Grand Cru is really a term from the world of wine - the best grapes from the best vineyards. De Molen borrows the term for a beer that lives up to the name.
Expert description of De Molen Barrel Aged Grand Cru Edition 2023
Grand Cru Edition 2023 is a barrel-aged, Belgian-inspired Grand Cru at 10.4% from the Dutch brewery De Molen. The style draws on the classic Belgian Grand Cru tradition - a full-bodied, complex beer with round malt sweetness, spiced yeast character and a deep, warm alcohol profile, enhanced by the barrel ageing's addition of vanilla, dried fruit and a lightly oxidative, sherry-like depth.
De Molen is a Dutch brewery from Bodegraven, founded in 2004 by Menno Olivier and named after the historic windmill "De Arkduif" from 1697, where the brewery is based. De Molen is known internationally for intense, boundary-pushing specialty beers and an ambitious barrel-ageing programme - but the brewery ceased production on 1 October 2025, making these bottles part of the last vintages it will ever brew.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Dried fruit, caramel and spiced yeast notes, with a hint of sherry and vanilla from the barrel ageing.
Taste
Full-bodied and complex with dark fruit, caramel and spice, carried by a warm, round alcohol profile.
Finish
Long, sweet and warm with lingering notes of dried fruit and barrel.
Specifications
Name: Grand Cru Edition 2023
Brewery: De Molen
Country/Region: Netherlands
Beer style: Grand Cru (Barrel Aged)
ABV: 10.4%
Size: 33 CL
Malt: Barley malt
Allergens: Gluten (barley)
Best before: 09/11/2027
EAN: 8717624425943
Serving suggestion: 10-14°C in a wide tulip glass or snifter
Flavour Profile
Sweet · Spiced · Barrel-aged · Complex
Did You Know?
The term "Grand Cru" originally comes from French wine classification, but has over the years been borrowed by several Belgian and international breweries to mark their most ambitious, barrel-aged releases - exactly as De Molen does here.
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