This killer image from beerlens.com, which is why it doesn't suck
So what makes this duvel Green? I actually wish they hadn’t named it “Green” as it gives the impression that they are just jumping on the “green” bandwagon like so many others. Which is a shame becasue in all honesty, this beer is awesome.
Of course, I am biased here as I tend to love Ommegang’s beers and their Hennepin is one of my all time favorites. (For those who don’t know, Duvel owns the Ommegang brewery. Duvel is brewed in Belgium, Ommegang is brewed in New York).
This draft version of the traditional Duvel bottled beer bares a resemblance to the Hennepin but is somewhat (frighteningly) more drinkable. I say frighteningly as it still comes in around 7% abv, but doesn’t give that impression at all. Very flavorful and delicious while still showing all the signs of a traditional Belgian beer.
Only available in the US on draft, and with the hopes of grabbing handles in taprooms everywhere, it looks like the plan with this one is to go up against another popular belgian lager, Stella. I think they have a good chance at grabbing some of the Stella drinkers out there, this beer is way more complex and flavorful. As we have heard, it’s the thinking mans Stella.
A great beer from a brewery that had been off our radar. I will be going green.
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I went to one of the launch parties for it in NYC last year and I’ve been drinking it (whenever I see it) ever since. I like it better than the classic Duvel in the bottle.
From what I’ve been told, and I’ve heard contradictory stores as well, this is the same single-fermented beer that has been available at the brewery in Belgium for decades now. It’s the secondary bottle fermentation that makes the classic Duvel in the bottle a hefty 8.5% ABV.
And you are right…at 6.8% ABV Duvel Green is so drinkable that is is downright scary.
Cheers!