Flanders Red Ale Brewed By: Brouwerij Verhaeghe Country: Belgium Style: Red Ale Color: Dark Copper ABV: 7% Beer Advocate Rating: 91 Duchesse Red (ABV 7%) is a top-fermented Flanders Red Ale crafted by Brouwerij Verhaeghe in Belgium. This elegant ale is matured in wine oak casks for several months and macerated with cherries, resulting in a beer rich with aroma and complexity. Deeply roasted malts, spicy hops, fruity yeast, and pure well water from 172 meters underground provide the foundation for a beer that balances sweetness with refreshing tartness. Its nose opens with fruity notes and subtle hints of almonds and sour cherries. The flavor begins on a sweet and fruity note before giving way to a lightly tangy, crisp finish. The oak aging imparts delicate depth, while the cherry maceration lends natural fruit character without overpowering the balance. 11.2 oz. bottle. Food Pairings:Duck confit, aged Gouda, dark chocolate torte Brewery Information: Brewery Verhaeghe Vichte is a small, family-owned brewery located in the southwest of West Flanders, Belgium. Founded in 1885 by Paul Verhaeghe as a combined brewery and maltery, it quickly distinguished itself with a strong commercial spirit, selling not only locally but also reaching markets in Brussels via a convenient railway connection. During World War I, in response to a call from the Belgian government to resist German occupation economically, Paul Verhaeghe ceased production. As a consequence, the Germans dismantled the brewery. After the war, with its equipment destroyed and customer base lost, the brewery was forced to rebuild entirely. It emerged from this difficult period by embracing new brewing techniques, including the production of low-fermentation beers, while continuing to refine the quality of its traditional offerings. Today, Verhaeghe Brewery remains committed to its founding philosophy: producing less, but better. This dedication to quality and authenticity has resonated with beer enthusiasts both in Belgium and internationally. The brewery’s flagship beer, Duchesse de Bourgogne, exemplifies this approach. It is a red-brown ale of West Flanders, matured in oak casks and brewed using a time-honored method unique to the region. Its growing popularity stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of finely crafted beers with strong regional character and heritage.
