I’m sure most of you have had the chance to sample the famous Belgian strong blonde ale – Duvel, over the years (as well as some of the triple hopped versions).
Well, let me introduce you to the Devils little brother – Duvel Groen.
Originally brewed for a festival in Ghent and intended to be a more sessionable counterpart to the 8.5% Duvel. (If you can call 7% sessionable! – though it is in a smaller bottle.)
The Groen in fact has the same recipe of pilsner malts, Belgian yeast and noble hops as the classic Duvel. The big difference being the Groen does not go through a secondary bottle fermentation.
Pouring a translucent pale straw colour and quite effervescent, there is moderate sweetness up front with a surprisingly strong lingering bitterness. Lots of spicy Belgian yeast character with lemon citrus, grassy hops and a dry finish.
Duvel Groen is only found in bottles and is rarely available outside of Belgium. We got lucky!