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Saison Dupont Cuvee Dry Hopping 2013

Saison Dupont Cuvee Dry HoppingSaison Dupont Cuvee Dry Hopping 2013 is slightly modern twist on Brasserie Dupont‘s classic Saison Dupont (you can read my Saison Dupont review here).  The dry hopped version of their flagship Saison has been produced for 5 years in Belgium; 2013 marks the first release for the United States.  The 2013 version is brewed with the Alsatian Triskel hop which is a cross between the French Strisselspalt and the English Yeoman hop.

This allows their master brewer, Oliver Dedeycker, to experiment with new hops without changing the character of their main beers.  This also seems to be a theme with many Belgian beers.  The number of new hop focused beer releases coming out seems to be on the rise.  The interesting thing is that they are retaining their unique “Belgian” character without becoming a bland, indistinguishably multinational hop beer.  This is also having the added benefit of reviving the local hop farms in Belgium.  Belgium only accounts for a small percentage of the hops grown in Europe.

The Belgians are creating hoppier beers while incorporating the unique European character of their local varieties.  It’s this ability to take new trends and seamlessly blend them into  their Belgian brewing traditions that makes this “Old World” beer country truly innovative and vibrant.

Appearance: Lightly hazy, gold with an off-white head.  Excellent retention.

Aroma: Floral and herbal hops, peppery notes, light tropical fruit tones.

Flavor: Light hop bitterness, peppery finish, light notes of banana, mango, and pineapple.

Overall Impression: Saison Dupont Cuvee is wonderfully bright and fresh.  You can tell the beer is actually dry hopped.  It takes a classic beer and puts a fun spin on it.  It’s also exceedingly balanced.  This is a beautiful beer.  It screams “SUMMER.”  Bright, fresh, flavorful, balanced.  I give this a very high recommendation.  If you see it, snap it up!  It’s limited and going fast.

Availability: Seasonal and limited.  Look for it at stores that get the more limited releases from importer Vanberg & Dewulf.

6.5% ABV

You can read more Brasserie Dupont reviews on my page dedicated to their brewery.

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