by Brasserie du l'Abbeye du Val-Dieu
The Abbey of Val-Dieu has a typically interesting history, celebrating 800 years of being back in 2016. The abbey has served many purposes over the centuries, but in terms of beer the recent history started in 1997.
It was then that a brewer and a milk trader teamed up to establish what is now known as Brasserie Val-Dieu. Previously beers under the Val-Dieu label were brewed by Van Steenberge and Piron, but they were brought back in house.
As we’ve mentioned before, generally the term ‘Grand Cru’ represents the premier beer of a Belgian brewers range, and this is the case here.
It’s a big, rich Belgian quadrupel. Loads of roasted malt character both in the aroma and flavour are the dominant feature. There is the traditional sweetness with hints of chocolate, dark sugar and dark fruit. Hops from Germany and the Czech Republic provide the balance, and offer a gentle spicy note to the aftertaste.
It is exactly what we’ve come to expect from a Belgian quadrupel.