Duvel Moortgat ‘Maredsous’ Belgian Blonde

Rating:

10472590_448134765370674_1733113317423940763_o“The light Maredsous Blonde was the abbey’s very first beer. Nowadays, the monks still drink it daily at lunch. Maredsous Blonde (ALC. 6%) is a delectable Blonde ale with sprightly fruitiness, soft malting and a slightly dry, gently hopped finish. A sparkling nose, complex flavours, and a touch of bitterness give this fine ale all of the refreshing qualities of a classic Belgian Blonde.”

Served in a beer tulip. We cast our gaze upon a slightly hazy but bright golden hue that’s capped off by healthy three finger crown that recedes but retains a thick overlay. Laced well. We’re getting some lovely perfumes wafting out of the glass. Soft Belgian notes of banana, bubblegum and white bread work nicely in to the sagey/herbal overtone. Subtle suggestions of fresh pear, clove, dried apricots and a faint hint of vanilla tie it all together. Essentially a very pleasant and well layered aroma. A swish around the mouth offers a light, gassy texture with a lively Co2 level. A delicate bitterness develops once it glides down the throat with ease. The 6% ABV is really well contained, no sign of it at all. Quite sweet, a little spicy and a little floral on the front palate. Hints of candied banana begin to come through as do bready/doughy characters through the mid. A gentle bitterness is felt before a crisp and mildly dry finish reveals hints of ripe pear on the back end. Length is pretty good, hanging about well between sips. Well this is certainly up there with some of the better Blonde’s we’ve tried. Full in flavour but light enough to session on. We must say it went down beautifully on this warm and sunny Sydney arvo. Good drop.