Bornem Double: Mild Bitterness and Pure Aroma

I. History of the brewery

The history of the Bornem brewery, the birthplace of the Bornem Double, is an important part of Belgium's brewing heritage. The brewery, owned by Brouwerij Van Steenberge, is not only a brewery but also a living legacy of Belgian beer culture and history.

The Van Steenberge Brewery, located in Ertvelde, near Ghent, has a long and rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. However, its roots can be traced back much further, with the Steenberge family having been active in the beer industry since 1784. Over the generations, the brewery has witnessed the rise and fall of the Belgian beer industry, from the early days of simple craft brewing techniques to the adoption of modern technology.

In the 1970s, under the management of the Van Steenberge brewery, Bornem Double was born as a tribute to the beer style. Abbey Belgian tradition. This brewery, with passion and steadfastness to tradition, has constantly strived to create high quality beers that reflect the quintessence of the Belgian brewing art.

Throughout its history, the Van Steenberge brewery has maintained a balance between tradition and innovation. This is reflected not only in the quality of the beers they produce, but also in their continued development and expansion to meet the ever-growing demands of the market.

Bornem Double, as a member of this product line, is not just a beer, but also the crystallization of a historical journey, a living witness to the constant development of the art of Belgian brewing.

II. The birth of Bornem Double beer

The birth of Bornem Double from the Van Steenberge brewery is steeped in the unique context of the Belgian beer industry, where tradition and innovation constantly intersect.

Trong những năm 1970, khi thế giới bắt đầu chú ý nhiều hơn đến các loại bia abbey và Trappist của Bỉ, có một sự quan tâm đáng kể đối với việc hồi sinh và tái tạo những loại bia này. Bornem Double được tạo ra như một phản ứng đối với xu hướng này, và cũng là cách để Brouwerij Van Steenberge ghi dấu ấn của mình trong lĩnh vực bia abbey truyền thống.

Bornem Double was created in an effort to create a beer that truly embodies the essence of Belgian abbey beer – strong, rich in flavor, and reflecting the sophistication of the brewing art. It is a combination of the long history of Belgian beer, the passion of the brewers, and the desire to bring a special drinking experience to consumers.

Van Steenberge Brewery, with its experience and tradition, has used traditional brewing techniques to create Bornem Double. They focus on selecting premium ingredients and applying a careful brewing process to ensure that each bottle of beer is not just a drink, but also a work of art.

The birth of Bornem Double is a testament to the fact that the Van Steenberge brewery not only maintains tradition but also constantly explores and innovates. This beer quickly became one of the brewery's outstanding products, welcomed and loved by beer lovers around the world.

III. Special features of Bornem Double beer

The distinctive feature of Bornem Double from the Van Steenberge brewery is the exquisite synthesis of Belgian abbey beer tradition and the creativity of the brewing art. Bornem Double stands out with a series of distinctive characteristics, creating an unmistakable mark in the hearts of beer lovers.

• Beer Color and Foam: Bornem Double has a distinctive dark brown colour, with a reddish tinge from the use of darkly roasted malts. Its foam is smooth and stable, forming a thick layer on top, retaining flavour and stimulating all the senses.
• Complex Fragrance: The beer exudes a complex aroma, a combination of caramel sweetness, dried fruit flavors such as grapes and apricots, along with a light spice from hops and yeast. This combination creates a diverse flavor picture, inviting the drinker to explore.
• Flavor and Texture: When enjoying, Bornem Double brings the first feeling of malt sweetness, then gradually changes to a light bitterness, creating a perfect balance. The beer has a rich structure but not too heavy, with a moderate presence of carbonation, highlighting the complex flavors without causing a feeling of being too sharp or unpleasant.
• Alcohol Concentration: With an alcohol content of around 8%, Bornem Double is in the strong beer segment. Despite its high alcohol content, the way the flavors are considered and combined makes the beer not harsh or too strong, but instead warm and pleasant.

Bornem Double, with these characteristics, is not simply a Belgian abbey beer, but also an expression of the pinnacle of brewing art. Each bottle of beer not only brings delicious taste but also contains a cultural and historical story, enriching the enjoyment experience for beer lovers.

IV. How to enjoy Bornem Double beer

Bornem Double should be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled to fully appreciate its flavours. It pairs well with strong cheeses, stews, or even some sweet pastries. It is the perfect choice for quiet evenings or cozy gatherings.

V. Beer Awards and Titles

While specific information about the awards and accolades that Van Steenberge Brewery’s Bornem Double may have won is not always easy to find, the quality and reputation of this beer in the world beer community is no longer in dispute. Awards and accolades in the beer industry, such as the World Beer Awards, European Beer Star, or Brussels Beer Challenge, are often where outstanding beers like Bornem Double are recognized and honored.

Bornem Double, with its complex taste and high quality, is certainly a strong contender in the Belgian Dubbel categories in these competitions. These awards are not only based on taste, but also take into account creativity, presentation, and adherence to tradition in the production process.

While the exact list of awards may not be made public, the recognition from experts and the love from beer lovers around the world is undeniable proof of the class of Bornem Double. This further adds value and prestige to the brand, and affirms the position of the Van Steenberge brewery in producing high-quality beer in the traditional Belgian style.

VI. Conclusion

Bornem Double is not only a witness to the legendary Belgian brewing history but also a testament to the sophistication and class in every drop of beer. Although the specific list of awards it may have won is not always clear, the love and appreciation from the beer-loving community around the world speaks for itself. Bornem Double is more than just an ordinary Belgian Dubbel, it is a masterpiece, a perfect combination of tradition and innovation, of rich flavor and delicate balance. Every glass of Bornem Double is not just a taste, but an experience, a journey to discover the rich heritage of Belgian beer culture.