Duvel

Brewed by Duvel Moortgat
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

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UPDATED: MAR 1, 2007 Is it wrong that I refuse to drink this without the Duvel glass? An old favorite, an early encounter once I passed the gateway. The myth and wonder that solidify this beer is its beauty. As the picture shows it pours as a wonder, especially when seen early in one’s journey. The head is beautifully large and thick (heavenly clouds). The body is clear pale golden color, with complete clarity, which makes the vortex created in the glass visible. Aroma is pilsner malt rich, which I would usually dislike. However, the crispy pils aroma works well with the structure of the beer. It is backed up by Belgian yeasty sweetness and light bubblegum. Creating a juxtaposition of a light airy pils aroma and a heavier sweet Belgian aroma. But at the same time conveying a great freshness in the beer, as if its was just bottled and sent to you. Taste again is pils heavy but faint on the Belgian yeast aspects, which are more apparent in the aftertaste. I feel it is these characteristics that will emerge if this were aged (I hope to one day experiment). It leaves a sustained white bread sweetness. The bottom of the glass is all crazy, slight spices mixed with meaty fruitiness (I know its sounds weird) and light banana. Again, I tend to believe it is these flavors that will come out more as it ages. Another wonderful aspect of this beer is its mouthfeel. The body is perfectly medium but the carbonation is extremely strong. Feels like all the sense are getting tickeled by the beer. Making it very airy and light on the cheeks, yet defintely present. There is a light herbal-hop bitterness left at the edge of the throat. In the past, often I thought this would always be a staple in my household. However, it no longer is (fortunately it is a staple at my father’s home).

Almost legendary Belgian beer. Vary famous itself. I had tasted this earlier, but this time was in a local bar from its own glass. Very tasty, includes both bitter and sweetness. Wonderful beer.

Wonderfully balanced bitterness and distinctly sweet citrus tones. Foam crown is robust and the taste then ... diabolic!

Bottle @ Home. Pours slightly hazy light golden with a huge white head. Aroma of malt, yeast, light spicy, some fruit. Taste is malt, yeast,, clove and other spices, grapes. Medium body, lively carbonation. 120512

(bottle) Poured a pale hazy gold. Gigantic foaming head. Sour spicy aroma. First taste was fairly rich and malty. Subsequent mouthfuls became increasingly sourer and the alcohol level became apparent very quickly. This is not quite how I remember Duvel. I think it should be brighter and more candylike. Otherwise predictable.

Pours a pale straw golden with a huge foamy white head. The aroma is of fresh bread and spicy belgian yeast. The taste is much like the nose with smooth bitterness, just a hint of sweetness, and a semi-dry finish. ---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone

light golden hazy liquid, pours a white foamy head that breaks down to a thin bubbly foam. looks refreshing. aromascape is a typical belgian ’saisonish’ combination of spices and flowery scents with a slightly darker tone than what you usually get from this category; in result the overall balance is not stingy or overly tangy. taste surprises with a rare and interesting combination of smoky, slightly meaty tones combined to the traditional hoppy and sour background. the sweetness works interestingly with the sourness, creating a tangy twist not seen often. although the palate is typical for its style of beer, it lacks depth and works mainly a platform for everything else. definitely one of the more interesting beers in its class, but still lacks that strong personality that i look for.

Light golden with large white head. Clove are present along with some peppery spice. Alcohol is at finish. It’s extremly drinkable and complex. Beautiful made beer. You got to try this.

Bottle to oversized snifter. Looks good; light in color with ample head. Smells solid; funky and lagerish. Tastes good; like Heineken - only good. Mouthfeel is good too. Very nice. If I would have rated this a year ago, it’s score would likely be higher.

33 cl bottle @ home. Rated on 08.01.2011
Aroma is somewhat fruity with some yeast and hints of grassy hops. Flavour is rather rich with Belgian yeast, fruits and hints of bubblegum. Palate is too high on CO2 as expected, must not be enjoyed from a glass that does not have CO engravings at bottom. A classic Belgian Blonde – and rather close to some Saisons.

Had this many times. Never reviewed it. Cellar temp of 55. I bought this in November and am just now drinking it. I know Duvel isn’t known to age but what the hell. 750ML size into a Duvel Tulip. Drink by 6/2/2014

A - Still a huge and solid bit of carbonation. the head overflowed over the glass with crystal clear bubbles. A mix of big and tiny creamy bubles with a nice head lacing for a beer that’s commercially made. The ale has an SRM of 6. Beautiful yellow gold appearance with haze from the yeast. I like drinking the yeast so I do vigorous pours on beers like this.

S - Strong bready Belgian yeast. Lemon zest, grass and a bit of coriander. I’m getting some hints of ginger and mild hops.

T - Hmm. Yeah this beer is best fresh. Even 7 months out, it’s not as great as Duvel right off the shelf. Nice lemon grassy taste. That delicious belgian yeast and a very big malt backbone of light malts. Maybe age is making the malts a bit stronger than fresh? I don’t remember it being so musty.

M - Great balance of carbonation. smooth finish with lingering hops.

O - Duvel is highly rated but so rarely drank by the beer community. I rate this beer high not only because it’s so drinkable despite the mass production and global shipping scale but because I know, no matter where in the world I am, a Duvel is not too far from reach. It’s hard to get great beer world wide and Duvel comes close to being great and easy to get.