There are long nights when winter comes without a name. Not because of the cold wind, not because of the white snow covering the eaves, but because people's hearts suddenly quiet down, suddenly tremble like dry leaves when they see someone nestled in another person's arms. In a small shop in a strange town, he sat quietly, a glass of wine in front of him. Double Enghien D'Hiver, as dark amber as the last sunset they'd shared. She'd forgotten, but he couldn't.
A sip of beer touched the tip of her lips, slightly spicy like the look in her eyes that day when she rejected him – not with words, but with a silent handshake reserved for someone else. Each sip of beer was a memory – a little warm, a little sweet, but in the end still bitter. Tripel Style not ostentatious, just quietly spreading, like the feelings he kept hidden in his youthful years, beautiful but never complete...
1. History and Heritage of Brasserie de Silly
Nestled in the small town of Silly, in the peaceful Hainaut region of Belgium, Brasserie de Silly is one of the oldest and most traditional family breweries in Europe. Founded in 1850, the brewery began its journey as a brewery farm – where the first batches of beer were brewed from barley and hops grown right on the farm of the Van der Haegen family. They were not only hardworking farmers but also passionate artisans who created each drop of beer with the spirit of Belgium.
For over six generations, the Van der Haegen family has remained true to its founding mission and spirit – to create high-quality craft beers imbued with local identity and family pride. What is special is that Brasserie de Silly They have never followed market trends or mass production. They have chosen a more sustainable path: limited production, strict quality control, and traditional brewing methods.
The biggest milestone came in the year 1975, when the factory buys back Brasserie Tennstedt-Decroes at Enghien – a famous brand at that time. It was here that the beer Double Engine was born, as a perfect fusion of two legacies: the industrial spirit of Silly and the unique style of the Enghien region. The takeover was not just an economic merger, but an inspired decision to preserve, enhance and revive ancient beer recipes.
Today, the factory Brasserie de Silly has expanded its product portfolio with a range of signature beers: from Season, Scotch, to all kinds Christmas Ale like Double Enghien D'Hiver. But no matter how modern the production, each barrel of beer is still brewed with heart, with the warm fire of tradition.
The old brick walls, the copper tanks that have turned the color of time, and the laughter in the brewery every early morning – all are not just production spaces, but the living soul of a beer brand that is nearly 2 centuries old. It is a place where time flows slowly, where each drop of beer is considered a whisper from the past to the present.
2. Double Enghien D'Hiver: A Christmas Beer With a Nostalgic Taste
Every year, when December gently knocks on the door, amidst the scene of European streets covered in a white snow cloak, in a small ancient corner of Belgium, an old flavor returns - that is Double Enghien D'Hiver, the famous Christmas beer from the factory Brasserie de Silly.
No noise, no rush, this beer is like an old love song sung in a quiet room, where candles flicker and snow falls lightly on the porch. Brewed according to Tripel style – famous for its complex aroma and long aftertaste – Double Enghien D'Hiver is the embodiment of sophistication, classicism and warmth.
With alcohol concentration 9%, this is a beer created not only to be enjoyed but to be shared. From family gatherings, year-end dinners by the fireplace to lonely moments in need of a companion – it is always present like a wordless embrace, gentle and full.
The beer’s color ranges from deep amber to antique bronze – like old Christmas cards kept at the bottom of a drawer, carrying with them many unspoken words. The head is smooth and thick, reminiscent of the first snow on a windowsill – pristine and fragile, heartbreaking.
The scent of Double Enghien D'Hiver is a magical olfactory journey: gentle vanilla evokes a feeling of warmth like a sunny woolen scarf, black pepper and star anise accents create a seductive depth like the silent gaze of an old person. And faintly in that layer of scent is the sweet taste of beeswax - a familiar, simple scent, but enough to awaken dormant memories.
3. How to Enjoy: Etiquette and Subtlety
Enjoy Double Enghien D'Hiver It’s not just about raising a glass and drinking – it’s a ritual, a moment of connection between people and time, memories and themselves. To fully appreciate the depth of this special winter beer, every detail must be appreciated, from the temperature, the type of glass, the way of pouring and the space in which it is enjoyed.
3.1 Type of Cup: Symbol of Respect
The type of glass chosen not only affects the aroma and taste, but also conveys the drinker's attitude towards the beer. With Double Enghien D'Hiver, nothing is more worthy than one Goblet or Chalice – proud glasses with both regal and profound beauty.
Glass Goblet, with a thick body and wide mouth, designed to hold beers with high alcohol content and complex aromas. The open shape resembles a blooming flower – allowing the aromatic vapors to rise gently, guiding the sense of smell to penetrate deep into each layer of vanilla, anise, pepper and beeswax. The tall stem helps to keep the beer warm in the palm of the hand without changing the temperature quickly, maintaining the stability of the flavor throughout the enjoyment.
Glass Chalice, usually with shorter stems and thicker walls, giving it a solid and sturdy feel. Traditional Chalices are even rimmed in gold or silver around the rim – like a royal beer crown. When you sip from one of these glasses, you not only taste the beer, but you also experience an ancient ritual, part of Belgium’s long-standing cultural memory.
3.2 Enjoying Temperature and How to Pour Beer
The ideal serving temperature falls between 8-10°C – cool enough to retain freshness, but not too cold to overshadow the delicate aromas. Before pouring, chill the glass in the refrigerator, do not chill too deeply to avoid “killing” the characteristic aroma.
When pouring, tilt the glass slightly at about 45 degrees, pour slowly to avoid creating foam too quickly. In the second half, stand the glass upright and let the beer create a thick, even, smooth layer of foam like snow cream. That is the most beautiful moment - when each small bubble bursts, carrying the sweet aroma of vanilla, the slight spiciness of pepper and the warmth of wood burning in the middle of winter.
