Belgian Beer Review – Corsendonk
January 9, 2009
Like Leffe which I reviewed recently, Corsendonk is another Belgian Abbey ale. That is, brewed in something approaching the trappist style, but by a large commercial brewery rather than artisan monks.
Again like Leffe, the Abbey (well, Priory actually) to which the Corsondonk name refers was dissolved in the late 18th century, but the ‘brewery’ founded in the 20th century; the old priory is now a hotel. The heritage of this beer is more confusing than most, with it first appearing in its current forms in the early 1980s, and then the brewing being moved from the Oud Turnhout brewery to the Brasserie du Bocq. The more you research it, the more Corsondonk appears to be simply a marketing brand, although maybe I’m just getting cynical.
Corsendonk produce two main ales, Agnes (Pale) and Pater (Brown) – both brewed to 7.5% ABV, sadly I was limited as to how many beers I could either drink while in Brussels, or bring home for tasting, so today it’s just the Agnes.
On opening the bottle you’re struck with an unmistakable scent of malt, with the merest hint of hops. If you’re looking for hops, then stick to IPA.
Flavour wise, again you’re faced with that distinctive sweet/sour flavour than can only be described as Belgian – in the same way that you can identify a Pilsner Lager or a Bitter style, if not a specific brew, but in all honesty this is disappointing, just another strong Belgian Ale. Give me a Leffe any day, or better still a real Trappist ale… I’ll dig some out for our mutual pleasure.
Ummm…. 2.5 stars… good, but not that good.
Rating: 
Have you ever tried Corsendonk? What do you think of Bob’s opinion on this Belgian beer? Also, check out more of what Bob has to say on his own place on the web – Mallorn.net!
If you’re thinking about trying to brew some beer at home, check this information on home beer-brewing kits!
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Posted in 2 Star Reviews, Ales, All Brews Reviewed, Belgian Beers, European Beers, Views from a Brit
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July 27th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I am an American. Bob the Brit is crazy or he just likes the taste of beer and ale brewed in Germany or England! Corsendonk Abbey ale is an EXCELLENT tasting ale. One of the best I’ve ever drank. The Corsendonk pale style is bitter and tastes like the crap Bob likes, just like most ales brewed from England,Ireland and Germany! Thats what Bob the Brit is most likely talking about. After all,Brittish beer and ale tastes like a donkeys ass. Maybe Bob should try a Lindemans Lambic style Framboise(raspberry) ale from Belgium,which is my favorite ale. That ale has been brewed since 1811. Hey Bob,get a life,try a Lambic style ale from Belguim! You’ll think you just drank liquid HEAVEN!
Barry Churukian USA.
July 27th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Barry, I think I’m going to leave this comment up simply because of its sheer ability to make people laugh! Its obvious to me you haven’t read any of Bob the Brit’s other reviews here besides this one which is cool. Bob tends to use big words and I can understand why you might stop at just one.
Still, I respect you opinion and enjoy your comments! Welcome aboard!
July 28th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Barry, while I respect your opinions, I suspect that accusing English Beer of taking like a Donkey’s Ass is taking things a little far, but then I haven’t tasted a donkey’s ass, but have tasted a lot of English, Belgian and German Beers.
This particular review was conducted after a trip to Brussels when I sampled a number of authentic Trappist beers and their ersatz Abbey cousins. As you’ll see from my review I gave Cosondonk two and a half stars, not bad for what I also considered “simply a marketing brand” with no real home.
I have tried (and enjoyed) Lambic beers, and agree that their taste is heavenly, I am also very fond of Rodenbac Grand Cru and the Duchesse de Burgogne.
But thanks for the suggestion that I should get a life, I’ll add it to my ‘to do’ list.
Bob the Brit
.-= Bob the Brit´s last blog ..Cotton Socks =-.
October 13th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Different people, different views. No-matter-what, this is still a very nice ale.
May 24th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
[...] occurred to me that while I’ve reviewed a few ‘Abbey style’ beers – Leffe, Corsendonk, to date the only Trappist beer I have reviewed is La Trappe from De [...]
March 8th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
A premium, premium beer that can hang with the likes of Chamay, Unibroue Brewing Co., Ommegang and others with ease! I’m just sorry they only make two different styles of beer (at least I think they do)! Anyway, their Abbey Pale and Abbey Brown Ales are superb – smooth and full of flavor! Two brews that are in my heavy rotation! I’m thinking about cooking with these beers……..hmmm.
March 8th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
@Thomas – “Cooking with Corsendonk”. Sounds like a made-for-cable show!
March 9th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
lol, I suppose it does! I guess many beer drinkers would consider cooking with it to be “blasphemy” but hey, if white wines and vodkas can make sauce, rum can go into bread pudding and Jack Daniels can do ribs & wings why can’t I do an overnight marinade of boneless pork ribs?? I’ve already chosen Dogfish Head’s “Raison d’etra” as the marinade before they hit the grill in my backyard! Sorry, but I aint waitin’ for the weather to change to indulge!!
January 7th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Thomas – totally. I make my extra special chili with a couple of bottles of Kasteel Donker or Rochefort 10. And from all who have had the original vs the ‘special’ the special wins hands down.
January 7th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Way to go Jack!
January 11th, 2012 at 12:17 am
I really love the Corsendonk Brown Ale – one of my favorite browns. I just had the 3 different Chimays over the holiday and reviewed them today at Tristate. I bet you can guess which one I liked best. Cheers!
January 11th, 2012 at 12:50 am
@Mike – I enjoyed the Corsendonk as well. They also make a very tasty Christmas ale (that I missed this year
) Going to check which Chimay came out on top! (They’re all so good!)