# Conquer The Dragon with Gulden Draak *By James Hills — Updated February 2022* As someone who hails from one of the top beer areas in the US, it's easy to forget that beer has a heritage that spans for hundreds of years. Despite the popularity of some of my "West Coast" favorites, it's refreshing to step back in time and try something that's been being brewed for hundreds of years like I did recently with Gulden Draak out of Belgium.  Every great beer should have a story and Gulden Draak has it's own. The Golden Dragon on the label is actually the one that sits atop the Ghent Belfry. According to the legend, the golden dragon once adorned the bow of a ship lead by a Norse king, later was owned by the emperor of Constantinople to be featured on the dome of the Hagia Sophia. More than 100 years later it is now a permanent fixture on this Belgian belfry where it sits to protect the wealth and prosperity of the city. The question is - does the beer stand up to this honor and legend? 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It is a deep amber with a slice apple and pear taste followed by a malty flavor. It pairs best with buttery cheeses like brie, gouda, havarti and Swiss along with sharp cheeses like blue and cheddar. Additionally it pairs well with smoked meats and wild game. While it is 10.70% ABV, it was surprisingly drinkable, so watch out. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. 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For me, the malt and toffee-like sweetness was a bit overwhelming initially while drinking it plain. When paired with a strong beef flavor though, it worked well. Likewise, it should work well with other rich flavors including desserts such as a chocolate brownie or cheese cake. At 10.50% ABV it's slightly less than the 9000 Quad but still a very strong beer that's probably best enjoyed with a meal vs by itself on an empty stomach. ## Centuries Old Brewing Techniques Becomes Modern Again ... One of the things that's unique about these beers compared to what most Americans are familiar with is that it is re-fermented in the bottle. This second fermentation gives Gulden Draak a creamy head and very strong body. In 1998, the American Tasting Institute (now ChefsBest) awarded Gulden Draak Triple Ale the "Best tasting beer in the World". This is a journey that started in the 1700's and now today combining the best techniques from the past with the advantages of modern scale and distribution. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 18 May 2016 Last Updated: 13 February 2022 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? 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