Borefts & Heritage hops
Finally it was here again: Borefts! It is one of the most famous beer festivals in the world - yes, you read it right, in the world - and the epicentre of innovative beers. Of course we were there, also to taste the 3 Borefts Specials with our Heritage hops.
World-famous
Borefts beer festival has been organised by Brouwerij de Molen since 2009. From day one, beer lovers from all over the world find their way to Bodegraven. This is partly due to the fact that De Molen has been among the top of beer rating sites such as Ratebeer with their daring and innovative beers since the beginning.
Bodegraven is locally known as Boreft [bor-ft], hence Borefts [bor-fts].
Brouwerij de Molen
Hollands Hophuis is one of De Molen Brewery's regular suppliers, which can be tasted, for example, in Fruit & Kruid in which Sorachi Ace plays a prominent role. Around this partnership, De Molen's master brewer Jan Willem den Hartog discovered our line of Heritage hops that made his brewer's heart beat faster. Unique hops with a history, perfect for Borefts beer festival.
During Borefts 2022 they were launched, the 3 beers with Heritage hops in the spotlight. A beautiful and above all delicious moment, read more about them below.
One & a Bullion 9% - Triple IPA with Bullion hops
An IPA on double steroids is how you could describe a triple IPA. The higher alcohol content helps in extracting as much aromatic hop-oil as possible, and that was there to taste! Bullion is bursting with citrus aromas, the difference is made with hints of blackcurrant, peach and a nice herbal touch. It all comes out beautifully in One & a Bullion.
Groene Bel & Tripèl 9% - Triple with Groene Belle hops
Groene Bel calls for a Belgian beer type and that is something we can describe as innovative at Borefts, which has become big on IPAs, Stouts and Sours. And brewing a really good tripel is quite a challenge that De Molen obviously doesn't shy away from. The spicy flavour profile of Groene Bel fits a triple like a glove. No banging hops, rather subtle so it balances perfectly with the rest of the beer, just as you expect from a good tripel.
Maart & Staart 5.3% - Märzen Keller with Rottenburger Spät hops
This is probably the best story, because Rottenburger Spät is one of those hops that at first you understand very well that it was almost gone, because very low in alpha acid and herbal in aroma. The latter makes all the difference, however, as menthol, cedar, wood, pine and green pepper are unique specific aromas.
A traditional German beer type is almost as innovative at Borefts as a tripel. In this case, we are talking about an unfiltered, bottom-fermenting beer. The caramelised malt adds flavour and colour. Not a hop bomb -that does not fit within the beer style at all- but as so often, the hops do make a difference.
Wanna taste?
We thoroughly enjoyed Borefts again and, of course, the beers with the Heritage hops! Fortunately, the beers can still be tasted after Borefts, to be ordered via the Molen Brewery's webshop.