Duchesse De Bourgogne | Brouwerij Verhaeghe
Brewed by:
Brouwerij Verhaeghe
Belgium
brouwerijverhaeghe.be
Style: Flanders Red Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
Belgian top-fermented reddish-brown ale, a blend of 8 and 18 months old beers following the careful maturation in oak casks.
Added by BeerAdvocate on 10-15-2001
Reviews: 1,503 | Ratings: 4,119
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On Tap
Churchill's Pub & Grille
San Marcos, CA
A dark ruby and chestnut brown. Nearly no head. Decent lacing down the glass.
Tart sourness, some vinegar, and lots of sweet cherries. The cherries and sweet fruit stand out far more than in other Flanders Reds I've had. A very sweet, though tart and pleasant, aroma.
Taste follows the nose nearly identically. While this is sour, I wish it was even more so, as the cherry sweetness is a bit dominating and makes this beer just a bit too sweet and one note.
Medium bodied and somewhat sharp, though a pleasure to drink.
A great introductory beer for the style, especially for someone who may prefer sweeter beers, but it's a bit too sweet for my personal likings.
★ 719 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On Tap
Churchill's Pub & Grille
San Marcos, CA
A dark ruby and chestnut brown. Nearly no head. Decent lacing down the glass.
Tart sourness, some vinegar, and lots of sweet cherries. The cherries and sweet fruit stand out far more than in other Flanders Reds I've had. A very sweet, though tart and pleasant, aroma.
Taste follows the nose nearly identically. While this is sour, I wish it was even more so, as the cherry sweetness is a bit dominating and makes this beer just a bit too sweet and one note.
Medium bodied and somewhat sharp, though a pleasure to drink.
A great introductory beer for the style, especially for someone who may prefer sweeter beers, but it's a bit too sweet for my personal likings.
★ 719 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark reddish brown with a frothy tan head. Aroma a combination of sweet and sour cherries. Very sweet up front, flowing into a mild sour and finishing smooth with a slight vineous tartness. Med-low carbonation. Medium mouthfeel. Good beer, bit would like to see more sweet/sour balance. A little heavy on the sweet side.
★ 326 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark reddish brown with a frothy tan head. Aroma a combination of sweet and sour cherries. Very sweet up front, flowing into a mild sour and finishing smooth with a slight vineous tartness. Med-low carbonation. Medium mouthfeel. Good beer, bit would like to see more sweet/sour balance. A little heavy on the sweet side.
★ 326 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On-tap at the Farmhouse in Emmaus, PA. Served, post-dinner, in a large wine glass, murky brown with no head. This beer reminds me of Goudenband. The beer menu described this as having chocolate-covered raisin flavors, and I think that's a bit of a stretch. Certainly, there is a pairing of sweet candy and sour flavors, and I can find raisins in here, but no chocolate. This beer is not that much of a dessert beer. For it's creamy mix of flavor (which also includes salad vinaigrette) it's not an incredibly drinkable beer, but it is a semi-approachable sour ale that drinks a bit like a thick hard cider. Not my favorite, but a beer to try if you're into the wild styles.
★ 673 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On-tap at the Farmhouse in Emmaus, PA. Served, post-dinner, in a large wine glass, murky brown with no head. This beer reminds me of Goudenband. The beer menu described this as having chocolate-covered raisin flavors, and I think that's a bit of a stretch. Certainly, there is a pairing of sweet candy and sour flavors, and I can find raisins in here, but no chocolate. This beer is not that much of a dessert beer. For it's creamy mix of flavor (which also includes salad vinaigrette) it's not an incredibly drinkable beer, but it is a semi-approachable sour ale that drinks a bit like a thick hard cider. Not my favorite, but a beer to try if you're into the wild styles.
★ 673 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from 11.2oz bottle.
A- Pours a clear reddish brown color. One finger tan head shows medium retention. Light lacing left on the glass.
S- Big red wine like vinegar mess upfront. Ok..maybe I shouldn't say mess but very much the standout aroma. Light cherries in the middle to backing of this beer. Band-aid like aroma lingers here and there rounding out most of the aroma. No real alcohol in the nose.
T- Sour puckering vinegar notes right off the bat. There is a light nutty malt in the middle mixed with a cherry flavor. Some oaky notes and back to the cherry acidic tones. Very backend shows more green apple tones then anything else.
M- Medium mouthfeel. Carbonatoin is good for the style I would say. Cherries and vinegar left on the palate with some green apple aftertaste. Flavors blended well with this beer but the vinegar lasts over and through most of them. Light drying on the palate after each sip.
