hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Columbus

Netherlands·Belgian Strong Golden Ale
Tap to rate

Slightly sweet at the start, with malty aromas of chocolate, fruit and grain, and bitter hops that stand out in the aftertaste: this copper-gold amber beer runs at 9%. Generous amounts of malt and hops build its full flavour. Currently it is only on tap at Proeflokaal De Molen, and the brewery lists it among its limited editions.

ABV
9%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
amber10
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltychocolatehoppy
malty
chocolate
hoppy
fruity
spicy
bready
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced malty sweetness layered beneath dark chocolate and grain notes that reflect the beer's substantial malt bill.
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Columbus

◎ Appearance

Columbus presents a copper-gold amber hue with excellent clarity and a well-defined copper sheen. The head builds generously and maintains firm retention, with a fine lacing pattern that clings to the glass as the beer is consumed. Carbonation is evident but restrained, contributing to a refined visual presentation.

copper-goldclearpersistent headfine lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced malty sweetness layered beneath dark chocolate and grain notes that reflect the beer's substantial malt bill. Complementary fruit esters add complexity—dried stone fruit and light spice emerge as the beer warms. Edel hops contribute a measured herbaceous backdrop without dominating the aromatic profile.

chocolatedried fruitgrain sweetnessherbal hops

◐ Taste

The palate enters with a clean malty foundation that carries notes of chocolate and breadiness before pivoting toward assertive hop bitterness in the mid-palate. The full body supports the interplay of rich malt character and bitter finish, while residual sweetness prevents the beer from becoming austere. Spice and faint dryness round out the middle phases.

full-bodiedbitter-forwardmalty backbonebalanced sweetness

◑ Finish

The finish is dominated by persistent bitter hops that linger cleanly on the palate without harshness, gradually fading to reveal a dry, grainy undertone. The aftertaste holds for several minutes, leaving a refined bitterness and subtle chocolate memory.

long bitter finishdry aftertaste
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
85
Appearance
80
Finish
78
Serve at 9–12°C

Warmer than most — 12–14°C. The fruity esters, spice and warming alcohol need room to breathe.

Goblet

The wide mouth and heavy base promote head formation and channel rich aromatics toward the nose. Traditional for Belgian strong ales.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Columbus

More from Brouwerij 't IJ

't Gouden IJ
't Gouden IJ
Blonde Ale
6.8%·Mild
Find matches →
't IJ IPA
't IJ IPA
IPA
6.5%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Blondie
Blondie
Blonde Ale
5.8%·Mild
Find matches →
Calypso
Calypso
Session IPA
4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Free IPA
Free IPA
Alcohol-Free IPA
0.5%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
IJbok
IJbok
Bock
6.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
IJndejaars
IJndejaars
Winter Warmer
9%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
IJwit
IJwit
Witbier
6.5%·Mild
Find matches →

About Belgian Strong Golden Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale?

Belgian Strong Golden Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Belgian Strong Golden Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same bitter, malty, chocolate character as Columbus will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →