Pauwel Kwak

I know, I know - more Belgium beer. But I have no problem gravitating towards the finest. Belgium has corrupted me to the point that I can't stand the thought of buying a carton of Cooper's Pale Ale (SA) anymore. This may not sound like a big deal, except for the fact I used to buy a carton a week and proclaimed Cooper's Pale Ale as the second coming of Jesus. It was the friend that was always there, teacher, mother, secret lover. Took great pleasure in the few times I found myself with time to kill at Adelaide Airport and was able to get in on tap from the source. And now I've abandoned it - sunrise, sunset, and all that.

The Pauwel Kwak (Belgium) has an (apparent) amazing history. I say apparent because this very well could be nothing more than brewery propaganda - even if it is, it's quite the story. Named after the guy who brewed it, legend goes that Pauwel Kwak was an innkeeper in Napoleon times who not only created this particular amber ale, but also the unique glass that it's best served in. The glass was apparently designed to be hung on a coach, as coachmen had to chill out with their horses rather than being allowed to drink at the Inn - you couldn't leave coaches and horses alone outside, the story goes.

Now here's the problem with having such a cool, sophisticated glass to go with the beer you're drinking - stupid footy bogans don't respect it. When I ordered the Kwak, the awfully-friendly bar chick apologised profusely about not being able to serve it in the proper manner. When your pub starts with 12 such glasses at the beginning of 2010, and are left with 3 only two months later, it's a fair call to put a blanket ban on the use of it. She realised I wasn't into the whole stealing or smashing vibe, but had her hands tied. Stupid fucking footy bogans ruining my fun. I did get a couple of coasters as consolation, special Kwak coasters that I shall put on my mantelpiece, along with many an empty bottle of beer, a novelty Duff beer can and a black Cooper's cap. Still not the fucking glass though.

So I was served it in an incorrect glass, which was fine, I'll take what I can get when my life experience is hampered by idiots. However, it seems like this call was complete sacrilege, as I was told that not ten minutes prior a group of Belgians had ordered the Kwak, were told it couldn't be served in its proper glass, and subsequently changed their order in a hurry. I apologise to the Belgians.

The Kwak pours with a massive head and stays true to its amber colour. Its strongest characteristic is the hint of banana in both aroma and taste. A very rich taste, might I add. I've read that there are traces of licorice that can be sensed, which I think is complete bullshit, and is merely one of those descriptions that people have run with when they couldn't put their finger on the complexity of the brew. Like when a journalist calls a band "new wave" and suddenly... BAM. You have the second coming of the movement, even if the description is misplaced and makes no sense. Remember that? Yeah, not fun times.

My housemate made a great call on the way to trying out this beer. Paraphrasing here, but something like "You realise you've just started a beer blog. In order to write a beer blog, you need to drink more beer, which means you'll inevitably be less good at writing". The less good part was a complete pisstake, then again, I find myself leaving you with the following;

The description in the photo above says "nougat like solidity, hints of liquorice passing into a warm finish that reminds you of caramelised banana".

I say - this beer is awesome, indulge in it and love it.