brew dog blog

Duvel is one of the undisputed prototypes of malted pleasure.  A beyond-style shifting paragon of good beer, Duvel is one of few brews which launched so many imitators that it became it’s own kind of beer.  Michael Jackson campaigned for and loved this beer, and I have come to love it in it’s glory throughout the world in bottles.  Spending a lot of time in Europe means drinking a lot of Duvel to me, and the more I’ve learned about this beer, the more I’ve come to worship it.  The producers are absolutely dogmatic in their adherence to the fastidious production of their beers, and Duvel Draft is no exception.

The Remains (Photo by Stinky)

A bit of a myth by the time it finally made it here this week, Duvel Draft (or “Duvel Green”) was supposed to premier at the Ommegang Belgium Comes to Cooperstown Event, which I was present for.  It apparently got lost on the boat and several months later, it arrives in very sexy looking black kegs, ready for consumption.  I’m going to venture to say that despite confusion, this beer is called “Duvel Draft” because the special glasses that come with it say so.  Yes, Duvel is written in green, but this is a new beer, different from what I’ve heard about before.  Around 6.5%-7.0% ABV, Duvel Draft is very light, almost Bud Lite light, with a beautiful clear sparkle and a nice amount of carbonation.  The intense and complicated nose remains, and with a smooth and bitter finish, noble hop character, and insane crispness, Duvel Draft is the best Belgian Session Beer available on Draft in New York City right now hands down.  This is the real deal, a new beer formulated for a new purpose, and while the difference is as subtle as the beer itself, it’s worth every penny and worth seeking immediately.