GULDEN DRAAK

A beer that takes it's name from the golden dragon that sits on top of the Belfry of Ghent, Gulden Draak is instantly recognisable in its white bottle complete with bold black band and golden dragon.

From that beautiful white bottle a dark (almost black) beer pours, with it rises one of the largest heads on any Belgian beer, enormous, tan coloured and my does it last, slowly falling to leave a rocky covering.

Powerful, deep aroma of dark roasted candy malts, liquorice, raisins and cherries, caramel, spices and yes alcohol. This really is a beer that you can just sit back and inhale, without tasting you know this something magical, instantly becoming a favourite.

Taste perfectly backs up the aroma, plenty of rich, roasted sweet malts, candy sugar (almost toffee like) smooth caramel, dark ripe fruits, a slight dose of spicing and unlike the aroma chocolate.....if you enjoyed the aroma the taste will knock you for six - outstanding!

A beer that I cannot praise highly enough, once tasted you'll be a fan for life.

     

SAXO

Time for another cracking beer from Falmignoul brewery Brasserie Caracole and another beer that features the trademark snail on the label.

A hazy straw/gold coloured beer with a large bubbly head that slowly recedes to a thin creamy lasting covering. Aroma is very fruity, full of apricot and citrus, then the typical heady combination of banana and clove along with a hoppy/bready note before finishing with a twist of citrus/lemon.

Taste starts sweet (almost honey like) then bready malts are detected along with light hops and subtle spices, orchard fruits like apple and pear  are there as well before finishing with a delicate floral edge.

Medium carbonation provides the perfect mouthfeel, lively yet creamy and smooth........another winner.