Bruegel

33cl, from De Hopduvel Gent, easy to drink, yet complex, balanced, clear, rocky head, simpel brew

33 cl bottle - Pours a clear amber color with a one finger thick off white head. Very light lacing. Aroma is herbal hops and esters. Flavor is much of the same with some light malt sweetness thrown in there. Bitterness lingers a bit. Light to medium body. A decent beer.

This one caught my eye since Bruegel has been one of my favored painters. Pours a golden amber with steady billowing carbonation that keeps a constant film. Nose is of gentle spices and freshly raked leaves. Body is somewhere between light and medium and that is where this easily quaffable beer begins to fall apart into a water mush of disapointment. A slightly rounded bitterness is the finish, which is also watery. This seems like a second pressing or third wash of wort. Kind of a Belgian-Lite redux.

330mL bottle received as part of a Belgian gift pack at Christmas 2007 via the LCBO. Best before date in 2009. Pours a clear, medium gold with little head. Little aroma. First taste sensation is sparkling, although there is little carbonation seen. The sparkliness transforms into a moderate spiciness. A soft maltiness emerges as it warms.

Pours clear amber with a small white head. Aroma smells a bit like wet dog crap that has been pissed on. Not a good start. Taste is like sucking on an old wet leather shoe. Not a good ending.