Is Gulden Draak a Craft Beer?

You've probably heard of Gulden Draak, the renowned Belgian Dark Triple ale that boasts a rich and complex flavor profile. But when it comes to categorizing it as a craft beer, the lines might seem a bit blurry.

Is it truly a craft beer, or does it fall into a different category altogether?

As we explore the intricacies of Gulden Draak's brewing process, unique aroma and taste, distinctive color, packaging, and the fascinating origin of its name, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what sets this brew apart.

Key Takeaways

Gulden Draak is brewed using a meticulous combination of high fermentation and secondary fermentation with wine yeast, resulting in a complex flavor profile.
The beer is made with a careful selection of the finest malt and hops, balancing malt toffee-like sweetness with mellow hoppiness.
The re-fermentation process allows for the development of a wide range of flavors, including hints of ripe plums, cherries, sweet coffee, sour cherries, and brown sugar.
Gulden Draak has a distinctive dark brown color with subtle ruby highlights, a creamy head, and a full body, thanks to the re-fermentation process.

Gulden Draak's Brewing Process

The brewing process of Gulden Draak meticulously combines high fermentation with secondary fermentation using wine yeast, resulting in a creamy head and full body that contribute to its unique flavor. Brouwerij Van Steenberge, a Belgian brewery, carefully selects the finest malt and hops for this process. The high fermentation, a key characteristic of Belgian beers, imparts fruity and spicy flavors to Gulden Draak. The addition of wine yeast during secondary fermentation further enhances the complexity of this craft beer. This meticulous approach is crucial to achieving the beer's exceptional taste and aroma.

Fermentation is a vital stage in crafting Gulden Draak. The beer undergoes a re-fermentation process, allowing it to develop a wide range of flavors and making it a living beer with a long shelf life. This meticulous approach ensures consistency and quality, distinguishing Gulden Draak as a craft beer of exceptional standard. The use of both bottle and barrel fermentation also contributes to the beer's preservation for years, adding to its allure as a truly unique and traditional Belgian beer.

The Unique Aroma and Taste of Gulden Draak

Building on the meticulous brewing process of Gulden Draak, the unique aroma and taste of this craft beer are a testament to its exceptional quality and complexity.

As a Belgian beer, Gulden Draak's dark brown Triple Ale presents a distinctive aroma, offering a round, sweet fragrance with hints of ripe plums, cherries, and sweet coffee, all concealed within its 10.5% ABV. The taste is equally remarkable, with a balanced combination of malt toffee-like sweetness, mellow hoppiness, and hoppy accents, accompanied by subtle notes of sour cherries and brown sugar, leading to a somewhat bitter aftertaste.

When poured, this beer reveals a dark brown/red color, forming a caramel-colored foam head. What sets Gulden Draak apart is its re-fermentation process, carried out in the bottle and keg using wine yeast. This results in a living beer with a creamy head and full body, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate unique and complex flavors.

Available in various sizes, including 11.2 oz bottles, 25.4 fl oz bottles, 1.5L Magnum, 30 Liter keg, and 20 Liter keg, Gulden Draak stands out as a craft beer that offers a truly unparalleled sensory experience.

Gulden Draak's Distinctive Color

With its dark brown hue and subtle ruby highlights when held up to a light source, Gulden Draak's distinctive color adds to the beer's overall rich and complex character. The beer's appearance is hazy, very dark brown to burgundy in color, setting it apart from other brews.

When poured, Gulden Draak forms a 2-fingered, light tan, creamy and smooth head with excellent retention and thick lacing, enhancing the visual appeal. This unique color is a result of the beer's second fermentation in the bottle, a characteristic feature of Belgian Triples. The dark, almost mysterious appearance invites you to savor each sip, hinting at the depth of flavor that awaits.

The deep, rich color is a testament to the beer's complex brewing process and the careful selection of ingredients. Gulden Draak's distinctive color isn't just a visual treat; it also sets the stage for the full-bodied, nuanced experience that awaits when you indulge in this craft beer.

Packaging of Gulden Draak

Packaging of Gulden Draak offers a range of options to accommodate various serving sizes and occasions, including 11.2 oz bottles-4pk, 25.4 fl oz bottle, 1.5L Magnum, 30 Liter keg, and 20 Liter keg, as well as 33, 75, and 150 centiliter bottles with a white plastic coating.

This diverse range of packaging options caters to individual consumption as well as larger gatherings or events, providing flexibility and convenience for Gulden Draak enthusiasts. The 11.2 oz bottles-4pk are ideal for personal enjoyment, while the larger 1.5L Magnum and keg options are perfect for sharing at gatherings. The white plastic coating on the 33, 75, and 150 centiliter bottles adds an elegant touch to the packaging, further enhancing the overall appeal of Gulden Draak.

In addition to its various serving sizes, Gulden Draak's packaging reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into brewing this renowned craft beer. The distinct packaging underscores the beer's unique qualities, including the second fermentation with brewers yeast, which is characteristic of Belgian Triples.

Whether it's the smaller 11.2 oz bottles or the larger keg options, each package contains the exceptional taste and quality of Gulden Draak, with its rich, complex flavors and higher alcohol content.

The Origin of Gulden Draak's Name

The name 'Gulden Draak' has its origins deeply rooted in the rich history and folklore of the city of Ghent in Belgium. The story behind the name of this renowned craft beer is as intriguing as its taste.

Legend of the Dragon: According to local legend, the name 'Gulden Draak' (Golden Dragon) is inspired by the gilded dragon statue that sits atop the belfry in Ghent. This mythical creature has become an emblem of the city and is said to symbolize protection, strength, and prosperity.
Historical Significance: The name also pays homage to the golden dragon figurehead that adorned the prow of the ship, 'The Gulden Draak', which was part of the fleet that transported the statue of Madonna and Child to Ghent. This historical event is celebrated annually during the traditional Ghent Festivities.