Duchesse de Bourgogne is a unique and complex Flemish red ale that has become renowned for its distinctive flavor and aroma. This barrel-aged, bottle-conditioned sour ale is made with a blend of young and old ales, and is matured in oak barrels for 18 months, resulting in an intense flavor profile that pleases beer enthusiasts around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history of Duchesse de Bourgogne, the brewing process, its flavor profile, food pairings, and how to incorporate it into your drinking repertoire.
History of Duchesse de Bourgogne
Duchesse de Bourgogne is a traditional Belgian beer that has been brewed by Brouwerij Verhaeghe since 1885. The brewery was founded by Paulus Verhaeghe in Vichte, Belgium and produced a variety of beers including porters and ales. It was not until 1936 that they released their first Flemish red ale under the name Duchesse de Bourgogne. This beer was created by blending younger ales with older ales that had been stored in oak barrels for several months or years. The result was a unique beer that combined sweet malts with sour notes from the old beers to create an intensely flavorful beverage.
Brewing Process
The brewing process for Duchesse de Bourgogne begins with malted barley being mashed with hot water to create a sweet liquid called wort. The wort is then boiled with hops to add bitterness and aroma before being cooled down and transferred into fermentation tanks where yeast is added to begin the fermentation process. After fermentation is complete, the beer is transferred into oak barrels where it will age for 18 months or more before being bottled and released. During this aging period, secondary fermentation takes place as wild yeasts present in the barrel interact with the beer's sugars to create additional flavors and aromas. Once bottled, additional yeast cells are added which leads to further conditioning inside of each bottle, creating complex flavors which can only be achieved through bottle conditioning.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of Duchesse de Bourgogne can be described as intense yet balanced. The initial taste reveals notes of sweet malt followed by hints of caramel and dried fruit before transitioning into tart acidic notes from the barrel-aging process. The finish contains subtle tannins which provide balance to the overall flavor profile while also providing complexity on your palate without overwhelming it. The complexity of this beer makes it an ideal pairing for many different types of foods such as salads or creamy cheeses like brie or camembert.
Food Pairings
Due to its complex flavor profile Duchesse de Bourgogne pairs well with many different types of food such as salads, fish dishes like mackerel or trout, pork dishes such as ham or pork chops, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, or even desserts like crème brûlée or ice cream sundaes topped with salted caramel sauce! For those who enjoy seafood dishes such as mussels or prawns sautéed in garlic butter sauce then this is also an excellent choice as its tartness complements these dishes perfectly while also adding depth to their flavors without overpowering them. Additionally due its low alcohol content (6%) it can be enjoyed throughout a meal without becoming overwhelming on your palate so you can fully enjoy each course without feeling too full!
What Does Duchesse De Bourgogne Taste Like?
Brewed by the Verhaeghe brewery in West Flanders, Duchesse de Bourgogne is a sour red ale that is oak-aged for 18 months. The beer is complex and tart, with hints of balsamic vinegar and sweet and sour cherries. It would be a perfect complement to grilled meats or a well-balanced cheese board.
How Is Duchesse De Bourgogne Made?
To make Duchesse de Bourgogne, the brewers start by fermenting a mixture of malted barley and water. This mixture is then boiled with hops, which add bitterness and aroma to the beer. After boiling, the beer is transferred to oak barrels, where it undergoes a second fermentation and is aged for 18 months. The final product is a blend of an 8-month-old beer and an 18-month-old beer.
Duchesse de Bourgogne Review
Is DuchesSe De Bourgogne Pasteurized?
DuchesSe de Bourgogne is a top-fermented Flemish red ale that is not pasteurized.
What Is Burgundy Brew?
The term “burgundy brew” is used to decribe a style of beer that is made with dark malts. These malts give the beer a deep, reddish-brown color, as well as a rich, malty flavor. The beer is often compared to red wine in terms of its flavor profile, and many people find it to be a very enjoyable beverage.
