Enter the Dragon!
Located in the picturesque Belgian town of Ertvelde, Van Steenberge Brewery is one of the oldest and most renowned breweries in Belgium. For nearly two centuries, the Van Steenberge family has been brewing high-quality beers, each with its own unique flavor and character. One of their most famous creations is Gulden Draak (Golden Dragon), a beer that has won the hearts of beer lovers across the globe.
History
The Dragon on the Belfry in Ghent and the Dragon on the Bottle
The Van Steenberge Brewery was founded in 1784 by Jean Baptiste De Bruin, who started brewing beer in Ertvelde. In 1919, the brewery was purchased by Paul Van Steenberge, who modernized and expanded it, allowing it to become one of the largest breweries in the country. Today, the brewery is run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Van Steenberge family, who continue to uphold the family's brewing traditions.
The Dragon
The flagship beer of the Van Steenberge Brewery is Gulden Draak, which is brewed using a unique recipe that dates back to the 18th century. The beer's label features a golden dragon, which is a symbol of Ghent, the major city near Ertvelde. The legend of the golden dragon says that it was first featured on the prow of the ship of the Norwegian king Sigurd Magnusson in 1111. After stays in Constantinople and Bruges, the Norwegian dragon ended up in Ghent, where the city’s people put it on top of their Belfry tower. It is still there to this day. The dragon is the symbol of the freedom and might of the city.
Beers
Gulden Draak is referred to by the brewery as “the authentic dark red tripel.” It has a complex and rich flavor profile, with notes of caramel, toffee, and dried fruit. The beer is brewed using a blend of specialty malts, including caramel and chocolate malts, and it is aged in oak barrels, which adds to its complexity and depth of flavor. It is naturally carbonated through bottle conditioning (secondary fermentation) and the brewmaster has also released some keg-conditioned beers. This creates a natural carbonation and a smoother, more refined taste. It also allows the beer to age well, and many beer enthusiasts prefer to cellar their Gulden Draak for several years to allow it to develop even more complexity and depth of flavor.
In addition to the original Gulden Draak, Van Steenberge produces a range of other beers, each with its unique flavor and character.
Gulden Draak 9000 is a quadrupel ale that comes in at 10.7% ABV and is a favorite of connoisseurs.
Gulden Draak Brewmaster’s Edition is a whiskey barrel-aged specialty beer that has 10.5% alcohol.
Gulden Draak Imperial Stout is another strong dark beer.
Gulden Draak Vintage is a lighter dark strong winter seasonal with 7.5% alcohol.
Some of the other seasonal beers from the brewery include the Bornem Triple, a strong golden ale with a spicy and fruity character, and the Piraat Tripel Hop, a hop-forward version of the popular Piraat beer.
The Van Steenberge Brewery has a long and proud history of brewing high-quality beers, and their commitment to tradition and innovation has earned them a place among the most respected breweries in Belgium. The Gulden Draak is a shining example of their brewing prowess, and its unique flavor and character have made it a favorite among beer enthusiasts worldwide.