Kleinbrouwerij De Glazen Toren is a small upstart brewery from the town of d’Erpe-Mere, Belgium starting their first year of operation only 7 years ago in 2004. At the moment they offer a small roster of beers, Saison d’Erpe-Mere being one of their most appreciated and heralded brews. An occasional rarity from the brewery, Saison d’Erpe-Mere Special Eindejaar is a souped up version of the company’s flagship brew.

Glazen Toren beers stand out in flavor as well as appearance on the shelf. Wrapped in tissue paper with the company’s logo colorfully printed about, this special saison was identified only by a small sticker on the wrapping. Open up the paper the bottle appears to be the standard d’Erpe Mere saison and not the Special version. An interesting quirk from a small brewery gaining global notoriety. Poured from a 750ml bottle, the beer has a great, sparkling gold color with a thin white head. The scent emitting from the glass and bottle is crisp and grassy with a slight sour, yeast smell. The first few sips of this saison offer a very crisp, dry mouthfeel with a clean, spiced flavor. Again, the sour yeast from the nose comes back in the finish of the beer. Making your way through a glass of the beer offers a growing bitter aftertaste that pleasantly spreads out as you finish your pour.

Saison d’Erpe Mere Special Eindejaar is a great take on the classic Belgian style. This beer comes with all the spices and crisp flavor we come to expect from the style but with a unique sour yeast flavor and a slightly higher ABV. Glazen Toren is a nice, small Belgian brewery worth checking out when the chance arises. I first encountered their beer on tap at a “tap takeover” but have since enjoyed searching for their beers in various bottle shops around the area. Look for tall, champagne bottles wrapped in colorful paper and you’re on the right track.

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