Rutte Ripening Beer Challenge

At vandeStreek bier, we know how to handle wooden barrels. Our Barrel Collab series revolves around craftsmanship, balance, and adventure in the barrel. So when Rutte invited us for their Maturing Beer Challenge, we didn't have to think twice.

Top-class Gin Barrels

The barrels provided by Rutte are not just any barrels. For ten years, they held their 10 Year Barrel Aged gin, carrying malt wine, grain, herbs, and American oak in perfect harmony. When we received the barrels, we knew immediately: this wood is gold. The smell, the color, the humidity… everything was perfect.

Our Flanders Style Red in Rutte Barrels

For our Barrel Collab series, we brewed a Flanders Style Red with De Magistraat. This went into the barrels precisely when the Rutte barrels arrived. That's why we let this beer rest in these beauties. It's a complex, slightly sour red beer with notes of cherry, oak, and caramel. The Rutte barrels now add an extra layer: soft vanilla, spicy maltiness, and a subtle gin herb that brings everything together.

Gin × Beer = Pure Dutch Magic

For us, this is the ultimate cross-pollination of two crafts that reinforce each other. The elegance of gin, the boldness of beer, and the depth of wood. The maturation is in full swing, and believe us: this will be one you won't stop talking about anytime soon.

Order the beer here in the webshop!