While browsing the beer aisle in Asda recently, two vibrant bottles caught my eye — Vedett Extra IPA and Vedett Extra Pilsner. Known for their bold label designs and clean Belgian brewing heritage, Vedett beers have always stood out on the shelves. This time, I decided to put them head to head in a side-by-side tasting. Are they more than just trendy branding? Here’s a deep dive into the history, pour, aroma, taste, and overall impression of these two Belgian brews.
A Brief History of Vedett: Belgian Craft with Quirk
Both Vedett beers come from the legendary Duvel Moortgat Brewery, based in Puurs, Belgium. Founded in 1871, Duvel Moortgat is one of Belgium’s most respected brewers, known globally for its strong golden ale, Duvel. In 1945, they introduced Vedett Extra Pilsner, initially designed as a more modern, accessible beer for the post-war era. It became a local favorite for its refreshing taste and easy-drinking nature. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the brand saw a dramatic rebirth with eye-catching retro packaging and a push into international markets.
In response to the global craft beer boom and rising demand for hop-forward styles, Duvel Moortgat launched Vedett Extra IPA around 2014. This beer brings a distinctly Belgian twist to the popular India Pale Ale category, merging aromatic hops with subtle yeast complexity. It’s become a staple in their export lineup and a gateway IPA for many beer drinkers seeking approachable bitterness without the overload.
Pouring the Beers: A Tale of Two Styles
When poured side-by-side, the differences between Vedett Extra IPA and Vedett Extra Pilsner become immediately apparent.
Vedett Extra Pilsner pours a crystal, pale golden hue with an impressive shine. A thick, frothy white head caps the beer and sticks around long enough to lace the glass. The carbonation is lively — exactly what you’d expect from a classic European pilsner — with fine bubbles rising steadily through the glass. Visually, it promises crisp refreshment from the get-go.
Vedett Extra IPA, on the other hand, pours a slightly hazy deep gold to amber. The head is off-white, tight, and persistent, forming a gentle foam that hugs the rim. The carbonation is active but a little softer than the pilsner, hinting at a smoother, slightly fuller mouthfeel. The IPA’s appearance suggests depth and hop character even before you take a sniff.
Aroma and Taste: Belgian Precision Meets Modern Flavour
Starting with the Vedett Extra Pilsner, the aroma is subtle but classic. You get a clean graininess from the pale malt, a hint of floral hops, and a faint grassy note that evokes fresh-cut hay. There’s a slight yeastiness underneath — a gentle reminder that you’re drinking a Belgian lager and not a mass-produced macro.
On the palate, the pilsner is light, crisp, and highly drinkable. The malt character is simple but satisfying — think cracker or biscuit — and the hop bitterness is modest but present. It finishes clean with a soft bitterness that refreshes without overstaying its welcome. It’s the kind of beer you can drink without thinking too much, but also one you can appreciate for its craftsmanship if you pause to notice.
The Vedett Extra IPA offers a bolder, fruitier first impression. The nose bursts with citrus peel — grapefruit and orange — along with tropical notes of mango and passionfruit. There’s a mild piney undertone and just a hint of herbal spice. Belgian yeast esters quietly round things out, offering a trace of banana or clove depending on how fresh the bottle is.
The taste follows through with a satisfying hop punch balanced by a soft malt backbone. The tropical and citrus hop flavors shine upfront, supported by a lightly sweet, biscuity base. As the beer finishes, the bitterness becomes more assertive — grapefruit pith and pine linger on the tongue, but never aggressively. What makes this IPA stand out is its smooth drinkability. It walks a line between hop-forward boldness and Belgian subtlety, making it a good choice even for those who are just dipping their toes into the IPA world.
Final Verdict: Which Vedett Comes Out On Top?
Both beers serve very different purposes, and comparing them is less about choosing a winner and more about appreciating what each brings to the table.
Vedett Extra Pilsner is a well-crafted lager that delivers everything a good pilsner should: crispness, clarity, and clean bitterness. It’s straightforward, sessionable, and refreshingly simple. However, it doesn’t push any boundaries. For that reason, I’m giving it a solid 3 out of 5. It’s a dependable choice for a hot day or as a food-pairing beer, but it won’t blow you away.
Vedett Extra IPA, by contrast, feels more ambitious. It blends the boldness of a modern IPA with the finesse and restraint you’d expect from a Belgian brewer. The hop profile is vibrant but not overpowering, and the slight yeast complexity gives it a unique character. It’s flavorful yet easy to drink — a great example of a European interpretation of a hop-forward style. I’m rating it 4 out of 5, and I’d happily pick it up again.
Vedett Delivers Belgian Style for Modern Tastes
Whether you’re looking for a clean, refreshing lager or a sessionable IPA with a bit of flair, Vedett has something for you. Vedett Extra Pilsner is a nod to traditional drinkability, while Vedett Extra IPA shows how Belgian brewers can adapt and innovate within global craft trends.
If you spot both in your local supermarket or bottle shop, it’s well worth grabbing the pair for a personal tasting. You’ll get a nice contrast of old-school and new-wave Belgian brewing — and possibly discover your new go-to fridge filler.
Leave a Reply