Gulden Draak Classic (* featured image courtesy of Brouwerij Van Steenberge)

The 299 foot tall Belfry of Ghent is one of three medieval towers that overlook the city of Ghent, Belgium. At the very top of this belfry sits a golden dragon with a distinctive Viking design. The dragon looms over the Ghent skyline as a symbol of freedom and power.

Belfry of Ghent and Closeup Image of Golden Dragon

Legend says Norwegian King Sigrid Magnusson featured the gilded dragon at the prow of his ship when departing for a crusade in the year 1111. King Magnusson then offered the statue to the Emperor of Constantinople (currently Istanbul) to put on the cupola of the Hagia Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. One hundred years later, Count Baldwin IX brought the dragon to Bruges, Belgium. In 1382 the cities of Bruges and Ghent fought a war. The victorious inhabitants of Ghent took the dragon as a war trophy and put it on top of their belfry. Over the years the the city replaced the dragon with different versions. The belfry museum displays some of the old versions.

Description and Review

Named Gulden Draak (golden dragon in Dutch) Classic, Brouwerij Van Steenberge’s flagship and award-winning beer pays homage to the Belfry of Ghent’s iconic dragon. Brouwerij Van Steenberge re-ferments (also known as secondary fermentation) Gulden Draak in the bottle and keg, resulting in a beer with a finer texture of carbonation, superior foam retention, more complex flavors, longer shelf life, and better aging ability than beers that are “force carbonated.” For Gulden Draak, wine yeast and a touch of caramel are used to activate the re-fermentation process.

A 10.5% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Gulden Draak Classic pours dark red with a billowy foam, reminiscient of cumulus clouds or meringue pie. Aromas of sweet caramel, cocoa, malt and a hint of toffee spring vividly from the glass. First sips deliver bold, complex flavors of dark and yeasty  bread, cocoa, toffee, raisins, and prunes. Upon warming, additional flavors of figs, cherries, ripe bananas and a hint of clove spring forth. An alcoholic warmth accompanies these flavors. However, the complex beverage presents a complementary alcohol integration that is not overpowering. Texturally, Gulden Draak delivers full-bodied and creamy sensations in the mouth with assertive natural carbonation.

Overall, Gulden Draak Classic provides a wickedly drinkable, delicious indulgence for any serious beer drinker. More importantly, treat Gulden Draak Classic as a dessert beer luxury whose power demands respect. In short, this beer is outstanding!

Gulden Draak Classic Profile

My Overall Impression Rating** – 9.1 out of possible 10

• 9-10 = Outstanding (world-class example of style)
• 7.6-8.9 = Excellent (exemplifies style well)
• 6-7.5 = Very Good (generally within style but with minor flaws)
• 4.2-5.9 = Good (misses the mark on style and/or minor flaws)
• 2.8-4.1 = Fair (unpleasant due to defects)
• 0-2.7 = Problematic (major flaws and hard to drink)