Duvel – A Devilishly Good Brew

Nestled in the heart of Belgium, Duvel Moortgat Brewery stands as a testament to brewing excellence and innovation. Established in 1871 by Jan-Léonard Moortgat and his wife Maria De Block in the village of Puurs, the brewery has remained under family stewardship, now helmed by the fourth generation. Over the years, Duvel Moortgat has grown from a local operation into an international name, with its beers enjoyed in over sixty countries worldwide.

The Birth of a Legend – Duvel

The brewery’s flagship beer, Duvel, has an origin story as distinctive as its taste. Originally named “Victory Ale” to commemorate the end of World War I, it was later rechristened “Duvel”—Flemish for “devil”—after a local taster described it as “a real devil of a beer,” likely referencing its potent 8.5% ABV. This Belgian strong pale ale is renowned for its golden hue, fine carbonation, and a subtle bitterness balanced by a delicate sweetness. Brewed with Pilsner malt, dextrose, and noble hops like Saaz and Styrian Goldings, Duvel undergoes bottle refermentation, resulting in its signature effervescence and creamy head. In 2023, UK excise duty changes came into play, with duty increases on all beers that have an ABV of 8.5% and over. This is the reason Duvel now has an ABV of 8.4%.

Expanding the Portfolio

Duvel Moortgat’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its diverse beer offerings:

• Duvel Tripel Hop Citra: Initially introduced as a limited edition, this variant became a permanent fixture due to popular demand. By adding Citra hops from the Yakima Valley, it offers vibrant citrus aromas and a refreshing bitterness, elevating the classic Duvel profile to new hoppy heights.
• Duvel 6.66%: Launched to celebrate the brewery’s 150th anniversary, this beer is a more approachable take on the original. With an ABV of 6.66%, it combines six hop varieties and a touch of orange zest, resulting in a fruity, mildly aromatic brew with a gentle bitterness and a naturally hazy appearance.
• Duvel Imperial Blond: First brewed in 2025, Duvel Imperial Blond is the new strong blond beer by this Belgian brewery. It is a limited edition beer, very similar to their original Duvel but with an added punch – stronger, slightly darker in colour and with more malt.
• Duvel Single Fermented: A 6.8% ABV Belgian Golden Ale that undergoes a single fermentation process. Packaged in 500ml cans, it offers a more accessible version of the classic Duvel, with a lighter body and a smooth, balanced flavour.
• Duvel Barrel Aged: This limited edition series sees Duvel aged in various barrels, such as Irish whiskey casks, imparting smoky notes of oak, vanilla, and a hint of peat to the beer’s profile.
• Maredsous Abbey Ales: Brewed under license from the monks of Maredsous Abbey since 1963, this range includes:
  • Maredsous Blonde (6% ABV): A bright, slightly hazy ale with notes of banana, bubblegum, and a hint of spice. Its soft maltiness and gentle hop finish make it a delightful session beer.
  • Maredsous Brune (8% ABV): A rich, dark ale offering caramel and toffee flavours, balanced by a subtle bitterness.
  • Maredsous Tripel (10% ABV): A robust, golden ale with complex layers of honeyed sweetness, spice, and a warming alcohol finish.
• Vedett: Originally introduced in 1945, Vedett has been revitalized as a trendy, urban brand. Its crisp, clean profile and modern branding appeal to a younger demographic seeking a refreshing pilsner experience. This beer range includes:

• Vedett Extra Pilsner (5% ABV):  Vedett Extra Blond has been brewed by Duvel Moortgat since 1945. It has recently been rebranded as Vedett Extra Pilsner.
• Vedett Extra Ordinary IPA (5.5% ABV): Vedett Extra Ordinary IPA is made using Simcoe and Cascade hops and then dry hopped with Centennial and Chinook. It’s a great beer to drink with spicy food.
• Vedett Extra White (4.7% ABV): A refreshing, unfiltered beer made from natural ingredients, such as wheat, hops, coriander and dried orange peel. In 2017, Vedett Extra White was awarded a gold medal at the World Beer Awards for the category of “World’s Best Belgian Style Wit Beer”. In 2024, it was awarded a bronze medal at the World Beer Awards.

• De Koninck: An amber beer that is produced from the finest malt, hops, yeast and crystal clear water.

•  Liefmans: Liefmans Fruitesse and Kriek Brut are two fruit flavoured Belgian beers brewed at Duvel Moortgat.

• Chouffe: Brasserie D’Achouffe falls under the Duvel Moortgat umbrella and there’s a range of Chouffe beers available – La Chouffe and Cherry Chouffe being the two most common.