Take small sips, letting your tongue explore the rich structure: from the first hint of sweetness, to the intense middle, then the lingering aftertaste like the evening bells echoing from the old village church. You will feel the wine rising slowly, gently but steadily – not dizzy, not rushed – just quietly creeping into all your senses.
4. Food Pairing: Cuisine in Every Mouth
If Double Enghien D'Hiver is a symphony of flavors, then the accompanying cuisine is the perfect background orchestra to help that music resonate fully. With beer structure Belgian Tripel Rich, layered with aromas and a lingering aftertaste, this beer has the ability to “dialogue” with complex, rich or deeply spiced dishes, providing a multidimensional culinary experience.
4.1 Cheese: The Natural Companion
There is no more authentic and original choice. ripe cheese to go along Double Enghien D'Hiver. Washed-rind cheeses such as Maroilles, Munster or Livarot brings a strong aroma, rich saltiness, blending perfectly with the hidden sweetness and slight spiciness of the beer. This contrast creates an unexpected culinary rhythm: soft, strong, fatty but not overwhelming, but supporting each other.
If you want something lighter, you can choose semi-hard cheese like Aged Gouda or Comté 18 months – where the caramel and nutty flavors of the cheese are complemented by the alcohol and vanilla of the beer.
4.2 Stews and Grilled Dishes: A Bold Fusion of Flavors
Double Enghien D'Hiver With high alcohol content and complex aroma, it is an ideal partner for dishes. Belgian-style stew, especially Carbonnade Flamande – Beef stewed in brown beer with caramelized onions. The sweetness and richness of the sauce blend with the peppery aftertaste of the beer, making each piece of meat melt in the warm aroma.
Crispy Roast Duck, herb-grilled lamb, or Honey mustard ribs are also sensual choices – where fire, smoke and natural saltiness “call out” the dried fruit, beeswax and vanilla flavors in the beer.
4.3 Warm Vegetarian Dishes: Peace from Vegetables and Fruits
Not just a companion of meat, Double Enghien D'Hiver also shines alongside the in-depth vegetarian dishes. Stir-fried wild mushrooms with garlic butter, Roasted pumpkin with cinnamon and honey, or stewed eggplant and tomatoes all bring an earthy - fatty - sweet flavor to help the beer sublimate.
4.4 Sweet Dishes: Unexpected Connection at the End of the Meal
Although not popular, some dishes exquisite desserts again very suitable for this winter beer. Baked apple pie, ginger bread, or dried fruit tart – with a deep, slightly spicy, caramelized flavor – will surprisingly blend with the mild spicy flavor and rich beer body.
5. Award: Quality Award
It is not by chance that Double Enghien D'Hiver is referred to as a gem of Belgian winter. With all the sophistication in flavor and perseverance in preserving traditional identity, this beer has affirmed its position on the world beer map with prestigious awards at prestigious international competitions.
For many years, Double Enghien D'Hiver was honored at Mondial de la Bière, one of the world’s largest beer festivals and competitions, which brings together experts from all continents, the beer was praised for its “complex aroma structure, with a wonderfully balanced finish of spicy, sweet and dried fruit”.
Not stopping there, the beer also won awards. Gold Medal at Concours International de Lyon – where the judging panel includes Michelin-starred foodies, food journalists and long-time craft brewers. Winning here is not only a source of pride for Brasserie de Silly, but also contributes to affirming the global value of style. Belgian Tripel winter.
6. Imprint in Vietnam: When Belgian Winter Knocks on Saigon's Door
Not only stopping in Europe, Double Enghien D'Hiver had a very special trip to Vietnam – where beer is exclusively distributed at the restaurant Belgian Beer Kingdom Beer & Barrel centrally located Saigon Bustling. In a classic, warm and Belgian-style space, this beer was once the “winter spirit” that made many craft beer lovers in Vietnam flutter.
Unlike any other beer on the market at the time, Double Enghien D'Hiver It feels like opening a door straight into December Europe. One diner once shared: “I came to Beer & Barrel on a rainy night in Saigon, not thinking much. But when I drank Double Enghien D'Hiver placed on the table, the candlelight shimmering, reflecting the dark amber color of the beer, I suddenly felt my heart soften. The first sip – like a memory train – took me back to strange winters, where people did not drink beer to get drunk, but to remember.”
Another visitor – a young poet – described the experience as follows: “Drinking this beer is like sitting next to a very familiar person, meeting again after a long time, no need to say anything, just silence is enough. The beer has a deep taste, a long aftertaste, and there is something very human in that intoxication – not intense, but long-lasting, deep.”
It is the appearance of Double Enghien D'Hiver in Vietnam has contributed to expanding the experience of authentic Belgian craft beer to the beer-loving community in the country. And although it is no longer popular today, for those who have tasted it, this beer is always a part of the memory - like the only winter in the heart of Saigon.
7. Conclusion: A Beer That Never Gets Old
And then, when the Christmas lights gradually give way to the new spring, people can forget about Christmas songs, gifts and even bustling parties. But there are things, like Double Enghien D'Hiver, still remains – smoldering, quiet, like an unforgettable aftertaste in memory.
The boy from that year – the one who once sat silently in the small shop, looking at the glass of amber beer that sparkled like someone’s eyes had just turned away – may no longer be searching. But every winter, he will still look for a bottle. Double Enghien D'Hiver, poured into a thick-stemmed goblet, and sat for a long time. Not to get drunk, but to close my eyes and relive the moment that can never be put into words.
