De Graal Tripel

Next up a beer from De Graal (Dutch for "the grail") a modern brewery that was founded in 2002 by brewmaster Wim Saeyens and is located in Brakel, in an area affectionately referred to as "the Flemish Ardennes"

De Graal Tripel pours a murky, hazy amber that is packed full of suspended yeast particles, topped by a thick pure white foamy head that slowly, slowly fades...almost lasting the duration, this is one great looking beer.

Pungent fruity aroma...lots of citrus (oranges and lemons) and more fruit with a definite banana waft, spices also make their presence known with ginger heat coming through and the orange notes of coriander before finishing with a strong malty backbone.

Initial taste is sweet and again citrus (zesty orange) but also a fruity, peach like smoothness is very evident before bitter/grassy hops cut through coupled with a spicy, clove edge - both providing the perfect balance, the finish is dry and warming with a lasting bitterness.

A great Tripel that may not be as full bodied as others in this style but non the less deserves a return visit.......and soon.  

Dulle Griet

As is pictured on the label Dulle Griet (Mad Meg) is the name of a wrought iron medieval super gun that was built in the first half of the 15th century and now proudly sits close to the Friday market square in the old town in Ghent.
The canon itself takes it's name from a figure of Flemish folklore (Dull Gret) a peasant woman who is depicted in the 1562 oil painting by Flemish renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

History over on with the beer, Dulle Griet pours a murky, deep, reddy brown, with a nice thick, creamy, tan coloured head that hangs around, slowly fading to a constant cm covering.
Gorgeous aroma that is packed to the rim with sweet caramel malts, dark raisins, toffee, roasted coffee and a slight spice note on the finish.

A cracking start for this Dubbel beer that packs a middle of the road punch with 6.5% ABV.......and I'm pleased to say it continues in the taste with an instant coffee / cocoa whack then dark fruits (raisins and prunes) along with bready malts and a slight nutty sweetness........a great beer no doubt.



  http://www.scheldebrouwerij.nl/