) on the palate. Bready backing with a well hopped finale. Styrian Goldings work their drying magic Highly charged-up, at first, but it just gets better as it sits, as the delightful flavors are brought out more and more.
I never would tire of this. Recommended to the fullest

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2002 03:05:28 | More by cokes

Reverand

Pennsylvania

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

I have finally found one of the nectars of the Gods! Duvel is fabulous. From it's cloudy apperance to it's peppery spice taste this brew is dangerous to drink. At 8.5% it will rock your world in a hurry.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2002 05:44:46 | More by Reverand

marc77

California

4.7/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Slightly hazy straw hue. Great head and retention. Very well carbonated. Pear - like, estery, black pepper like aroma.
With a spritzy mouthfeel, Duvel is deceivingly light, but has a myriad of flavors. It's got a bit of alcohol warmth and a nice touch of clove in the finish. Duvel's a wonderfully complex beer, is one of my very favorite Belgian beers, and is WAY too drinkable for the alcohol content. Be sure to try this one in the 11 ounce bottle-- I had several of the large bottles flat.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2002 22:41:53 | More by marc77

rastaman

United Kingdom (England)

3.98/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Its good, but perhaps a bit overrated, great appearnce, nice flavour, bitter finish, all good things, but just lacked something.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2002 18:30:37 | More by rastaman

WilliamPhilaPa

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

-Duvel Beligian Ale-Nice fogged, hazy, peach color. Fruity & complex but very balanced... Very fine brew! Don't drink to many, 8.5 abv. will make you see double. Price for a case around Philly will leave you crying & asking were is all my money! It's between $45-50 a case!

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2002 15:51:19 | More by WilliamPhilaPa

Jordan

California

4.28/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Extremely carbonated (quite a spectacle), head froths so easily and endures long long after initial pour. Super pale yellow, almost white. Mellow spices on the nose, a typical belgian scent. Initial shock comes when the razor sharp bittersweetness hits your tongue, follows through with a spicey almost hot notes. The flavor penetrates deep into the palate, leaving a long aftertaste. A sharp tangy crisp mouthfeel. Would be quite the summer refresher beer, despite the 8.5% ABV. Always wanted to try this infamous brew, was worth $9 for the four-pack.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2002 03:58:13 | More by Jordan

QXSTER1

Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Giant rocky white head that lasts forever and laces the obligatory Belgian Chalice. Fruity malt in the nose followed by a deceptively smooth taste for the alcohol content. Spicy malt followed by a long dryish hop finish. Lovely to watch the champagne like bubbles rise from the bottom of the glass as I savor this first class Belgian.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2001 20:18:41 | More by QXSTER1

mmthompson33

Kansas

4.95/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This beer deserves its place in history. Just the right mix of hops and sweetness for a crisp, clean flavor that somehow hides its devilish alcohol content.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2001 00:01:32 | More by mmthompson33

BKotch

Texas

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

What can I possibly say? This is a world classic, one of the greatest beers brewed, bar none. You've got to drink this one in the proper glass if you want to contain the massive head. Fruity and complex in a clean, delicate way. More than 750 ml and I'm down for the count.

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2001 14:43:11 | More by BKotch