Yeah the Xmas beer calendar is back

My family really loves me so much that I got again a lovely calendar with so many beers.

This calendar is so simple but so cool. Just a big box filled with hay and 24 different bottles of great beer.

0The story of today

It was the ninth day of December, and as a proud Belgian beer lover, my excitement was palpable as I opened the door of my Christmas beer calendar. Each day felt like a small gift from the brewing gods, and today, as I reached into the box padded with soft hay, my fingers brushed against a cool bottle with a mysterious label:

Thick Mathile or Dikke Mathile

Hey Hive Family
I found a Thick Mathile
so let us travel the world again

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Thick Mathile: A Belgian Discovery

Carefully, I unearthed it from its nest, appreciating the rustic charm of the presentation. The bottle had a traditional, unassuming elegance that hinted at something crafted with care and history.

The label revealed the beer's story — an amber ale brewed with an intriguing combination of Poperinge hops, Hallertauer hops, and a touch of candy sugar.

My curiosity deepened.

A Taste of Thick Mathile

I popped the cap with reverence, pouring the beer into my favorite glass from my tripple carmelit beer.

It cascaded smoothly, forming a rich, creamy head that lingered just long enough to release a tantalizing aroma of malt sweetness and floral hops. The beer gleamed a warm copper in the light, perfectly matching its amber style.

Taking the first sip, I was greeted with a delightful balance of caramel malt and subtle bitterness.

The Gentemacet Munich malt brought depth and a slightly nutty flavor, while the amber notes provided a touch of toasted bread and honey.

The dual hop combination added complexity, with the Poperinge hops contributing a spicy, earthy undertone, and the Hallertauer hops enhancing it with soft, herbal nuances. The candy sugar rounded it all off with a light, almost velvety sweetness.

The Brewery Behind the Brew

Thick Mathile is crafted by Brouwerij Strubbe, a storied Belgian brewery located in the charming village of Ichtegem which is south of Brugge and Oostend.

With a history that dates back to 1830, Brouwerij Strubbe is a family-owned brewery that has become a cornerstone of Belgian beer heritage. Known for its deep-rooted commitment to traditional brewing methods, the brewery also prides itself on blending innovation with authenticity.

^{Picture by Brouwerij Strubbe}

The Strubbe family has passed down its expertise through generations, maintaining a strong connection to local ingredients and time-honored techniques. Their beers often reflect the unique character of Ichtegem, a village known for its beer culture and picturesque countryside. Brouwerij Strubbe is especially renowned for its range of ales and Flemish red-brown beers, which embody the richness and complexity of Belgian brewing traditions.

Thick Mathile is a testament to their mastery and a perfect balance of craft and creativity.

^{Picture by Brouwerij Strubbe}

The Style and Legacy

Amber ales like Thick Mathile are quintessential in Belgium, known for their versatility and rich flavor profile. They’re less heavy than a dubbel but more complex than a pilsner, making them the perfect choice for a chilly winter evening like today.

As I sat back, savoring each sip, I felt grateful for this moment of discovery. Thick Mathile had transformed an ordinary December evening into an experience—one that reminded me of why I love Belgian beer: its ability to tell a story, celebrate craftsmanship, and bring a little magic into the everyday. Knowing it came from the heart of Brouwerij Strubbe made it even more special and finally a true taste of Belgium's brewing excellence.

Yeah - I know you folx

Hey, tell me how Mathile looks from the other side

Here we go. The label says

Dikke Mathile
Dit amberkdeurig gefiherd bier van hop piating werd speciaal gebrouwen net utgelezen ingredientes: Zeiver wia.
Gentemcet. Munich mout, Ambré nou.
50% Poperingue en 50% Hallertaser aromahop, kandisuiker.

Schenken aan 5° à 8° C
Best before: soe cap
25cl Alcobol 6.0% Vol

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The label

Its name and original label were inspired by the "Dikke Mathile" statue, officially known as "De Zee," created by sculptor Georges Grard. This statue, a significant cultural symbol in Ostend, depicts a reclining female figure and is affectionately called "Dikke Mathile" by locals.

Initially, the beer's label featured an image of this statue, designed by Ostend artist Redgy Van Troost. However, due to copyright issues raised by the artist's heirs, Brouwerij Strubbe had to alter the label. The current label now showcases a different artwork, specifically a sculpture by the grandson of Constant Permeke, another renowned Belgian artist.

^{Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dikke_Mathile}

This change reflects the brewery's respect for intellectual property rights while maintaining a connection to Belgian art heritage. Despite the label modification, the beer continues to honor its roots, with its name paying homage to the iconic Ostend statue.

^{Picture by biernet.nl}

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The name

"Dikke Mathille," officially titled "De Zee" ("The Sea"), is a renowned bronze sculpture in Ostend, Belgium. Created in 1954 by Belgian sculptor Georges Grard, the artwork depicts a voluptuous, reclining nude female figure, embodying the opulence and sensuality of the sea.

Originally, "De Zee" adorned the Kursaal Casino's façade. However, in 1963, it was relocated to a fountain on Leopold II laan, near Leopold Park, where it became a beloved city landmark.

The affectionate nickname "Dikke Mathille" reflects the locals' endearment toward the statue.

In 2023, the sculpture underwent restoration to address weather-induced wear. Post-restoration, discussions arose about returning it to its original Kursaal location. However, public sentiment favored its existing placement, leading to its reinstallation at the Leopold II-laan site in March 2024.

"Dikke Mathille" stands as a cultural emblem of Ostend, symbolizing the city's artistic heritage and the enduring connection between its residents and the sea.

^{Picture by hln.be}

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Have a great day everybody
and let us travel the world again

^{pic by @detlev}

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Enjoy the #BeerSaturday
have 3 pics and a story
around beer - and go!

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^{@Detlev loves HIVE}

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