Kwak Like a Duck! (Kwak Beer)

Member Name: tange

Product:	Kwak Beer
Date:	04/12/05 (1566 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent presentation and a tasty beer.

Disadvantages: A little on the common side now.

Have you ever tried a drink out of curiosity? That is how I first came upon Kwak. It had quite a silly name (and asking a friend to go and ask for a Kwak was fun), but it was primarily the serving vessel that drew me to this excellent beer (but more about that later). I actually first drank this beer in a bar in the UK (the White Hart at South Normanton) but it was in Belgium that I tried it again and experienced it at its best ~ in its true habitat!

~~~THE BREWERY.

The Brouwerij Bosteels is based in the East Flemish village of Buggenhout, not far from Sint-Niklaas. It was established in 1791 and remains as a family run company ~ the Bosteels family have owned it since it opened. Buggenhout is actually home to two breweries, but this one is the oldest and most traditional ~ the other (De Landtsheer) is more modern. Bosteels is housed in a listed Brewhouse, built around an old family house, which was designed by the same architect who was responsible for the Minnaert Theatre in Ghent.

As well as Kwak they also brew a decent range of bottled and draught beers. These include Triple Karmaleit (a rich and complex beer at 8% ABV), 'T Zelfde (a pale ale at 6% ABV) and DeuS (known as the Champagne beer at 11.5% ABV).

~~~THE BEER.

***A Bit of Background***

Kwak is named after the person who first produced it. His name was Pauwel Kwak and he owned an Inn in Dendermonde which was called the "De Hoorn". At the time coachmen weren't allowed to leave their coaches (due to a Napoleonic Code of Conduct) when they called at Inns, so Pauwel (ever the businessman) created a glass that they could hang on the coach, enabling them to have a drink but not get into trouble.

The glass in question is an odd looking thing indeed. Imagine a small version of a "yard of ale", rather like a test tube with a bulbous end, presented to you on a wooden stand. It is fluted at the top, long and thin at the neck, leading to a rounded bottom. When we all had a Kwak on draught (in the Toone bar in Brussels) we had them delivered on a wooden stand with space for four glasses.

***Vital Stats & How to Drink Kwak***

Kwak weighs in at 8% ABV and is a slightly spiced, top fermented, Flemish Specialty beer. The distinct flavour comes from the hop and malt blends and also from the addition of coriander ~ they use three different types of malt, sugar, wheat and three sorts of hops.

Drinking Kwak is an art in itself. Removing the glass from the stand you must drink gently. When you reach the bulbous bit at the bottom you have to take care ~ this is where you will encounter an air pocket that, if you aren't paying attention, will thrust the beer at you. I think most people have had a Kwak bath at one time or another!

***Look, Aroma & Texture***

Although officially described as a Flemish Red Ale, Kwak is actually more of a rich deep amber/light copper colour with a thick cream coloured head. The head is very pronounced and lasts well. Aroma is malty, fruity and has a hint of spice (the coriander and other spices) and sweetness (maybe vanilla). Texture is a little syrupy, but with a pretty high carbonation ~ giving it smoothness and a tingle on the palate, all at the same time! Despite the strength it still seems light and refreshing.

***Tange's Taste Test***

Throughout the glass Kwak has a bitter hop base. This is combined with a variety of other flavours. There is a sweetness present (again a vanilla or candy taste), combined with a citrus tone (more lime than lemon). The finish is increasingly bitter and dry leading to an aftertaste that is also dry yet also has a slight fruitiness. The flavours all work together to produce a refreshing, yet strong drink.

~~~WHAT TANGE THOUGHT.

Once you get past the novelty value of the unusual glass and name, you will discover that Kwak is really a rather good beer. Unfortunately it is rather more common now than some of the other Belgian beers, so I tend to try something else. I hadn't had the opportunity to try it on draught before (usually bars stock the 330ml bottles) and was impressed to find it was an infinitely better beer when served this way.

The flavours of the draught version were subtle but seemed much more complex and just better than the bottled Kwak I'd had before. It was nice from the bottle but, if you are ever in Brussels and find the Toone bar, I recommend that you have a glass of Kwak. I was also surprised to find that it wasn't too expensive either bottles worked out at about £1.90 (around €2.80), while the draught was about £1.80 (€2.60). The bottle of Kwak I had in the UK cost me over £3.00 in the bar, although you can get it in some supermarkets for around the £2.00 mark.

Kwak is a strong beer and you mustn't forget that. The light texture and refreshing taste have the tendency to make you think it isn't quite as alcoholic as it is. It is a tasty beer and one that you really must try. I would say it is quite a good choice for people who have never really tried Belgian beers before ~ it isn't too strong (compared to some of the others), it is easy to spot on the beer menu, and it is lovely when the bar person brings out the wonderful glass.

Kwak is an experience!


~~~BREWERY DETAILS.

Brouwerij Bosteels
Kerkstraat 92
B-9255 Buggenhout, Belgium
+32 (0)52/33 22 82.
http://www.bestbelgianspecialbeers.be/main_eng.ht ml

Summary: A good quality beer and a conversation point!