Pauwel Kwak Beer is a Belgian strong ale brought to you by Brouweril Bosteels, the brewery that produces the incredibly popular Tripel Karmeliet and Deus Brut des Flandres. Their high quality beers are a result of years of practice and a bit of inspiration from the right places.
Pauwel Kwak was a brewer in the 18th century, who brewed his own dark beer for his coaching inn in the Dendermonde region of Belgium. At the time, Napoleonic rule meant coach drivers were unable to leave their coach to drink with passengers, so Pauwel quickly solved the problem, creating a unique glass and stand that could be attached to the carriage for the drivers, so they could enjoy the beer too. Such perseverance to fulfil a person’s right to a beer was deemed worthy by the brewers at Bosteels, who have brewed Pauwel Kwak in tribute since the 1980’s.
It is a fairly simple brew in comparison to the bigger Belgian beers, with just a few key ingredients making this a world class beer. Barley, water, wheat, hops and sugar combine in harmony to create a deep amber coloured beer with a thick head. The aroma is that of earthy malts, herbs and fruits, with hints of liquorice and spicy hop bitterness on the palate and a caramel and banana finish. Naturally, it should be served in its own glass, the ‘koetsierglas’, with the convex bottom and wooden stand.
Pauwel Kwak is distinctive from its inspiration, to the glass, to its taste, and is iconic for a reason. This is a definite must-try for anyone that enjoys Belgian beers.
BRC –
One of our favourites. We try others but this is one that we go back to. Lovely rich colour and flavour. If you like Gulden Draak or Goulden Carolus then you should try this. Even without the cool glass it’s a treat.
Tony Evans –
An amber beer with a rich, warm, rounded flavour. It has sweet undertones and a caramel finish This is one of my favourites. Best drunk out of the Kwak stirrup glass for extra fun.
Mark Gorman –
I have now ordered this on several occasions and will continue to do so. Not an overly complex beer but smooth, dark and tasty.
CATHERINE DIBBLE –
Great Service .Quick Delivery. Great Belgium Beers.
Colin –
One of my favourite Belgian beers. Rich warming flavours
Kris –
Stone cold classic Belgian – even better if you have a test tube to drink out of
Luke –
One of the best, no questions asked. I own two Kwak glasses (the wife broke my fav that came all the way from Bruges so we are now divorced, only joking!) – no other to drink the them. Blended with strong yet smooth tones, it is a legendary beer.
Chris H –
This is next level. One of the best Belgian ales I’ve tried. Smooth, with plenty of darker earthy notes but with an almost weissbier ‘banana-ry’ finish. Excellent.
Michael Horsley –
Another favourite Belgian beer, which I actually first drank in a restaurant in Paris, but never in the proper glass, and wooden holder…
Stuart Roach –
A stunning belgian beer. Almost exactly what you’re looking for when piecing together a perfect belgian… I just wish the bottle was bigger!
Matthew W –
Pours a clear brown-amber, brief beige fizzy head, minimal retention.
Aroma of pear, light berries, sweet malts, flora, biscuit.
Flavour highlights a good malt depth with moreish caramel and biscuit notes alongside some fruitiness, spice, yeast and a strong old bitter and alcohol kick in the finish.
Nice medium to full body, slick.
Not one of the most refined Belgium ales but it certainly is tasty.
Xavier Crepin –
One of my favorites beers in the world ! Bold and malty, full of flavours, and the special glass makes you ensured of talking around in the pub! What is that drink, tell me more about it !? Social success assured !
Brudacom –
As Belgian beers are as numerous as the hairs on my head this was on my list to try. What a funny little beer and I mean that in the nicest sense. Tasted like nothing I had ever experienced yet an amazing aroma, a great taste, full of flavour and a definite winner. Usually I don’t look past a good triple but this beer is really worth a try. Different but excellent.
Michael Sheehan –
This is possibly my favourite Belgian tipple and I have a couple of the proper coachman’s glasses to show it due respect when sharing it. (Unlike in Belgium, I don’t require my co-drinker to leave a shoe in a basket slung from the ceiling to ensure that he or she doesn’t leave with the glass) It’s warming and complex, has good mouth and, as advised on the bottle, is best served at about 7 or 8 degrees C so as not to lose the full spectrum of tastes due to chill. The finish is long and fruity without being overbearing. It’s a mellow, sipping drink and you just can’t help savouring it. If I want a rather special Belgian brew, this is my all-time favourite.
Chris Meechan –
Lovely Belgian Pale Ale. A high malt bill with flavours of toffee and orange with a lightly spiced dry finish