Affligem, a Flemish Abbey with roots to brewing that span
over 800 years, stopped producing beer at the abbey after their
brew-house was destroyed in WWII. Now the beers are produced at
the neighboring Brouwerij de Smedt under the direct supervision
of the Benedictine Friars of the Affligem Abbey.
Pater's Vat
Affligem's most recent beer formulation, Pater's Vat is a
brew that is closer to a Belgian Strong Ale than the other beers
offered by this brewery. A holiday ale, this beer is a nice hazy
gold with tons of live yeast still in the bottle. If you purchase
a bottle of Pater's Vat, treat it with care. As with a fine wine,
this beer needs at least a week in a stationary position to let
the solids settle to the bottom, and then it needs to be properly
decanted into a serving carafe (stoneware pitchers are traditional,
but anything will do). Only then is it ready to be served.
The Pater's Vat is so drinkable that it's practically dangerous
if you are a lover of fine beers. The taste falls somewhere between
a Golden Strong (like Duvel) and a classic American Pale Ale:
very malty with a pronounced hop astringency... but to simply
leave the description at that does an extreme disservice to the
beer. Pater's Vat also has the mild candy-sweetness found in traditional
abbey ales, and the sourness that one would find in a Belgian
Witbeer (like Hoegaarden). The flavors run from orange to honey
to a light peppery finish. A definite beer to search out and to
purchase by the case, this beer will be drinkable for years if
stored properly.
(Avery Glasser)