After a number of quite disappointing bevvies, BotF was delighted to try a really, really good beer from Belgium. Abbey beers fail to disappoint this correspondent and Maredsous 6 is no exception. Very aromatic and cloudy upon pouring, it is not as meaty as some of the strong Belgian ales – but gees it’s good. Very bubbly upon pouring (see photo), it retains a fine bead of bubbles for a long time, which is terrific as this is not a sculling beer. It isn’t as full in the mouth as a really strong Chimay but provides a long lasting pleasant bitter after-taste. Definitely a good post prandial libation or with cheese.
The bottle carries on about a beer that is brewed in the Benedictine tradition, as does the website, but Maredsous is actually brewed by the makers of Duvel (bottle shape is the same). They use the Maredsous name under licence from the Benedictine monks of the monastery of the same name. The monks make cheese, but not beer. This takes away some of the romance of this beer, but doesn’t ruin the taste.
back of the ferry 