If you’ve stayed in Bruges and felt adventurous enough to go for a cycle outside of the city walls, chances are you ended up in Damme. A small town about a 15 minute ride following a canal tow-path, it is a quaint little place with a few bars and restaurants, and lots of book shops. And since 2016 it is also home to a 500 litre microbrewery.
The realisation of the shared passions of friends, this brewery was awarded ‘Best New Brewery in Belgium 2017’. Not a bad entrance to the market!
The brewery aims to produce classic Belgian styles with a twist. And so this beer proves to be. At heart this is a Belgian witbier, though a little heavier in body and alcohol than the typical offering. It has the witbier yeast character with banana and vanilla notes, and some rather fruity hops as well.
To the beer is added the juice of Blood Oranges, evidenced in the slight tartness in the taste. The beer is hopped with Citra and Mandarina Bavaria hops, so the citrus flavour is further accentuated.
Brewed in collaboration with Brouwerij Contrerars (BEL) and White Frontier Brewery of Switzerland, this beer is a pretty tasty offering. Light and easy drinking, but with enough flavour to keep things interesting until the finish.