Kwak is an unusual name, but above all, it’s a legendary Belgian beer brewed many years ago by brewer and tavern owner Pauwel Kwak. Considered one of the best Belgian amber beers, Kwak is best enjoyed in its iconic glass. When you see the coachman’s glass with its distinctive hourglass shape, you might wonder how to drink Kwak beer. This unique design was invented by Pauwel Kwak so the glass could stay securely on stagecoaches of the time.
However, before you enjoy it, you need to know how to serve it properly—no small feat with such an original glass.
How to serve Kwak beer perfectly
The ideal temperature
Before tasting any beer, whether it’s Kwak amber or another Belgian beer, always rinse your glass with water to remove any residue and ensure a clean surface for the bubbles to cling to.
If you’re using a 6-litre Kwak keg in your PerfectDraft Pro beer dispenser, set the temperature to around 6°C. This ensures your beer is cool but not too cold, allowing its aromas and flavors to shine. If your Philips PerfectDraft keeps beer at 3°C, don’t worry—simply pour your Kwak into the coachman’s glass and warm the glass between your hands. Remember, very cold beer is usually reserved for light, thirst-quenching beers with low alcohol content.
Since Kwak Ambrée from Bosteels Brewery has a relatively high alcohol content with rich aromatic notes, it’s best served cool but never too cold.
How to serve
Now that you’ve got the temperature right, it’s time to pour your beer.
Serving Kwak can be tricky if not done carefully, as a thick foam can easily form. To avoid this, tilt the glass while holding it firmly by the handle of the wooden stand. Pour gently until the lower part of the glass is filled. At this stage, a foam head of about 2 cm should form. Continue pouring slowly; the foam will rise, reaching about 7 cm once the glass is full and the head stabilizes. You now have the perfect pour!
Tasting Kwak
Your Kwak is ready, served in true Belgian style, just as recommended by Bosteels Brewery. All that’s left is to savor its unique aromas and flavors.
You have two options: you can remove the glass from its wooden stand or leave it in place. If you remove it, your beer may warm slightly, but returning it to the stand between sips will minimize this. If you choose to drink with the stand, simply hold it firmly by the handle and enjoy. The glass stays securely in place, reducing any risk of spills—just as it was designed to prevent spills on stagecoach journeys!
When you’ve finished, it’s time to wash your Kwak glass—though that’s a story for another time.
Whether you prefer amber, blonde, or red, explore the full range of Belgian Kwak beers. And if you love Belgian brews, discover Tripel Karmeliet from the same Bosteels Brewery—a strong, mysterious Belgian tripel still brewed with a secret recipe. Like Pauwel Kwak, enjoy these exceptional beers on tap with your PerfectDraft beer dispenser.
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