Character with a capital K

Hertog Jan is one of the bigger Dutch beer brands, owned by InBev and producing a variety of beers. I didn't get a chance to try any of them on my recent visit, but I did bring home a bottle of their Karakter speciaalbier. This is a strong red-amber ale with powerful forest fruit flavours: a little like a souped-up version of the Rodenbach beers. The 7.5% alcohol comes through in the flavour, and it could pass for more given its heady aroma and chewy texture. There is a smoothness at the end, though, suggesting that it isn't meant to be taken completely seriously. A character indeed.