D- This was a good beer that I was glad to try. A perfect amount came in the bottle and left me really not wanting anymore. I would do yourself a favor and seek this beer out.
★ 1,100 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from 11.2oz bottle.
A- Pours a clear reddish brown color. One finger tan head shows medium retention. Light lacing left on the glass.
S- Big red wine like vinegar mess upfront. Ok..maybe I shouldn't say mess but very much the standout aroma. Light cherries in the middle to backing of this beer. Band-aid like aroma lingers here and there rounding out most of the aroma. No real alcohol in the nose.
T- Sour puckering vinegar notes right off the bat. There is a light nutty malt in the middle mixed with a cherry flavor. Some oaky notes and back to the cherry acidic tones. Very backend shows more green apple tones then anything else.
M- Medium mouthfeel. Carbonatoin is good for the style I would say. Cherries and vinegar left on the palate with some green apple aftertaste. Flavors blended well with this beer but the vinegar lasts over and through most of them. Light drying on the palate after each sip.
D- This was a good beer that I was glad to try. A perfect amount came in the bottle and left me really not wanting anymore. I would do yourself a favor and seek this beer out.
★ 1,100 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a deep reddish brown that has a small off white head that leaves a layer of lacing on the glass.
Smells of sour cherries, apple cider, and a little red wine.
Tastes of a big apple cider vinegar taste. A little sweetness to cut the sour, but the sourness takes full stage. Fruits again are found in the sweetness with the likes of cherries, apple, grapes, and plums.
Mouthfeel is a solid medium a prickly amount of carbonation that is a little harsh.
★ 458 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a deep reddish brown that has a small off white head that leaves a layer of lacing on the glass.
Smells of sour cherries, apple cider, and a little red wine.
Tastes of a big apple cider vinegar taste. A little sweetness to cut the sour, but the sourness takes full stage. Fruits again are found in the sweetness with the likes of cherries, apple, grapes, and plums.
Mouthfeel is a solid medium a prickly amount of carbonation that is a little harsh.
★ 458 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3
Poured the 33 cL glass into an oversized red wine glass to capture the aroma. Best by date: March 18, 2011.
A: Mahogany with ruby hues and a clear body. Poured with a thick tan film, which died to a good lace.
S: Tart raisin, cranberry granny smith apples with earthy, musty notes.
T: Very sweet and tart cranberry/cherry sparkling grape juice. It is extremely fruity with toffee, walnut and pecan flavors.
M: Very syrupy with a soda-like carbonation.
D: This is too sweet to have many in a row, but it is quite mild and refreshing like sparkling juice.
★ 553 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3
Poured the 33 cL glass into an oversized red wine glass to capture the aroma. Best by date: March 18, 2011.
A: Mahogany with ruby hues and a clear body. Poured with a thick tan film, which died to a good lace.
S: Tart raisin, cranberry granny smith apples with earthy, musty notes.
T: Very sweet and tart cranberry/cherry sparkling grape juice. It is extremely fruity with toffee, walnut and pecan flavors.
M: Very syrupy with a soda-like carbonation.
D: This is too sweet to have many in a row, but it is quite mild and refreshing like sparkling juice.
★ 553 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3
Poured into tulip glass.
Reddish brown with thin head and head retention,
Smells of sour cherry, balsamic vinegar, yeast, touch of malty breadiness.
Tastes of balsamic vinegar, cherry and altbier.
Alcohol is totally covered by these strong flavors. No bitterness just tartness in its place. Really almost like a desert wine.
Feels thick and slick, but not unpleasent.
I would not be able to handle too many of these.
This would be really good with vanilla ice cream or a plain cheesecake. A killer reduction sauce could be made out of this stuff.
★ 553 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3
Poured into tulip glass.
Reddish brown with thin head and head retention,
Smells of sour cherry, balsamic vinegar, yeast, touch of malty breadiness.
Tastes of balsamic vinegar, cherry and altbier.
Alcohol is totally covered by these strong flavors. No bitterness just tartness in its place. Really almost like a desert wine.
Feels thick and slick, but not unpleasent.
I would not be able to handle too many of these.
This would be really good with vanilla ice cream or a plain cheesecake. A killer reduction sauce could be made out of this stuff.
★ 553 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Very unusual, although I am not well-versed in this style, so perhaps they are all like this! Rye or pumpernickel nose. Very fruity and malty tasting. Not much head, but highly carbonated. Slightly tastes like dry cider. Tastes more alcoholic than it supposedly is. Quite an interesting beer, and certainly worth at least trying.
