Boskeun is known as a Passbier, a beer brewed seasonally at Easter time. Historically, Belgium had many Easter beers, in a wide variety of styles from light to dark. But as many traditions do, this one died such that there was only one brewery – Slagmuylder - producing an annual Easter Beer.
Then in 1983, De Dolle began brewing Boskeun. And for a long time there were only two, though there are now quite a few breweries making a Paasbier.
Brewed with pale malt, Golding hops, organic cane sugar and refermented with native honey.
If you wanted an example of a typical Belgian yeast aroma, stick your nose in the glass and inhale. Deep aromas of banana, vanilla, a little pineapple, a bit of bubblegum and hints of spice. It is what stands these Belgian beers out as being unique. You can smell them a mile away.
It has a rich malt body that is at the same time very light and crisp. Tropical fruits and citrus provide some sweetness along with hints of that local honey. A lovely spiciness from the yeast and a growing dry bitterness as the beer progresses make this beer refreshing despite the high ABV which is covered off well with little more than a warming sensation on the finish.
The label shows an Easter Bunny, and the name Boskeun actually means ‘rabbit of the wood’. So enjoy this tasty little treat, a bit that is worthy of a seasonal celebration - even if we are a few months early (or more correctly late) with this one.