Duvel Distilled 10 Year Old 2009

I am fond of Duvel. It’s a great beer. Their yearly Barrel Aged versions are equally excellent. But what I have tried of their Duvel Distilled – their shot at whisky, one from 2009 and one from 2013 – was completely unconvincing (and I’m being polite). But when they announced their 10 years old in 2019, I admit I was intrigued. Not enough to buy a bottle though. Luckily my buddy Niek was able to offer me a sample. It is a lot darker than its predecessors.

The nose is very flat, to be honest. At first I smell very little and even with hand warmth I hardly discover anything. This is not off to a good start, actually. I get some apricots, vanilla and breakfast cereals, but unfortunately also some cardboard and wet dog. Oh, well.

The arrival is very soft, very floral (violets) and candy-like. It’s a good thing they don’t call this whisky, but simply Duvel Distilled, for it is still more like a grain barley wine than my favorite water of life. Luckily it has a little more body than the previous releases (but that is hardly an accomplishment).

The finish, however, is fairly pleasant: long, a bit spicy, soft and mildly drying.

Still a very mediocre little thing. I run down to my cellar to grab another Duvel Barrel Aged beer to rinse the mouth. Thanks anyway, Niek.