Tap Handle #118: Urthel - Superior Special Ale

This is an extremely rare tap from Belgium. I believe it's used for both the Hop-It and Samaranth varieties as they both have this same label. The guy holding the sign is supposed to be a gnome, based on fairy-tale creatures created and illustrated by one of the owners.

Urthel was founded in Ruiselede, West Flanders, Belgium in 2000 by the husband and wife team of Hildegard and Bas van Ostaden. Hildegard is the brewer and Bas designs the artwork and packaging. They've managed to become two of the most well-known brewers in Belgium, producing 3 highly-rated beers. They have brewed other varieties that have since been retired, and Hildegard loves to experiment with her recipes. Their first brewery was at Van Steenberge, but since 2006 all their beers are brewed at Koningshoeven, in Tilburg, Holland.

Hop-It is a strong Belgian IPA loaded with hops for a spicy, fruity flavor, and has a weighted average on ratebeer.com of 3.58 out of 5. Samaranth is a Quadrupel special ale with notes of dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, and marzipan, and has a weighted average on ratebeer.com of 3.59 out of 5.

Urthel Official English Website