’t IJ Speciale Vlo

Brewed by Brouwerij ’t IJ
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

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UPDATED: MAR 13, 2008 My first encounter with Vlo was actually with Vlo himself, the manager of De Bierkoning in Amsterdam. When I asked him about the beer he joyfully exclaimed: "Flo? Flo is me!" patting his chest. He went on to explain how the word ’vlo’ is Dutch for flea, the nickname he earned working at the flea market selling "Eh... Stuff." as he put it. My friend and I followed our visit of the store by the brewery ’t IJ itself where we met one of the brewers who also works at de Bierkoning. He noted that IJ (also Amsterdam’s waterfront) sounds like the Dutch word for egg which explains the ubiquitous logo. After some talk, our new friend mentioned that any self-respecting Vlo lover, would know to get it on tap at Café Belgique. So that’s what I did. I had stolen a few sips from my friend at ’t Arendsnest when he had the bottled version, so I was ready to find out what made the tap version better.

In appearance the body seemed to vascillate between pinkish orangish yellow hues depending on my angle, much like a ripe apricot that displays on one side its prime rosy skin and on the other a golden youth. The plump creamy head produces multiple tenacious rings of lace as the level descends - an elegant effect. Apricot, peach, mango, coriander, orange peel and pepper emanate from the glass. The clement complexity allows a distinctive aroma to form without it seeming facile. So far, all appeared to be similar to the bottled alternative, though the slight spiciness in the nose felt more discernible. This sentiment became conspicuous in the flavor which had previously been much fruitier. A delicate hop flavor was also unveiled on tap, a toasty blend of sweetened grapefruit, orange peel and pine contributing to the gentle bitter finish. Vanilla, cinnamon and hazelnut are prominent and overshadow some of the peach and apricot flavors that seemed to dominate the bottled variant. Surprisingly the complexity was nearly not affected by the colder temperature, in fact I would highly recommend drinking Vlo between 5 and 7°C where its refreshing qualities give the beer more than just a good taste. On the tongue, the tickling carbonation is above average but accompanies the spicy character appropriately. Quite a remarkable product, all things considered. I wish I had purchased a case from De Bierkoning as I could easily see myself succumb to its soft yet intriguing complexity on a regular basis.

Re-rate (Jan 2008): Sadly, the Vlo I knew is no more. What has taken its place is an unrecognizable brew. Far more malty and caramelly, with a decent dose of hop, this is a brew that has lost much of its subtlety and flair. Unfortunate! I’m retaining my old rating as a memory of the delicious beer it was.

Bought in bottle, Beerking shop in Amsterdam. Brewed specially for that shop, near the Magna Plaza mall. Delicious and enjoyable, complex. Large head. Smooth.

33cl bottle. pours a murky orange with a small creamy head. Fruity hoppy aroma. taste is dry fruit with a bitter finish. Very refreshing.

I really like this beer. had a bottle at Gollem in A’’dam. Fruity sugary aroma with banana, corriander, and citurs. appearence is an off orangish yellow that is cloudy. nice flavor that is dry and sweet. nice actiove palate. great beer.

On tap @ Café Belgique, Amsterdam. Pours hazy oragnge with a small white head. Aroma is flowery, hoppy and malty. Taste is malty, spicy. Notes of bubblegum and yeast. Dry and hoppy end. Very well balanced

(Bottle, Monk’s Café, Stockholm) Amber colour, slightly hazy, with firm huge off-white head. Fruity, spicy nose with notes of orange peel and clove. Fruity, spicy taste with clove, cardamom, dark citrus, orange peel and grapefruit. Heavy citrussy bitterness in the finish with notes of bitter almond. Rather sweet, full body. Great beer with a powerful, hoppy and spicy character.

Bottle @ Gollem, Amsterdam. Liked this offering quite a bit. Cloudy gold orange color. Yeasty with slight sourness in the nose. Spicey, coriander, clovey some sweetness. Very good beer

Bottle. Pours a hazy deep orange colour with a huge creamy well lasting beige head leaving a very nice lacing. Sweetish aroma of fruits, spices, herbs, yeast and orange. Sweet spiced toasty flavour with herbs indeed along with dark fruits, yeast, bitter hops, toasted malt and citrus. Quite bitter spiced long lasting finish. Superb!

Bottled. Hazy reddish brown colour with huge off-white creamy head, lots of lace. Aroma is barnyard mixed with strawberries, citrusfruits, yeast and some earth. Also some parfumes are present. Flavour is strawberry, barnyard, pepper, fruits and yeast. Lovely mouthfull of flavour. Aftertaste is hops, yeast and some fruits.

Hazy, orangey amber with a big off-white head. Spicy, fruity and yeasty aroma, with some acidity. Good spicy fruitiness, nice underlying bitterness contributing to a dry ending. Ful-bodied and well-carbonated. Warming alcohol. A great and complex beer from this outstanding Amsterdam brewery.