by Brouwerij Emelisse/Slot-Oostende
As we know, the Emelisse label was sold a while back and now the Slot-Oostende brewery produce all the Emelisse beers from their brewery in the Dutch town of Goes.
One of the things we really looked forward to were the White Label creations of Kees and John. These were the truly special beers – various styles (but mostly Russian Imperial Stouts or Barley Wines) all aged in barrels of different designations and origins.
So it was with much anticipation when we were offered the first round of new White Labels from the new brewery. The first in the quarter was a blend of a fruity Saison and a Dopplebock aged in various red wine barrels, and then blended together.
It is quite a light-bodied beer for aging in barrels, and the beer has taken on quite a strong barrel character with solid red wine and woody flavours. There is also flavours of red stone fruits, which offers an initial degree of sweetness giving way to a dry, lingering finish. Not a bad start for the new guys!