Gulden Draak Calvados Barrel Aged is the second instalment in Brouwerij Van Steenberge's series of barrel-aged Gulden Draak quadrupels. The core recipe is aged for months in calvados casks, allowing apple character and brandy warmth to merge with the dark, sweet malt foundation of the original beer.

The nose reveals ripe apple and caramelised malt, while the palate unfolds a complex interplay of apple brandy notes, candi sugar and spice. Distinctly sweet and fuller-bodied than expected, with a subtle bitterness in the finish that anchors the whole. This is a dessert beer, best enjoyed as an after-dinner sipper.

At 10.5% ABV, the glass warms gently. Brouwerij Van Steenberge, active since 1784 in East Flanders, demonstrates craftsmanship passed down through generations.