On Monday, September 20, Hertog Jan launches the fifth edition of its acclaimed Grand Prestige Vatgerijpt. Limited to just 38,000 bottles, this specialty beer has matured for months in carefully selected wooden barrels previously used for Portuguese wines. The result? Subtle sweet notes that enhance the beer's signature character without overpowering it. Last year's Scotch whisky barrel-aged edition sold out in under 30 minutes.
This year's release spent 12 months maturing in barrels from four renowned Portuguese regions: Port Tawny, Moscatel, Madeira, and Aguardente. Hertog Jan's expert brewers have infused the Limburg brew with authentic Portuguese nuances, yielding four distinct flavors—from the fresh, slightly tart Moscatel aromas to the woody caramel notes of Madeira, the full-bodied warmth of Aguardente, and the red fruit and chocolate hints of Port Tawny.
Master brewer Gerard van den Broek shares: "After setting a high bar with last year's Scotch whisky series, we explored Portuguese wines and discovered a fascinating contrast: sweet elements that don't taste overtly sweet. This inspired us to refine these flavors." Brewer Micha Peute adds: "Pairing beer with Portuguese wines is bold, but we preserved Grand Prestige's essence. The wines' sweetness complements rather than dominates, delivering surprising richness and fruitiness. We've crafted a true Paradox of Sweet."
Marking the fifth edition of Grand Prestige Vatgerijpt, this series began when master brewer Gerard van den Broek noted how the beer's flavors evolved beautifully with extended aging. In 2016, he pioneered maturation in Bourbon County Stout barrels, sparking further experiments with whisky, jenever, bourbon, and cognac casks.
Grand Prestige Vatgerijpt 2021 launches Monday, September 20, at 12 noon via Hertog Jan's online brewery shop. Each 75cl bottle with tasting glass is €25; a set of four flavors is €100. Act fast—last year's edition vanished in 30 minutes.
