OK, not really sure what the purpose of this beer actually IS, as it seems as though Ommegang has had an influence on Moortgat. As much as I love Ommegang, this is not an influence or input that is needed under ANY circumstances when you consider the superb, supremecy of Duvel.
Extravagant presentation with thick, gold foil and corked & caged presentation with a fancy label. Close to @$20 for the chance to try this.
The pour is interesting since on the first two pours into the Duvel tulip there is little to choose between this and Duvel (nice golden clarity with a high, rocky, white head), but on the second two pours there is a lot more cloudy character.
Initial tastes do not detract much from simple Duvel either, but if anything the alcohol presence is slightly dulled as is the Belgian character of yeast, esters and light candy. Dulling those attributes serves no purpose and seems like a waste of time.
The extra hop character does build over the course of the beer, but it never really amounted to anything that supersedes (or “betters” Duvel) – in that respect I see no point. Some bitterness builds along with a dry character, and it’s not unpleasant, but WHY? Increased grapefruit is DEFINITE, and increased grapefruit is something I generally enjoy, but…
…”WHY?” remains the underlying question here. This beer doesn’t stray THAT far from Duvel, but why bother at all? I don’t get it and frankly ultimately I just crave a straight-up Duvel even more.