Gulden Draak Ale
Contributed by on May 20, 2016
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When I was first asked to try out the Belgian beer Gulden Draak in order to be featured on this here blog, I was a bit hesitant. Not because I don’t like rich, complex, high alcohol beers or I have some sort of thing against the Belgians…I just haven’t really featured much beer on Bit by a Fox. At least, not by itself. I’m a huge fan of using beer as a cocktail ingredient and even as a main player in a shandy-type cocktail. But I haven’t yet profiled a beer on its own. But after doing a bit of research on Gulden Draak, and then finally trying it (research with my mouth!), I was won over.
So, here it is. My first ever beer feature! Seems appropriate that it’s a great big, boozy one!
Gulden Draak, Flemish for Golden Dragon, is named after the 700 year old golden dragon statue perched at the top of the Belfry of Ghent – a medieval tower that overlooks the Belgian city of Ghent.
This dark brown triple ale – a Belgian Strong Ale, brewed since the 1700s, is in a stylish bottle reflecting its name and some of that rich history. Gulden Draak may look and sound a bit imposing, but the beer itself is pretty approachable, despite its full body and rather high alcohol content – 10.5%.
Gulden Draak is actually considered a Barleywine, a style of strong ale named because its alcohol content is comparable to wine. But obviously, since it is made with malted barley instead of fruit it is still considered a beer. There is just something fun about referring to your pint of brew as Barleywine so you feel like an Olde English weirdo. “Look at me drinking a chalice of Barleywine!”
A secondary fermentation where wine yeast is used may be what contributes most to Gulden Draak’s distinctive flavors – sweet malt, bitter chocolate, coffee and a touch of yeast. This is a bold, full-bodied beer that the brewer, Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V. suggests to be drunk as an aperitif or as dessert. I can definitely see this as more of an after dinner, wind down for the day beer. The high alcohol content and the rich, slightly sweet quality lends itself to a later night treat. Perhaps paired with a little dark chocolate…
For more information about Gulden Draak and where you can purchase it, you can head to their Facebook page, which will include location and availabilities with a zip code researcher. And if you DO get your paws on this yummy beer and LURVE it and then want to get all social on it, you can post a pic to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter tagging #ConquerTheDragon or #GuldenDraak and be entered into a drawing for Gulden Draak swag. Conquer the Dragon is pretty badass, you’ve got to admit. Let’s all do it!
Sponsored: This post was made possible by Gulden Draak and this project was fueled by Barleywine! As usual, all opinions are my own.
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