Duvel Single

It's time for another Belg-a-Rama, isn't it? Especially since it's also St. Arnoldus Day, the Belgian holiday that Artisanal Imports is promoting nationwide. I'm throwing a little party for it, today, and folding it into another Belg-a-Rama. Today only, I'm adding another 6 Belgians on tap, making a total Belgian tap takeover. Why not?

Of this line-up, there are two I've never had before. This is the first.

Duvel Single. Here's what the brewery says about it:

"Duvel Single is a 6.8% ABV draught variant of Belgium’s best selling specialty ale Duvel 8.5% ABV.  The Single Fermentation refers to the fact that it undergoes just one fermentation process.  This gives it a gentle hoppiness, a mild aroma, and a subtle, fruity bite.  Brewery Staff at Duvel Moortgat have enjoyed Duvel Single Fermentation 6.8% for decades."

Here's what I'm saying:

clear, golden, huge, majestic head, much puffery, lovely to look at, delightful to know.

Angelic aromatics, utterly gorgeous. Lightly spicy, lightly fruity…just beautiful.

Taste: the same hops, the same fruit, the same effervescence, the same spark on the tongue is here, without some of the alcohol, and without certain of the complexities. Would be great to try side by side with a bottle of regular Duvel. Well, why don't I?

Great idea, here goes…

Duvel bottle…mmm, ahhh…, Wow! A blast of citrus fruit, mild spice, and intense carbonation and effervescence. Champagne-like spritziness. A joy in the mouth, dazzling, and delicious, and begging the mouth for more. This reminds me of why I love Duvel and why everyone else should. Damn, this is great stuff!

The draft version? Softer, milder, easier down the ol' gullet…lacking in several flavor areas, as well. But, if that's the best they can do to replicate it in a keg, well, they're doing okay. Not great, just okay.

What can I say? wish them the best of luck with this, but it in no way replicates the true joys of Duvel in the bottle. It is no substitute at all, and if they fear that this will hurt sales of Duvel in bottles at on-premise accounts, they need not worry.
There's simply no comparison.
But, perhaps there's a niche market for those looking for lighter, simpler experience. I'm not going to be in that camp.