On 30 July, four bottles were presented side by side at the Château de Durbuy. Seen together, they might have suggested an entirely new range. That is not the case.
Bohemian Pilsner was already being brewed. The IPA was previously known as Sorachi Ace. Amber Ale, too, is familiar: it is the same beer as Marckloff, under another label. Only Blonde du Château, at 6.4% alc., is a new beer.
The new labels give the four bottles a family resemblance and lead each beer back to the Château de Durbuy, where it is brewed. A label should say where a bottle comes from without taking over.
We chose to keep the Marckloff label for those attached to that name. Among the four bottles presented together, the same beer appears as Amber Ale. One beer, two labels, each with its own place.
Personally, I was quietly proud to see how many people shared my enthusiasm for the château’s beers. Much of the work happens out of sight, long before four bottles are placed side by side. That day, it became visible.
Le Soir described the presentation as a new range. Four bottles placed side by side could give that impression. The reality is simpler: three beers continue their story under new labels; only Blonde du Château is new.