The Gulden Draak is an exceptional beer; technically categorized as a dark tripel, which is a very rare style. It pours dark amber to brown, with a fluffy tan head on top which collapses slowly. It has a very rich and deep nose of sweet dark fruits, roasted malt, strong Belgian yeast and hints of chocolate or even coffee.
The flavour is a complex combination of the richness of ripe raisins and plums, Belgian candy sugar and caramel malts. There are interesting spice notes breaking through as well, and an intriguing touch from the wine yeast used in the second fermentation. The beer is so well balanced that the 10.5% alcohol is hardly noticeable.
Beer Fact: Gulden Draak owes its name to the ‘Golden Dragon’ which is the gilded statue on top of the belfry in Ghent. It is a symbol of the city’s freedom and might of the city. The beer owes much of its current popularity to the brewery's American distribution (Global Beer) who's marketing efforts brought this classic ale back to the forefront of America's adoring beer-drinking public.
Availability: Limited - 330ml bottles only.
The Brewmaster is Gulden Draak's classic dark tripel aged in various whiskey barrels
A fruity malt backbone, a spicy hop bite and a hint of vanilla
The newest beer for the Augustijn label - a rich, smooth balance of roasted malt and sweet stone fruits
A very drinkable tripel style Grand Cru from Van Steenberge
A special Tripel brewed by Van Steenberge for an annual gourmet degustation
The new addition to the Gulden Draak label - a rich and boozy quadruple
The Brewmaster is Gulden Draak's classic dark tripel aged in various whiskey barrels
A beer dedicated to the original brewmaster, the Gulden Draak Quadrupel has been aged in whiskey barrels
Really this is more a cross between a Belgian Quadrupel and an Imperial Stout
The classic Gulden Draak has had smoked malt added to it
A tasty beer somewhere between a Belgian Dubbel style and a Belgian Strong Dark Ale
A classic strong pale ale from one of Belgium's old family breweries.
A variation on the acclaimed Piraat strong blond ale, this time with four different hops added at three separate times during the beer-making process
