Seefbier

Here’s one that’s apparently drawing some attention in Antwerp these days, smuggled out to me by a resident of that great city a month or so ago.

Seefbier is a new beer in a sense, given that it was only launched in March, but it’s also an old beer, brewed to an original Antwerp recipe. The marketing plays heavily on this tradition, and the label sports a retro theme: the back-story has been emphasised in videos and elsewhere by founder of the Antwerpese Brouw Compagnie, Johan Van Dyck, formerly the marketing director at Duvel Moortgat, and I suppose one of the brains behind the great resuscitation of the Vedett brand there.

It’s undoubtedly clever from the promotions side, but how does the beer actually taste?

In short, I find it good, but not outstanding. It’s reasonable enough -- wheaty fizz with a citrus edge -- but it’s just a touch too sweet for me. Honey sweetness. Is that really the flavour of old? I was looking for more bitterness to balance out the overall taste.

In any case, I was happy to give it a try. Thanks, Róisín!