Don de Dieu
Review Date 12/17/2000
Try?
Re-buy?
The Don de Dieu
(gift of God) was a French exploration ship dispatched in 1608 to transport
Samuel de Champlain to North America. Those who know their history will
understand that the French explored and took commercial advantage of large
parts of the present day United States and Canada. Though they never
established large settlements in what would later become the United Sates,
the French did eventually settle Canada in what is now Quebec in large
numbers.
Let’s jump ahead to the late 20th century. In Chambly, Quebec, a brewery is founded that produces a stunning array of Belgian style ales (Belgium being a country with a large French population). This is a very fortunate turn of events, because Unibroue produces truly authentic interpretations of classic Belgian styles. Indeed, here in New England we are quite fortunate to have access to beers from Unibroue, Ommegang in New York, and Allagash in Maine. All three of these breweries brew beers that you’d swear came straight from Belgium, high praise indeed.
Unibroue packages Don de Dieu in 750ML in corked bottles that sell for about $5 and are a truly incredible value. The beer also comes in four packs of 12 ounce bottles that sell for about $7, still a deal and my preferred package. The bottle in either case is an attractive and protective brown in color with a gold neck banner decorated with three fleurs de lis in a blue field. The oval label features a picture of the Don de Dieu setting sail.
Don de Dieu is truly a gift from God. A Belgian Golden or strong ale in
style, the brew is cloudy gold in color with a thick creamy head and a
fruity, spicy, yeasty nose. The palate is sweet, rich, fruity, and packed
with wonderful Belgian yeasty character akin to Duvel. The finish is quite
warming, packing a considerable punch at 9% by volume. It is bottled with
yeast and Unibroue recommends it be drunk by March sixth of 2003.
This is a sipping brew for a cold rainy night like tonight. Enjoy it before or after a meal, or just before bed as a snack with some cheese and crackers.
Let’s jump ahead to the late 20th century. In Chambly, Quebec, a brewery is founded that produces a stunning array of Belgian style ales (Belgium being a country with a large French population). This is a very fortunate turn of events, because Unibroue produces truly authentic interpretations of classic Belgian styles. Indeed, here in New England we are quite fortunate to have access to beers from Unibroue, Ommegang in New York, and Allagash in Maine. All three of these breweries brew beers that you’d swear came straight from Belgium, high praise indeed.
Unibroue packages Don de Dieu in 750ML in corked bottles that sell for about $5 and are a truly incredible value. The beer also comes in four packs of 12 ounce bottles that sell for about $7, still a deal and my preferred package. The bottle in either case is an attractive and protective brown in color with a gold neck banner decorated with three fleurs de lis in a blue field. The oval label features a picture of the Don de Dieu setting sail.
Don de Dieu is truly a gift from God. A Belgian Golden or strong ale in
style, the brew is cloudy gold in color with a thick creamy head and a
fruity, spicy, yeasty nose. The palate is sweet, rich, fruity, and packed
with wonderful Belgian yeasty character akin to Duvel. The finish is quite
warming, packing a considerable punch at 9% by volume. It is bottled with
yeast and Unibroue recommends it be drunk by March sixth of 2003. This is a sipping brew for a cold rainy night like tonight. Enjoy it before or after a meal, or just before bed as a snack with some cheese and crackers.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