★ 329 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Very unusual, although I am not well-versed in this style, so perhaps they are all like this! Rye or pumpernickel nose. Very fruity and malty tasting. Not much head, but highly carbonated. Slightly tastes like dry cider. Tastes more alcoholic than it supposedly is. Quite an interesting beer, and certainly worth at least trying.
★ 329 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5
Now this is something interesting! I completely didnt expect the flavor of this brew.
It pours a dark, deep, rich brown and red. The carbonation is extreme, contributing to a huge, soft, tan head. Amazing lace. The aroma is wild and strange both acid and sugar, yeast, cherries, smoke, berries, candy, vinegar, and countless other sensations. Wooo .the smell alone is dizzying with complexity. The taste is out of this world .sweet and sour cloying and mouth-puckering. Its a mashed-up dichotomy of unexpected flavors. Again, extraordinary strange .I can see that this ones not going to be for everyone. Thin to medium mouthfeel, with a lot of prickly effervescence. I personally didnt find it extremely drinkable .its an experience, and good (without a doubt), but its also tongue-taxing and the acidity got to me.
★ 834 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5
Now this is something interesting! I completely didnt expect the flavor of this brew.
It pours a dark, deep, rich brown and red. The carbonation is extreme, contributing to a huge, soft, tan head. Amazing lace. The aroma is wild and strange both acid and sugar, yeast, cherries, smoke, berries, candy, vinegar, and countless other sensations. Wooo .the smell alone is dizzying with complexity. The taste is out of this world .sweet and sour cloying and mouth-puckering. Its a mashed-up dichotomy of unexpected flavors. Again, extraordinary strange .I can see that this ones not going to be for everyone. Thin to medium mouthfeel, with a lot of prickly effervescence. I personally didnt find it extremely drinkable .its an experience, and good (without a doubt), but its also tongue-taxing and the acidity got to me.
★ 834 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 550ml bottle at the Playground in Santa Ana, CA. Reviewed from notes.
A- Pours a finger high white head. Ruby red color. Good carbonation.
S- Red wine and alcohol smells.
T- Tastes like a sour champagne. Hoppy and delicious.
M- Light bodied, vinous and finishes astringently.
O-First Flanders Red. I like it a lot.
★ 333 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 550ml bottle at the Playground in Santa Ana, CA. Reviewed from notes.
A- Pours a finger high white head. Ruby red color. Good carbonation.
S- Red wine and alcohol smells.
T- Tastes like a sour champagne. Hoppy and delicious.
M- Light bodied, vinous and finishes astringently.
O-First Flanders Red. I like it a lot.
★ 333 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had on tap at Anam Cara, and I enjoyed this one. I am liking this style! Anyway, pour when served was the dark burgundy, no head. It had a rather muted aroma, although I thought there were some kriek like notes. I found it easy to drink, more sweet than sour, with some cinnamon powder like taste and texture in the finish. I am intrigued by the sweet vs sour experiences of the other reviewers when trying this beer. Maybe it has an evil twin? I liked this, and would get again.
★ 479 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had on tap at Anam Cara, and I enjoyed this one. I am liking this style! Anyway, pour when served was the dark burgundy, no head. It had a rather muted aroma, although I thought there were some kriek like notes. I found it easy to drink, more sweet than sour, with some cinnamon powder like taste and texture in the finish. I am intrigued by the sweet vs sour experiences of the other reviewers when trying this beer. Maybe it has an evil twin? I liked this, and would get again.
★ 479 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Deep brown, with amber and ruby colored prisms reflecting from each angle, the nose is distinctly aromatic of balsamic vinegar, as suggested by the storekeep. Bubbling on the lips and then sweetly settling on the tongue, blossoming out with initial flavors of vinegar down the center, with more robust fruits, cinnamon adn dark break congealing at the back of the throat, yet leaving a dryness in the mouth. Smooth throughout and surprisingly complex, but odd in the fact that sour vinegar is predominant. That makes it difficult completely without a food accompaniment, but well worth the try and oddly enjoyable.
★ 614 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Deep brown, with amber and ruby colored prisms reflecting from each angle, the nose is distinctly aromatic of balsamic vinegar, as suggested by the storekeep. Bubbling on the lips and then sweetly settling on the tongue, blossoming out with initial flavors of vinegar down the center, with more robust fruits, cinnamon adn dark break congealing at the back of the throat, yet leaving a dryness in the mouth. Smooth throughout and surprisingly complex, but odd in the fact that sour vinegar is predominant. That makes it difficult completely without a food accompaniment, but well worth the try and oddly enjoyable.
