Gulden Draak (Dark Triple) - Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.91/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Hard to tell from the dating code, but I think this bottle is from 2010.

Dark chestnut in color. Tripel Karmeliet glass gave the head some oomph. Started with a solid two inches. Lacing is having trouble committing to stick, but the cap is nice. Buttermilk-colored foam with glistening bubbles.

Indescript aromas of dark fruits, yeastiness, and nuts. A very sweet alcohol note asserts itself as the undercurrent. Raisin, creme de cacao, dried fig, and toffee notes. A pretty creamy aroma that I forgot that it had. That booze is under a pretty big blanket of Belgian malts and yeast strains. There's even something green in the nose, like aged hops.

Dried fruits and nuts, like trail mix, plus lively yeast esters and a strong booziness dominate. Some light cherry, fig, raisin, hints of overripe banana, and a touch of apricot. More of a roasty character to this beer, like coffee, than in most other Belgian Strong Darks. Clove-y spice. There's a milky flavor that adds to the other components, like fruit cake dredged in half-n-half. Finishes on the clean side, with nuances from the yeast carrying over slightly.

Body is surprisingly thinner, like a staunch medium. Carbonation still has a little fun driving bubbles around. Can't really fault the booziness. It's the nature of the beast.

I haven't had this particular brew in awhile (and, it used to be a Belgian bar staple for me back in the day). I can't say that I still enjoy it as much, but it's still a fine ale, worthy of a recommendation.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2013 04:21:05 | More by thecheapies

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