The collector and his beer #1

The very first collector we visit is Jaap Mulders (35) from Wouw, The Netherlands. Besides being a beer enthusiast, Jaap also been collecting extraordinary beers for a few years. He takes us into his personal beer cellar.

Jaap Mulders (35) from Wouw, The Netherlands.

Collection size:
80 bottles of 75 cl
72 bottles of 30 cl

Hi Jaap, when did you start collecting beer?

As a present for my 30th birthday, my friend gave me a bottle of Gouden Carolus Cuvee van de Keizer blue. He told me I had to store this beer for at least 10 years to be at its best. I figured storing only one bottle would make no sense, so I started buying more.

The Gouden Carolus Cuvee van de Keizer

Which style you think is best suited for storing?

Quadrupels and barleywines for sure, these beer become a lot smoother in time. Recently I started drinking and storing gueuze beers. This still offers a whole new world to explore.

What do you prefer to add to your collection?

I like to go to specialized liquor stores to look at the big bottles to see if there’s something that appeals to me. I’m always looking out for bottles I think that will increase in value in time. However, a Duvel Barrel Aged for 25 euros per bottle is a little too expensive for me. At this moment, a big bottle of La Trappe Quadrupel from 2015 is also worth 25 euros and I’d rather drink this.

Jaap with his beloved bottle
Jaaps cellar

Which bottle in your collection are you most proud of? Why this one?

Not particularly one bottle. Every volumes of Cuvee van de Keizer blue since 2013. Since 2017 I have been buying a box for every volume. This way I also have something to drink in the meantime while my beers are increasing in value.

Which beer is on your wishlist?

The St. Bernardus Oak Aged is definitely on top of my list. At the time I thought it was expensive at 9 euros. Now I can really punch myself in the face for this.

Jaap with his first love.

Extraordinary beers #1

The very first extraordinary beer we want to discuss is the Lazarus Calvados Infused by Broeder Jacob. This tasty Belgian beer has become a very rare appearance.

Name: Broeder Jacob Lazarus Calvados Infused
Brewery: Broeder Jacob
Year: 2016
Percentage: 8,5%
Style: Belgian strong golden ale
Country of origin: Belgium

Broeder Jacob Lazarus Calvados Infused

What makes this beer extraordinary?

This beer is a limited edition beer produced in 2016. During that year lagering of beer was very popular among local breweries. By this time, Broeder Jacob had already produced some nice cominations with espresso and port for example. A combination with Calvados was a welcome addition to this product range.

How many bottles were produced?

Unfortunately, the exact number of bottles produced is unknown. After the Calvados edition, some beers lagered on sherry, whisky and armagnac barrels. Hower, the Calvados edition always stayed most favorite among beer enthusiasts.

What does it taste like?

The beer is mostly orange colored with a pretty foam head. The scent can be described as fruity and tastes sweet, malty and pleasurable boozy.

Where was the beer sold?

At the time, these bottles were sold at a small number of specialized liquor stores in The Netherlands and Belgium.

What did it cost and what is the actual value?

In 2016, the beer was sold for about 5 euros (75cl bottle). Nowadays, these bottles are offered for prices varying between 15 to 20 euros.