The Earldom of Yedegem was founded in Watou, Flanders in 1629 where they build a nice castle and shortly afterward constructed a fine brewery. Flanders, I am sure you know, is part of today's Belgium, which may lead you to believe that they know how to brew a good beer, and you would be right. 150 years later during the French Revolution rampaging French troops burned the castle, and the brewery to the ground. Bastards. Wisely, the family Yedegem ran off to England to avoid the guillotine. In 1820 the brewery was rebuilt by a local farmer, under the slogan "Revolt all you want, but we still need beer here." The brewery was then named "In de Gouden Leeuw" (In the Golden Lion). 1862, The Family Van Eecke became the new owners of the brewery by marriage, and started brewing top fermenting country ales.
The brewery created Hommelbier (hommel in the local dialect means hops) in 1981 specifically for a local festival and it was very well received. It's popularity has since spread far and wide and has won the brewery many awards for this magnificent beast.
I suggest that you look at the beer in the bottle before you even open it. Notice all of the goodies in suspension? They are going to add interest and flavor to your experience. The beer pours the color of honey and caramel and with a huge mushoom head that hangs around for a while. Be patient, enjoy the show of the tiny floating bits hanging around in the glass. The nose is of yeast and hops and a bit of fruit in the background. When you finally get to taste you will be blown away. Amazing flavors of yeast and a good deal of hops, but no overpowering bitterness. Slightly sweet, malty, bready and bitter ... balanced, perfect. Very refreshing and light considering the high alcohol content. Incredible beer, undoubtedly one of the best beers on the market and one of the best that I have had in a long while. Brouwerij Van Eecke
Douvieweg 2
Watou 8978 Belgium
http://www.hommelbier.be/en
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