Gulden Draak - Dark Triple Ale

GLOBAL BEER NETWORK INTRODUCES NEW GULDEN DRAAK 9000 QUADRUPLE
“Quad” Redefines Belgian Beer with Extra Malt, Deep Amber Color and a Superb Malty Sweet Flavor Middleton, Mass. – (Sept. 25, 2012) – Global Beer Network, the exclusive U.S. importer for more than 60 Belgian beer labels, has added a new quadruple beer to its most popular label: Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple. At 10.7 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), new Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple is brewed using four times the quantity of malt in a traditional lager beer, which gives the brew its sweet flavor and generous alcohol content.
With a deep amber color the beer’s fruity, spicy scent creates a smooth and subtle sweet taste and a wonderfully accomplished bouquet. The taste is crisp pear and apple up front that fades into a slight clove and bready alcohol flavor. Named for the postal code in the Belgium city of Ghent, the 9000 Quadruple ups the ante in taste, fermentation and color.
“Out of all our beers, Gulden Draak fans are the most dedicated and passionate about their beer choice,” said Steve Villani, president, Global Beer Network. “Gulden Draak means Golden Dragon, and the 9000 Quad takes this soaring dragon to new heights. It is an outstanding extension to our famously popular Gulden Draak brand.”
The Gulden Draak brand is named after the golden dragon statue that sits at the top of the belfry in the Belgian city of Ghent. The brand also includes original Gulden Draak, an award-winning creamy, dark brown Belgian Triple Ale (barley wine). The new Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple pairs well with buttery cheeses like Brie, Gouda, havarti and Swiss; sharp cheeses like blue and Cheddar; as well as with beef, smokey barbecue and wild game.
Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple is available at retail outlets across the country for a suggested retail price of $11.99 for a 750 ML bottle or $14.99 for a four-pack of 11.2 oz bottles. Visit www.globalbeer.com for more information.
Through the end of 2012, fans of the Gulden Draak brands are encouraged to join the Gulden Draak World Ambassador program. Sponsored by Van Steenberge Brewery, creators of Gulden Draak beer, participants compete to win a trip to Belgium and a VIP tour of the brewery and the city of Ghent. The contest is open for submissions through Dec. 31, 2012. Learn more by visiting http://ambassadeur.guldendraak.be/home.
About the Brewery:
Van Steenberge Brewery: Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple is brewed by the award-winning Van Steenberge Brewery. Located in the village of Ertvelde in Belgium’s East Flanders province, the Van Steenberge Brewery specializes in artisanal beers. The mission of the brewery is to remain independent while continuing to brew an exceptional world class beer product.

FEATURED WINE: Scarbolo Pinot Grigio "Ramato" XL

PINOT GRIGIO RAMATO

Varietial
Pinot Grigio 100%.

Vineyard
Single vineyard site, “Mattia”.

Average Age
14 years.

Soil Type
The soil is a dark red clay consisting of alluvial deposits, minerals, and calcare.

Vine Training System
Guyot/5,500 vines per hectare.

Harvest
Hand selected in three separate harvests.

Vinification
We start by carefully selecting fruit from our oldest vineyard site. 50% of the fruit is destemmed, and then left with the skins for 4 days at a controlled temperature of 17-19°C. After separating juice from skins, half completes its fermentation in 500 Lt oak tonneaux and the remaining half in stainless steel tanks. The other half of the fruit undergoes a brief cold maceration and is transferred in stainless steel tanks for fermentation.

Aging
Aged on the lees in stainless steel and in oak tonneaux for 14 months with frequent batonnages. Bottle aged for 6 months.

Tasting Notes
A wine of Friulian tradition, Pinot Grigio ramato distinguishes itself by its luminous copper color. The nose exhibits wild strawberry, carob and nuances of rose petals. Expanding on the palate with generous body, revealing mature fruit and a kick of spice and personality. Perfect as an aperitif or alongside baked scallops, grilled scampi…or at the end of a meal paired with fresh cheeses. Serve at 12-14°C.

Accolades:

 91 POINTS - (2008) The first thing readers will notice about the 2008 Pinot Grigio Ramato XL is the rich, amber color that is the result of contact with the skins during vinification. The Ramato offers up gorgeous layers of perfumed fruit and flowers in a soft, totally style. The precise, crystalline finish rounds things out nicely.  – Wine Advocate, Feb ‘11

Beer Award

Piraat Takes Gold at Prestigious World Beer Cup: Piraat, a Belgian Pale Ale, was awarded the Gold Medal in the Belgian-Style Pale Strong Ale category at the World Beer Cup in San Diego. The event featured more than 4,000 beers from approximately 800 participating breweries from 54 countries. The World Beer Cup, often referred to as “The Olympics of Beer Competitions,” is the most prestigious beer competition in the world. Piraat Ale has long been considered one of the best beers in the world.