Duvel Belgian Golden Ale

Brewery:  Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat
Location: Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A

Today we are tasting Duvel's flagship brew, their Belgian Golden Ale. The beer pours a clear straw-gold color with a huge head of clumpy white foam. The nose has malty notes reminiscent of a European lager along with some herbal hops and a hint of yeasty esters.

On the palate there is initial bit of tartness that fades through some herbal and grassy notes and then settles into sweet wheaty malt with some pasta dough flavor. Herbal and winy notes are present and combine to give a brief impression of fume blanc. There is a touch of sweet banana esters as well. The Duvel is medium-bodied and crisp. The finish has lingering sweet malt notes paired with herbal notes that fade in and out.

The Duvel Golden Ale is one of the most widely known Belgian beers. It is highly regarded, and with good reason. This is a well-balanced beer. The Duvel is a malt-forward ale, but has a perfect blend of yeast and hops notes to support the malt and add a wealth of complexity. This beer is a true classic.