★ 614 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A Reddish not much head on this one
S Smelled of a nice red wine. I was not sure on if this is good or bad. I decided bad IMO.
T u can definetly tell there is some oak barrels involved. but it tasted way to much like wine for me.
M - again with the wine
D couldnt get past the winish notes! not for me. not saying its bad just not my cup of tea.
★ 349 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A Reddish not much head on this one
S Smelled of a nice red wine. I was not sure on if this is good or bad. I decided bad IMO.
T u can definetly tell there is some oak barrels involved. but it tasted way to much like wine for me.
M - again with the wine
D couldnt get past the winish notes! not for me. not saying its bad just not my cup of tea.
★ 349 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a brown-red amber, with a finger or so of off white head, with very good retention and lacing. Almost cola-like, with a better head.
S: Strong molasses and dark fruit.
T: Quite fruity, slightly sour, different.
M: Lots of carbonation, medium to full bodied.
D: Not too bad given the sourness.
★ 305 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a brown-red amber, with a finger or so of off white head, with very good retention and lacing. Almost cola-like, with a better head.
S: Strong molasses and dark fruit.
T: Quite fruity, slightly sour, different.
M: Lots of carbonation, medium to full bodied.
D: Not too bad given the sourness.
★ 305 characters
3.84/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle 750 ml with cork | Best before end of 20-09-2017 | Bar code 5 411364 151300
Served in Bourgogne des Flandres glass
Appearance: Red brown, 5 mm foam
Smell: Apple vinegar
Taste: Sour champagne
Mouthfeel: A bit dizzy and sharp
Overall: I really like it, gonna try it from tap in a local bar
NB: 6.2% ABV
★ 309 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle 750 ml with cork | Best before end of 20-09-2017 | Bar code 5 411364 151300
Served in Bourgogne des Flandres glass
Appearance: Red brown, 5 mm foam
Smell: Apple vinegar
Taste: Sour champagne
Mouthfeel: A bit dizzy and sharp
Overall: I really like it, gonna try it from tap in a local bar
NB: 6.2% ABV
★ 309 characters
3.84/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Deep chestnut with creamy beige head that fades to film.
Balsamic, cranberry, wood and dark candy sugar.
Raspberry vinagrette, a speck of chocolate, a vanilla oak hit and berry jam.
Winey finish and tart cherry skin linger.
Medium, chewy, creamy but clean.
Surprisingly sweet, some vinegar and wood but lots of red fruit sugar. Expected Brett or at least some big yeast but there's no funk at all. Oud Bruin more than Flanders Red.
Nice, just not so interesting.
★ 470 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Deep chestnut with creamy beige head that fades to film.
Balsamic, cranberry, wood and dark candy sugar.
Raspberry vinagrette, a speck of chocolate, a vanilla oak hit and berry jam.
Winey finish and tart cherry skin linger.
Medium, chewy, creamy but clean.
Surprisingly sweet, some vinegar and wood but lots of red fruit sugar. Expected Brett or at least some big yeast but there's no funk at all. Oud Bruin more than Flanders Red.
Nice, just not so interesting.
★ 470 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Edgy Belgium. No particular aroma - balsam vinegar? Good lace. Foamy pour, fluffy. Sweet aftertaste. Oak lends a brown to the amber. Some cherry tartness here, maybe sour lemon and unripe fruit, and oud bruin style. Carbonation in the bottle. And as Monty Python would add, woody.
1.5 years later, sourness to it. Interesting yeast flavours. Expires 6/07.
★ 358 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Edgy Belgium. No particular aroma - balsam vinegar? Good lace. Foamy pour, fluffy. Sweet aftertaste. Oak lends a brown to the amber. Some cherry tartness here, maybe sour lemon and unripe fruit, and oud bruin style. Carbonation in the bottle. And as Monty Python would add, woody.
1.5 years later, sourness to it. Interesting yeast flavours. Expires 6/07.
★ 358 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I almost completely agree with the remarks of EHammond1.
L: Chessnut-brown; nice, lasting top;
S: Inviting smell; touch of lactic, cherry;
T: little sourness; but too quickly the sweetness takes over; drinkable beer, but the sweetness is too dominant; I'm missing a dry and/or sour finish;
M: ok; good drinkability;
O: a typical B+ if you ask me. Nice, but there are better beers in this style.
