What’s In My Fridge – De Struise Kloeke Blonde

For our 3rd trip into the depths of my fridge we travel to the far off land of beer wonder, Belgium. About the size of Maryland, but w/5 million more people and more importantly, over 125 breweries. Now I’m not going to get into their vast brewing history at this time. I just want to talk about this fine beverage in my hand that I got from a friend of mine who traveled there.

From what I can gather elsewhere, as their website isn’t always in English, De Struise Brouwers started in a farm about the turn of the millennium but did not go commercial until 2003 when they started contract brewing. The company takes its name from the historic Flemish word for ostrich, which also is a contemporary slang term meaning "tough". "The Sturdy Brewers" would roughly be the English translation of their name. They’ve quickly came to be recognized as making some of the best beers in Belgium today.

Name: De Struise Kloeke Blonde

Brewery Location: De Panne, Belgium

Style: Belgian Pale Ale

ABV: 6.0%

Package: 11.2oz Bottle

Availability: De Struise is distributed in the United States by the Shelton Brothers. However, it doesn’t seem that this item is brought in for American consumption. Available throughout most of Europe though.

This BPA pours a cloudy golden hue w/a fluffy white head made up of tiny bubbles. The head keeps nicely throughout. There is an earthy, freshly cut grass aroma to this one. A kiss of lemony hops in the taste leads to a smooth yet sweet malty finish that coats the mouth. Like a lot of Belgians, the alcohol is kept hidden throughout, only to let you know it’s there at the end.

This is a refreshing beer for a hot summer afternoon, if we had hot summer afternoons anymore.

(Needless non-beer fact: NYC is currently 4.5 inches of rain short from being the wettest summer on record)

Drink Better.