Belgian classic beer Duvel (8.5% ABV) is to be made available for the first time on draught in the UK.
Its bouquet is lively, with an element of citrus thanks to the use of the Saaz-Saaz and Styrian Golding hop varieties. This is also reflected in the flavour, which is balanced with a hint of spiciness. High CO2 content gives the beer a roundness in the mouth and its iconic look — a rich foamy head with fine bubbles, served in its beautiful, tulip-shaped Duvel glass, specially designed to accentuate its aromas and carbonation.
Duvel Moortgat’s general manager UK, John Wood, said: “We are highly excited about the launch of the much-awaited Duvel on Tap here in the UK. With this gem, Duvel has re-affirmed its primacy in the beer world by becoming the only brewer producing beer which is re-fermented in a keg at such high CO2 content.
“Duvel’s re-fermentation — part of its famous 90-day brewing process — produced beer that was too highly carbonated to dispense on most standard draught dispense systems. Duvel has always needed a sturdy glass bottle strong enough to keep the re-fermentation process in check, hence why its stumpy brown glass bottle has become so iconic.
“What makes the Duvel on Tap dispense system innovative is that it uses a small single-use beer line that helps to slow the flow and pressure of the beer, recreating the traditional Duvel pour.”
Duvel has started pouring on draught in the UK at the Draft House, Old Street, in London, and The Canahouse, Nottingham.
The full brewing process for both Duvel and Duvel on Tap takes 90 days. After brewing, the beer spends two weeks in a warm room for re-fermentation, and about six weeks in cold storage for conditioning. This extended maturation period contributes to Duvel’s refined flavour, pure taste and high carbonation level.