★ 395 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I almost completely agree with the remarks of EHammond1.
L: Chessnut-brown; nice, lasting top;
S: Inviting smell; touch of lactic, cherry;
T: little sourness; but too quickly the sweetness takes over; drinkable beer, but the sweetness is too dominant; I'm missing a dry and/or sour finish;
M: ok; good drinkability;
O: a typical B+ if you ask me. Nice, but there are better beers in this style.
★ 395 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a wine glass with a lovely thick foamy head. A dark brown color with a red hue to it. Smells like fig and roasted goodness. Tastes very sweet with a strong note of candied cherries. Feels like a geuze and a faro combined almost. Very sticky on the tongue. Goes down smooth and is pretty drinkable but almost a little too rich. This is my second time drinking this, first on tap and I much say that I do prefer it from the bottle but it really is not great but quite good.
★ 483 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a wine glass with a lovely thick foamy head. A dark brown color with a red hue to it. Smells like fig and roasted goodness. Tastes very sweet with a strong note of candied cherries. Feels like a geuze and a faro combined almost. Very sticky on the tongue. Goes down smooth and is pretty drinkable but almost a little too rich. This is my second time drinking this, first on tap and I much say that I do prefer it from the bottle but it really is not great but quite good.
★ 483 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Served in a snifter.
A-A deep, clear red. Some very light head on the beer.
S - Vinegar and cherry.
T - sweet and tart up front, but in good balance. Nicely effervescent. Finishes with a lingering spicy bitterness that lasts.
M - medium bodied. Sweet, but the acidity and carbonation keeps it from being syrupy.
O - a nicely balanced and drinkable sour.
★ 357 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Served in a snifter.
A-A deep, clear red. Some very light head on the beer.
S - Vinegar and cherry.
T - sweet and tart up front, but in good balance. Nicely effervescent. Finishes with a lingering spicy bitterness that lasts.
M - medium bodied. Sweet, but the acidity and carbonation keeps it from being syrupy.
O - a nicely balanced and drinkable sour.
★ 357 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Raulsky was pumped. Sat down at da joint - Hopscotch, in Downtown Fullerton, and all the fly honey's were at his table. One, two, three, and to the four; 5 honey's vs 3 dudes? Yep! Here goes Raul!
Pumped up like Kobe during a visit to Colorado pre thang thang. Ordered the Duchess and was ready to go. Hints of vinegar, but at the same time something good was going on. Sipped it, n yeah: just straight solid.
I wouldn't pop it for my lil soldierettes quinceañera, but just to get freaky, yep!
★ 497 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Raulsky was pumped. Sat down at da joint - Hopscotch, in Downtown Fullerton, and all the fly honey's were at his table. One, two, three, and to the four; 5 honey's vs 3 dudes? Yep! Here goes Raul!
Pumped up like Kobe during a visit to Colorado pre thang thang. Ordered the Duchess and was ready to go. Hints of vinegar, but at the same time something good was going on. Sipped it, n yeah: just straight solid.
I wouldn't pop it for my lil soldierettes quinceañera, but just to get freaky, yep!
★ 497 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
11.2oz bottle poured into a Chouffe tulip
Pours a muddy red amber with a bubbly, tan-infused cap that rose to fill the tulip and fell quickly. Very delicate lace left in its wake.
Sweet fruits work hard to mask the sour notes/vinegar, but lose out in the end. Vinous dark fruit (cherries, grapes), almost wine-like, green apples and balsamic vinegar waft out of the glass very easily and blend to make an overall sweet and tart aroma.
The flavor profile is just like the aroma. Very tolerable vinegar in the finish with the fruit qualities up front. The vinegar does not linger for very long and actually leaves a slight apple cider vinegar flavor behind. Sweet and sour in an almost perfect marriage.
The body is medium with the finish lingering for just the right amount of time. The prickly carbonation is tuned up a bit, but it fits the style perfectly.
This is a tough style to drink a few of anyway. However, this guy was pretty easy to get down and has a manageable abv. This really challenges the palate and nose, I wouldn't want more than one of these anyway.
★ 1,073 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
11.2oz bottle poured into a Chouffe tulip
Pours a muddy red amber with a bubbly, tan-infused cap that rose to fill the tulip and fell quickly. Very delicate lace left in its wake.
Sweet fruits work hard to mask the sour notes/vinegar, but lose out in the end. Vinous dark fruit (cherries, grapes), almost wine-like, green apples and balsamic vinegar waft out of the glass very easily and blend to make an overall sweet and tart aroma.
