Gulden Draak

[mbrody]

I recently came across some 4 packs, which are perfect for the times you want just a single serving. Otherwise, my previous experience with the Draak has been with 750's, which in typically save for enjoying with some friends. My first experience with Gulden Draak Belgian Ale was with a fresh bottle. I liken it to a tangy, fruity ale with hints of varnish, revealing it's youth and alcohol content (10.5%). Young, it is zesty. Quite like a fresh cigar. Like a good cigar, you can taste the potential. So, I bought another bottle, aged it for a year, and was rewarded with an ale that had terrific mouthfeel along with predominant flavors of golden apple juice loaded with cream.Sublime.

Tonight's 11.2 oz bottle tastes exactly between the fresh bottle and one aged a year. Beautiful, deep amber in color. The carbonation is fine and crisp. It really accentuates the flavors. No varnish, with fruity flavors and the cream element present. Crisp, tasty, a little tart and a clear path for what is to come in another 6 months or so. Definitely enjoyable now, but if you have the patience, you will be rewarded. 91

Some pics forthcoming...

[JMH]

It's been quite a while since I've had a draak, quite a nice beer from memory. I have to admit, I've never thought of cellaring beer. In terms of belgian beers, I'm quite a fan of the leffe brune, duvel, bourgongne des flandres brune, delerium tremens and the rochefort 10.

[mbrody]