Gulden Draak Imperial Stout 750ML

Gulden Draak Imperial Stout 750ML is a Belgian imperial stout brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge at 12.0% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It earned a 91-point score on BeerAdvocate, reflecting its reputation as one of Belgium's more compelling high-gravity dark ales—a beer that blurs the line between imperial stout and quadrupel in both body and character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.0%  |  Origin: East Flanders, Belgium  |  Style: Imperial Stout  |  Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge

Production & Heritage

Brouwerij Van Steenberge was founded in 1784 in Ertvelde, East Flanders, and remains one of Belgium's oldest independent family breweries. The Imperial Stout expression gets its distinctive roasted character from caramelized malt produced exclusively for this beer, a step that separates it from the original Gulden Draak dark triple. A secondary fermentation in the bottle balances the higher alcohols inherent at 12% ABV, contributing to a smoother, more integrated drinking experience than many beers at this strength.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Banana and dark chocolate rise first, followed by layers of dried fruit and a faint caramel sweetness. The roasted malt asserts itself subtly underneath, lending depth without becoming acrid.

Taste: The entry is rich and malt-forward, with dark chocolate and brown sugar coating the palate immediately. At mid-palate, dried fruit and coffee emerge, building toward a dry, deliberate bitterness. A light licorice note threads through the peak, complementing rather than competing with the sweetness.

Finish: Long and smooth, with roasted malt and residual cocoa bitterness lingering well after each sip. The hop character stays restrained throughout, letting the malt complexity close things out cleanly.

How to Drink Gulden Draak Imperial Stout

Serve at cellar temperature—around 50–55°F (10–13°C)—in a tulip glass or Belgian goblet to concentrate the aromas. Pouring slowly from the 750ml bottle allows the secondary fermentation sediment to remain at the bottom for a cleaner pour, though some drinkers prefer to swirl the last ounce and add it for extra body.

For beer-based cocktails, the Imperial Stout's intensity and sweetness make it surprisingly versatile: a Stout Float pairs it with vanilla ice cream, where the chocolate and coffee notes create something resembling an adult affogato; a Black Velvet splits it with dry sparkling wine for a rich, effervescent contrast; and a Stout Flip (egg, sugar, and nutmeg shaken with the beer) highlights its brown sugar and dried fruit characteristics.

Best For

• Sharing with friends during a winter tasting session focused on high-gravity Belgian ales
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates bottle-conditioned Belgian brewing
• Pairing with a rich dessert course at a dinner party
• Cellaring for one to three years to explore how the flavors evolve

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gulden Draak Imperial Stout taste like? It leads with dark chocolate and brown sugar, developing into dried fruit, coffee, and a subtle licorice note, all balanced by a dry bitterness and smooth, malt-rich body. The 12% ABV is well-integrated thanks to bottle-conditioned secondary fermentation.

How does Gulden Draak Imperial Stout compare to the original Gulden Draak? The original Gulden Draak is a Belgian dark triple at 10.5% ABV with a brighter, more fruity-spicy profile, while the Imperial Stout is darker, heavier, and dominated by roasted and caramelized malt character. Many reviewers note the Imperial Stout drinks closer to a Belgian quadrupel than a classic imperial stout, with massive sweet malt presence.

Is Gulden Draak Imperial Stout good for sipping neat? Absolutely—its complexity and smooth secondary fermentation make it an excellent slow-sipper, best enjoyed at cellar temperature in a tulip glass to appreciate the full aroma and evolving palate.

Where is Gulden Draak Imperial Stout made? It is brewed at Brouwerij Van Steenberge in Ertvelde, East Flanders, Belgium, a family-owned brewery that has been operating since 1784.

What foods pair well with Gulden Draak Imperial Stout? Dark chocolate truffles mirror the cocoa and coffee notes; aged Gouda or Gruyère stands up to the malt intensity; braised short ribs complement the dried fruit and caramel; blue cheese plays off the dry bitterness; and crème brûlée echoes the brown sugar sweetness.

What sizes does Gulden Draak Imperial Stout come in? It is commonly available in 750ml and 330ml bottles, with the larger format being the traditional Belgian sharing size for bottle-conditioned ales.

Is Gulden Draak Imperial Stout worth the price? It positions as a premium Belgian craft offering within the imperial stout category, and its 91-point BeerAdvocate score, bottle-conditioned production, and 750ml format represent solid value relative to comparable high-gravity Belgian ales.

Why Gulden Draak Imperial Stout?

What distinguishes this beer is its use of a proprietary caramelized malt roasted exclusively for this expression—a production choice that gives it a roasted depth uncommon among Belgian stouts and a flavor profile that reviewers frequently describe as straddling the line between imperial stout and quadrupel. Brouwerij Van Steenberge's 240-year brewing heritage and commitment to bottle-conditioned secondary fermentation ensure the 12% ABV integrates gracefully rather than overwhelming the palate. The 91-point BeerAdvocate score and nearly 50,000 Untappd ratings confirm broad critical and consumer approval. For drinkers who want a Belgian dark ale with genuine roasted malt backbone and enough complexity to reward slow, deliberate attention, this is a compelling bottle to open.