Tonight I'll be crossing the ocean and heading to Belgium for a glass of Gulden Draak. According to BJCP, this brew falls under the Belgian Dark Strong Ale category, although I've also seen references of it being considered a Tripel. The Gulden Draak is named after a golden statue that was originally donated to the city of Constantinople by the Norse king Sigrid Magnusson in 1111 during one of the first crusades. It's been fought over since then, but ultimately it ended up on top of the Belfry in Ghent. The bottle is unique - painted white with a golden drake emblem on the front. It notes a reminder that this is a 'Product of Belgium", and also reminds of the potent 10.5% ABV. After a soft pour, the head is furious and frothing, massive. As it recedes, it leaves a web of lace like I haven't seen before... I took a picture of it below.
The beer is a dark blood-red color with a light tan head. The aroma is full of sweet caramel malts, fruity esters, and plenty of alcohol. There's also a slight yeasty belgian funk that swirls around in there. The taste starts off with a blast of sweet malts - sweet caramel malt, then a wave of cherry and other fruits that I can't quite discern...apples? Definitely apples. Alcohol then heats things up, potent when blended with the fruits and the high carbonation. The finish is spicy and sticky.Overall Rating: This was a big hot mess of Belgian goodness. Lots of flavor, big chewy malt body, tart fruits, and a prominent alcohol note that wraps the flavors up in a basket and delivers them with a buzz. Delicious.
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