Beer #407 - Verhaeghe Duchesse De Bourgogne

Another one at the Dovetail in Clerkenwell, this time a Verhaeghe Duchesse De Bourgogne. This is a traditional beer from the Flanders region of Belgium which, after two periods of fermentation is barrel-aged for 18 months. The bottled product is a blend of 8 month old and 18 month old beers and is one of the more bizarre beers I've tried (although I should probably learn to be less surprised when it comes to traditional Belgian styles). If you imagine a fizzy red wine with a decent dose of sourness you are probably thinking of something fairly similar to this beer. The taste is sweet and sour with an initial tartness balanced by, yes, the flavour of a fruity red wine. Very cleansing and I think quite pleasant but it certainly won't be for everyone and I can't imagine drinking two bottles consecutively. Definitely one for the curious.

Brewery: Verhaeghe
Country: Belgium
ABV: 6.2%