Last Friday, another successful edition of our Shock Specialty Beer Night was held! A beer sommelier, a wide selection of beers, delicious snacks, and a large group of beer enthusiasts made for a top evening that is definitely worth repeating.
A Good Start to the Beer Night
Before the tasting really got underway, it was important to first lay a solid foundation. After all, what’s a beer night without something tasty to munch on? Everyone was treated to a delicious burger with crispy fries, a perfect complement to the beers to come.
Of course, you don’t taste beer from just any glass. That’s why everyone received their own Shock tasting glass. The design of the glass ensured that the aromas came into their own, making the tasting even better. Each glass featured the Shock logo, a fun memento of the evening. With glass in hand, everyone was ready for the evening to begin!
The Tasting: Beers and Judging
Time to start the most important part of the evening: the tasting! Everyone was curious to find out which beer was the tastiest, so we set up a proper scoring system. For each beer, everyone received a score sheet to rate different aspects of the beer from 0-5: appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, and finish. This way, everyone not only tasted but also analyzed, giving each beer a fair shot to stand out.
Our very own beer sommelier, Erik, was ready to introduce each beer. With a fitting outfit, he ensured that each beer tasting was not only fun but also educational! His enthusiasm and knowledge gave the evening extra flair.
Below, we’ll take you through the special selection of beers we tasted that evening:
Beer 1: Insel Kreide
A unique wheat beer from Germany, brewed with chalk from the island of Rügen. This beer has a mineral freshness, a hint of the sea, and is perfect to kick off the evening. It’s wrapped in paper that protects the beer from sunlight and optimizes its flavor.
Score: 14 out of 20
Beer 2: Martin’s White IPA
A Belgian and American fusion of wheat beer and IPA. It combines the fresh spices of wheat beer with the hoppy punch of an IPA. Inspired by Belgian traditions, but with an American twist. Flavorful with coriander, orange peel, and tropical hoppiness.
Score: 9 out of 20
Beer 3: Abbaye d’Aulne Blonde 6
This Belgian abbey beer has a long history dating back to the 7th century. It has a subtle sweetness, a light malt base, and a spicy touch from Belgian yeast. Its soft, refined character makes it ideal for lovers of elegance in a glass.
Score: 12 out of 20
Beer 4: Westvleteren Blond (2024)
A legendary Trappist beer, brewed in small quantities by the monks of the Sint-Sixtus Abbey. With notes of soft malt, light fruitiness, and a subtle bitterness, it’s an exclusive and refined experience. The beer is only available at the abbey, making it extra special.
Score: 13 out of 20
Beer 5: Finback Oscillation 038
This IPA from New York comes from the experimental Oscillation series by Finback Brewery. It has tropical aromas of mango and citrus, with a subtle hint of pine. The artwork on the can reflects the playful and creative nature of the brewery. Refreshing and adventurous.
Score: 13 out of 20
Beer 6: Vanilla Queen
A decadent experience with the queen of spices: vanilla. Brewed with real vanilla beans, this beer offers a luxurious flavor experience. The creamy texture and long finish make it like a liquid dessert, perfect for a special occasion.
Score: 14 out of 20
Beer 7: Noordt Bourbon Bok
This rich, spicy bock beer is aged in bourbon barrels, giving it subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It offers a complex, warming flavor experience, perfect for an autumn evening. Brewery Noordt combines craftsmanship and innovation in this unique beer.
Score: 12 out of 20
Beer 8: Eggens Quadrupel (2023)
A robust quadrupel from the Groningen-based brewery Eggens. This beer boasts rich notes of caramel, dried fruit, and a hint of chocolate, with a light boozy finish. It combines traditional craft with a modern twist, perfect for those who love complex flavors.
Score: 13 out of 20
Beer 9: Kasteel Bruin-Brune (2009)
A vintage beer that has aged for 15 years and is now at its peak. It has a deep, almost wine-like flavor, with notes of caramel, raisins, and a hint of port. Kasteel Bruin is one of the showpieces of Brewery Van Honsebrouck and provides a majestic end to the evening.
Score: 18 out of 20
After each beer, the scores were collected and tallied on the scoreboard. The beer that scored the highest, and thus was the tastiest beer of the night, turned out to be Kasteel Bruin-Brune! This vintage beer was clearly a favorite and the perfect way to end the evening.
The Evening Went On For a Long Time
But the evening didn’t end after the tasting! The atmosphere remained lively, and there were long conversations about the different beers we had tasted.
Would you like to join one of our beer tastings or one of our other fun activities next time? Then take a look at our current job openings. We always welcome new enthusiastic beer lovers, so who knows, maybe we’ll see you next time!
