Description

Hapkin is a strong Belgian blond from Brouwerij Lefebvre, named after a medieval Count of Flanders and marked with his crossed battle-axes. Its glass is about as clean an example of the Belgian tulip as you will find: a round bowl that narrows, then flares back out at the rim, on a short sturdy stem.

That double curve is the point. The narrowing gathers the aroma of a strong blond, all ripe fruit, spice and alcohol warmth, into a small space above the beer; the flare holds up the head and delivers that aroma as you tilt the glass. Strong golden ales like this one are at their best slightly warmer than fridge-cold, so hold the stem rather than the bowl.

33cl, sold as a single glass. It suits any Belgian strong blond or tripel just as well.