Beer of the Week! 11/16/21

Corsendonk Agnus Tripel

Regularly $12.99 / Now on Sale for $11.96
Abbey Tripel

The Corsendonk beers fall into the category of “Look like they’re made by monks, taste like they’re made by monks, but actually not made by monks.” Arguably, it’s a small category, but a fun one. Don’t get us wrong; there used to be monks … a long time ago.

The Priory of Corsendonk was founded in 1398 in Oud-Turnhout (northeast of what is now Antwerp), and brewing was part of the monks’ life. That life continued for centuries until 1784, when the Austrian Emperor Jozef II ordered the monastery shut down. Though that was the end of Corsen-monk brewing, it was not the end of Corsendonk beer.

Jump forward some more centuries to 1982, and we find Jef Keersmaekers — third generation of a brewing family. Some people of import and influence in Oud-Turnhout approached Jef about brewing under the Corsendonk name, and the rest is beer history. The Keersmaekers are still responsible for the Corsendonk beers, though their family brewery shut down a while ago. Currently they contract brew at Brasserie Du Bocq.

The Agnus Tripel was designed by Jef Keersmaekers when he first began brewing for the Corsendonk label. It’s brewed with 93% Plaisant and Triumph barley malt and 7% wheat. It’s then hopped with Sturian Goldings, Hallertu Herzbrucker, and Kent Challenger hops. Light-bodied and dry, it teases you with slight fruit notes. It also produces a generous head, so pour slowly. In fact, this is a beer where glassware can help. Although the official Corsendonk glass is a thin variation on the tulip glass, we like to use one of those wide, bowl-like goblets to help spread that head out.

Bonus Beer of the Week (‘Cause we love Belgian beer so much we’re seeing Dubbels!)

Corsendonk Pater Dubbel

Regularly $12.99 / Now on Sale for $11.96
Abbey Dubbel

What is now named the Pater Dubbel is another Jef Keersmaekers creation dating back to his beginnings with the Corsendonk brand. It’s brewed with Caramel, Pilsen and Munich barley malts and are hopped with Saaz, Kent, and Hallertau hops. In the glass it’s a mix of fruit and dark chocolate notes that eventually blend together as the beer ages for a couple of years. (Good luck waiting that long!)

Remember!

You can see our entire beer inventory on Untappd.com!