Duvel

Most modern beer styles have evolved organically--in any given region, the available ground water, grains, airborne microflora, and hops produced a specific 'local' flavor that came to be associated with beers from the area. Later, brewers would share and institutionalize certain techniques around the creation of that beer. So, we have the triple decoction pilsners of Bohemia, the single-infusion pale ales in England, and the dry hopped monsters of modern Northwest brewing.

By contrast, classic styles occasionally develop in response to a unique beer that doesn't fit cleanly into any other category. The style exists not because many brewers in one area have similar results; rather many brewers fall in love with this hithero unknown beer and imitate. Without this ur-beer, the style does not exist. This happens rarely, applying to only two or three modern styles. One example is Anchor Steam. Another is Duvel.





"Devil" in Flemish; just one word, Duvel is both suggestive of a its mischievous origins and descriptive of the beer itself. Originally brewed as a bet with the brewery-owning Moortgat family, Duvel is the non plus ultra of Belgian strong golden ales. Clocking in at 8.5% ABV, it defies stereotype: it is a clear golden, highly carbonated beer that could easily be mistaken at a glance for a much lighter beer.

It has a cascading, rocky white head and leave a clumpy, thick-as-cumulus lace. It smells of fresh apples, band aid, bubblegum, green tea, and alcohol. The flavor is noticeably clean with a quick hit of fruit (apple and banana) followed abruptly by a peppery, bitter and dry finish. Despite its strength, the alcohol flavor is well hidden, which only adds to the beer's deceptive character.

Duvel is a classic for good reason: it is flavorful, well balanced, and too drinkable. It is widely available in the US in stubby bottles and 750 ml cork/cage presentations.