The flavor profile is just like the aroma. Very tolerable vinegar in the finish with the fruit qualities up front. The vinegar does not linger for very long and actually leaves a slight apple cider vinegar flavor behind. Sweet and sour in an almost perfect marriage.
The body is medium with the finish lingering for just the right amount of time. The prickly carbonation is tuned up a bit, but it fits the style perfectly.
This is a tough style to drink a few of anyway. However, this guy was pretty easy to get down and has a manageable abv. This really challenges the palate and nose, I wouldn't want more than one of these anyway.
★ 1,073 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Best before 8/14/09.
This is my introduction to sours, let's see how it goes.
Pours a clear, dazzling dark garnet. A fizzy tan head falls fairly quickly to a few mounding islands. Some frilly lace along the glass. The color is mesmerizing...
Aroma is woody sour. Strong wine-like astringency with a hint of wine vinegar. I expected the vinegar but not so much the wine.
Flavor is sweetly tart, if that makes sense. Very fruity almost candy like sweetness paired with a wine-like astringency and vinegar tartness. Finish is sweet up front, sour in the back and puckering all over. A lot of stuff is going on that I can't pin down.
Body is light during the sip, but coating on the finish. More carbonation than expected, a little prickly.
Lots of conflicting sensations that end up magically working together. Very complex but approachable. Sort of like going to the aquarium... I get to dip my hand in to touch some friendly critters while looking at all the dangers and extremes of sour-land. Though it's very inviting, it's just doesn't compare to my favorite styles.
★ 1,074 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Best before 8/14/09.
This is my introduction to sours, let's see how it goes.
Pours a clear, dazzling dark garnet. A fizzy tan head falls fairly quickly to a few mounding islands. Some frilly lace along the glass. The color is mesmerizing...
Aroma is woody sour. Strong wine-like astringency with a hint of wine vinegar. I expected the vinegar but not so much the wine.
Flavor is sweetly tart, if that makes sense. Very fruity almost candy like sweetness paired with a wine-like astringency and vinegar tartness. Finish is sweet up front, sour in the back and puckering all over. A lot of stuff is going on that I can't pin down.
Body is light during the sip, but coating on the finish. More carbonation than expected, a little prickly.
Lots of conflicting sensations that end up magically working together. Very complex but approachable. Sort of like going to the aquarium... I get to dip my hand in to touch some friendly critters while looking at all the dangers and extremes of sour-land. Though it's very inviting, it's just doesn't compare to my favorite styles.
★ 1,074 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a reddish brown hue that was very slightly hazy. Has a tan head that stuck around for a good while but did leave some nice lacing on the glass.
Smell was just of toasted bread and maybe a little bit of caramel.
The flavors were unexpected when sipped after my first smell. Very crisp sour flavors that were very pleasant. Sour cherries and green apple are the most dominant. A slight malt sweetness in the finish bring some balance to sourness.
Alcohol is almost non existent in the taste and the carbonation is perfect almost playful on the palate. Definately a delightful beer that I will have to pick up more often.
★ 628 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a reddish brown hue that was very slightly hazy. Has a tan head that stuck around for a good while but did leave some nice lacing on the glass.
Smell was just of toasted bread and maybe a little bit of caramel.
The flavors were unexpected when sipped after my first smell. Very crisp sour flavors that were very pleasant. Sour cherries and green apple are the most dominant. A slight malt sweetness in the finish bring some balance to sourness.
Alcohol is almost non existent in the taste and the carbonation is perfect almost playful on the palate. Definately a delightful beer that I will have to pick up more often.
★ 628 characters
Duchesse De Bourgogne from Brouwerij Verhaeghe
4.1
out of 5
based on 4,119 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
A very interesting and tasty Belgian beer. This beer pours a nice dark amber, hazy blood-reddish colour with a nice sized head. It has the aromas of oak, vinegar, sour fruit, tartness, horse blanket, and cherries. It tastes of tart flavors, oak, and cherries. It reminds me of Unibroues Quelque Chose mixed with Liefmans Goudenband. The mouthfeel is creamy and thick and the drinkability is good once you get past the sourness. This beer is a mix of a young beer and an aged beer. It is aged in oaken casks in Belgium. When this beer warms the flavors become more complex and the tartness is enhanced.
A classic example of this style, I am told. I would like to try more Flemish Reds!
Cheers!
-F
★ 698 characters