Gulden Draak Classic

Description

Dive in with Cervezas San Galo to the unique experience of Gulden Draak Classic, an undisputed icon among the world’s finest Belgian beers. We bring you this potent and complex Belgian Strong Dark Ale, brewed with the skill of master brewers backed by centuries of tradition. If you’re looking for a beer with character, body, and a deep, evolving flavour, Gulden Draak is your perfect choice.

What Exactly is Gulden Draak Classic Beer?

Gulden Draak Classic is much more than just a beer; it’s the definition of a rich and complex Belgian Strong Dark Ale. With a 10.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), this Belgian beer is characterised by its top-fermentation and a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This gives it a lively carbonation and allows for fascinating evolution in the bottle over years. It is the classic and original version of the acclaimed Gulden Draak range, renowned for its balance between strength and elegance.

Origin and Legend: Where is Gulden Draak From?

The origin of Gulden Draak takes us to Ertvelde, Belgium, home of the Brouwerij Van Steenberge. Its name, “Golden Dragon”, pays homage to the gilded statue crowning the Ghent belfry, a symbol of the city’s power and freedom. This family brewery, founded by Jozef Van Steenberge, combines traditional methods with innovation to create speciality beers like this one. Each bottle of Gulden Draak encapsulates a piece of history and Belgian brewing passion.

Discovering the Experience: Gulden Draak Tasting Notes

Prepare for an intense sensory journey with Gulden Draak Classic:

• Appearance: Pours a deep dark amber colour, almost brown, with reddish highlights. It’s crowned with a dense, creamy, persistent, light-beige head.

• Aroma: Complex and seductive on the nose. Predominant sweet aromas of roasted malt, caramel, chocolate, dried fruit (raisins, plums), and a slight touch of alcohol reminiscent of wine or liqueur, resulting from its high ABV and the yeast used.

• Flavour and Body: On the palate, it’s a full-bodied beer, rich and rounded. It delivers an explosion of intense, sweet flavour where caramel, roasted malt, and notes of coffee and chocolate take centre stage. Hints of dark fruit and a slight spicy note emerge. The alcohol is well-integrated, providing warmth without burning. The finish is long, pleasantly sweet, and complex, inviting the next sip. We can describe its flavour profile as caramel-forward.

But here comes the surprise: Gulden Draak Classic is much more than an ordinary beer. If you have the patience to let it age, you’ll witness how its symphony of aromas and flavour evolve. It’s an invitation to patience and enjoyment, a reward for the most curious and discerning palates.

The Secret to its Brewing: A Unique Process for Gulden Draak

The brewing of Gulden Draak Classic follows a meticulous process that guarantees its superior quality:

• Top-Fermentation: It uses top-fermenting yeasts that work at higher temperatures, generating more complex and fruity flavour and aroma profiles.

• Select Ingredients: High-quality barley malts are used, including roasted and caramelised malts that provide its characteristic colour and flavours.

• Bottle Re-fermentation: After the primary fermentation, sugar and yeast (historically, wine yeast was mentioned as key to its profile) are added before bottling. This secondary fermentation in the bottle creates the natural carbonation, refines the flavours, and allows the beer to mature and evolve over time, gaining complexity over years.

Perfect Pairings for your Gulden Draak Classic

Its robust and sweet character makes Gulden Draak Classic an ideal companion for:

• Hearty Dishes: Meat stews, game, dishes with rich, dark sauces.

• Mature Cheeses: Especially blue or aged cheeses.

• Desserts: Pairs wonderfully with desserts based on dark chocolate, caramel, or dried fruit.

• Perfect Occasions: Perfect for savouring slowly by the fireside or as the perfect end to a good meal.

If you want to learn more about food pairing and choose the perfect food for each beer, take a look at our beer pairing guide.

Why Buy Gulden Draak Classic from Our Online Shop?

Choosing Gulden Draak Classic means opting for:

• A legendary Belgian beer with history and character.

• An intense, complex, and deep flavour that satisfies the most discerning palates.

• Quality guaranteed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge.

• A unique experience that evolves in the bottle.

Let yourself be seduced by the mystical charm of Gulden Draak Classic and discover the pleasure of enjoying a beer that transcends the ordinary.

Don’t wait any longer to discover one of the world’s best beers. Add your Gulden Draak Classic to your basket and enjoy authentic Belgian brewing tradition at home.