Beer Review – Duchesse de Bourgogne
December 23, 2008
A while ago, in my review of the truly awful ‘Elken Artois‘, I questioned the existence of other oak aged beers. What I meant to write was the existence of any other oak aged lagers. Belgium has a great tradition of producing rich oak-aged ales, such as the wonderful Rodenbach Grand Cru.
I first encountered Duchesse de Bourgogne (pronounced Dooshess de Burgoyne) on draught about seven years ago at the Great British Beer Festival, at that time my mate Jon and I voted it our favourite beer of the show! I confess it had quite slipped my mind (life does that to you sometimes) until I spotted it in a beer shop on my recent visit to Brussels. I bought a bottle to sample in controlled conditions at home, then found it the the Cafe Delirium bar to enjoy in situ. And enjoy it I did.
The beer itself is a traditional Belgian Red Ale, brewed in the Flanders town of Vichte to around 6.2% ABV. It’s double fermented and then aged in oak for around 18 months. The finished article is a blend of older and newer brews to provide a consistent flavour – much like the ‘gueze’ lambic beers of Belgium. The colour is a rich, dark garnet, with a trace of head; and the nose is slightly sour, again almost Lambic. We’re talking hints of Balsamic Vinegar – you get the drift – this is not a glass of the usual.
A few beer reviews ago, I described Thomas Hardy’s ale as what beers would be like when they grow up. Having become re-acquainted with this particular Duchess, THIS is what beers should aspire to! You’d want to spend an evening in the company of this Duchess, she’d be lively and stimulating company, in comparison ‘Thomas Hardy’ – older and opinionated… not someone you would want to spend too much time with.
And for information, the label depicts Mary of Burgundy, who died in the 15th century, she was much loved by her subjects (by all accounts) and died aged 25 while out falconning. The photo, taken at Cafe Delirium, also features the Cafe’s draught beer list – around 25 beers on draught at any time!
Four stars – a wonderful, wonderful beer.
Rating: 
Check out more of Bob the Brit’s other thoughts at Mallorn.net!
Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Ales, All Brews Reviewed, Belgian Beers, European Beers, Views from a Brit
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January 4th, 2009 at 12:20 am
I absolutely love the Duchesse! Fantastic brew!
The Beerbuddha’s last blog post..See Ya 2008!
July 26th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Yeah, I’m definitely a big fan of this beer! If you like the subtle tartness, seek out Vichtenaar or Echte Kriekenbier (from the same producer as the Duchesse, Echte has cherries as well) as well as Rodenbach or Rodenbach Grand Cru, with the Grand Cru being more sour. Also Monk’s Cafe is a good example. Lastly, Cascade Brewing Co. from Portland, OR makes a couple cool beers in this style, some with fruit some without.
This is a great style of beer that can be quite delicious!
Jeff from DrinkCraftBeer.com´s last blog ..Sweet Tomatoes Pizza Adds 9 Local Beers
July 26th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Jeff, thanks again for popping in and making some excellent suggestions! Much appreciated!
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Lindemans Framboise Raspberry Lambic
August 6th, 2009 at 8:47 am
I missed that you guys had reviewed this. I just reviewed it. I think I’m in love with it. I would pay double to try it on draught.
nate´s last blog ..Duchesse de Bourgogne, Beer Fit For Royalty
August 6th, 2009 at 11:57 am
I heartily agree Nate, I love it, and would dearly love to savour it on draught again. I guess I should just count my blessings that I managed it once.
Bob the Brit´s last blog ..Cotton Socks