My Personal Love Letter to a Beer with Character
Yeah, this cool beer jumped out of my xmas beer calendar and was crying to be tested.
What should I do? I decided to drink it.
Plus, I got some extra knowledge as I now understand the different meaning of IPA and IPA.
Hey Hive Family
an different IPA from Belgium
so, let us travel the world again
The Beer and the Taste
Let’s be honest: with a name like Hop Verdamme, my expectations were already sky high, and this beer did not disappoint. At 7.5% ABV, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s not a knockout punch either.
The first sip hit me like a tropical fruit bomb: mango and pineapple bursting through, followed by a bold kick of citrus. Just when I thought it might be too sweet, the hops stepped in to balance everything out.
The finish is dry, pleasantly bitter, and leaves a bittersweet aftertaste that practically demands another sip. Yes, Hop Verdamme had me hooked from the start.
hop hop hurray
What really sets this beer apart is its "triple hop strategy". Yes, triple!
Nothing is left to chance here: classic hopping in the boil, whirlpool hopping, and finally, a generous dose of dry hopping.
The result? A hop aroma so vivid and intense, it’s like biting straight into a fresh hop cone. But what truly impressed me was how they incorporated Belgian brewing tradition. It’s not a blunt hop bomb but an aromatic symphony. For me, this is craft beer mastery at its finest, almost poetic in execution.
The cool Cover
Let’s be real: who could walk past a bottle that looks like Hop Verdamme? The label is wild, loud, and cheeky—just like the beer. A quirky hop thief grins at me as if to say,
picture by wikimedia
“So, you dare?” The combination of vibrant orange and bold green is anything but subtle, and that’s exactly why I love it. It practically screams, “I’m different, I’m special!”
And yes, I use a photo of it before opening. Sometimes, packaging really does make all the difference. Finally this cover picture made me laught and smile.
picture by sheltonbrothers.com
Did you got the different IPA message?
The Brewery
Hop Verdamme comes from the small but charming Brouwerij Kerkom, nestled in the picturesque Wallonia region. I haven’t been there myself, but the stories I’ve heard about the brewery are enough to get me excited. A tiny family-run operation that pours more passion into a single beer than some big-name breweries put into their entire portfolio. And the village? Supposedly so idyllic that even the local baker enjoys a freshly poured beer at the counter. They don’t just brew beer - NO - they live it.
See more details about the brewery at https://www.brouwerijkerkom.be/en
My Verdict
Hop Verdamme isn’t just a beer; it’s an experience.
It’s got character, charm, and that cheeky little edge that sticks with you. For me, it’s one of those beers where, after the first glass, you think, “I need to tell all my friends about this.” And that’s exactly what I’m doing now. Cheers my community of worldwide beerlovers!
Sadly, I missed doing pictures with the beer in the glas as I was busy with drinking & tasting and smiling.
Have a great day everybody
and let us travel the world again
pic by @detlev
Enjoy the #BeerSaturday
have 3 pics and a story
around beer - and go!
@Detlev loves HIVE
All beer is good beer my friend.
Let's say I can agree to at least 99% as I had a few "non drinkable" beers lately.
Happens when you are out for testing new stuff - they where way to bitter and sour or just over the drinkable age.
We need to meet again and have a !BEER
For sure - I have an idea in mind for late january
Cheers! If I had the chance, I would try it. Happy New Year, and many more beers and pins! 😎🍻
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