About This Beer
Kerel Kaishaku is not your average Belgian ale — it’s a high-concept, ultra-strong beer that pushes boundaries while maintaining impeccable balance. Brewed by VBDCK, a revitalised Belgian brewery known for innovation, this 15% ABV powerhouse is inspired by Japanese sake in both name and character. The word “Kaishaku” refers to the assistant in traditional Japanese ritual suicide, hinting at the beer’s potent strength and ritualistic approach to drinking. This is not a beer for casual sipping — it’s a meditative, slow-drinking masterpiece.
Its deep amber hue, robust malt base, and sake-like elegance make it one of the most unique beers in the craft beer Ireland landscape. With strong notes of toffee, baked fruit, and light umami, it offers a smooth yet complex tasting journey that evolves as the beer warms. If you’re building a cellar of world-class craft beer, this bottle belongs in it.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Deep amber with a slight haze and a short, off-white head that dissipates quickly.
Aroma: Rich aromas of caramelised sugar, dried apricots, plum, and subtle herbal notes with a whiff of warming alcohol.
Flavour: Intense malt sweetness balanced by earthy bitterness, dark fruit, sake-like alcohol warmth, and a savoury edge.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied, silky, and gently carbonated, with a long, warming finish reminiscent of fine liqueurs.
Looking to expand your collection with more rare styles? Explore our Other Beer Styles range for Barleywine, Dark Mild, Wheat Wine and more.
About the Brewery
Kerel is the flagship label of VBDCK Brewery, a historic Belgian name brought back to life by the Verbeeck-Back family in 2016. Based in Tielrode, the brewery’s approach blends modern design with daring, unconventional recipes. Kerel beers are crafted for a new generation of craft beer lovers who appreciate tradition but crave innovation. From wild-fermented saisons to sake-inspired strong ales, the range is eclectic and bold — and Kaishaku stands at the apex of that creativity.
The brewery’s minimalist packaging and progressive identity reflect its belief in letting the beer speak for itself. Kerel Kaishaku does just that — and loudly.
Food Pairings
Due to its high ABV and layered complexity, Kaishaku is best treated like a digestif or after-dinner sipper. Pair it with:
Rich cheeses like aged gouda or blue cheese
Dark chocolate truffles or fruitcake
Slow-cooked meats with umami depth (e.g. soy-braised pork or teriyaki beef)
As a contemplative nightcap on its own
This is a contemplative beer — best enjoyed in a snifter glass, slowly.
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