Pauwel Kwak is a Belgian amber ale brewed in Belgium, as famous for the round-bottomed glass and wooden stand it's traditionally served in as for what's actually in the bottle.

Caramel and toffee malt lead the way, with dark fruit and a touch of liquorice underneath, and a warming alcohol presence that's hard to miss at 8.4% ABV. Body is full and smooth, carbonation moderate, and bitterness low - this is a malt-driven beer through and through.

If you've got the glass and stand, use them - it's part of the ritual - but a tulip glass does the job just as well, served cool rather than cold. It drinks well young without needing to be put away.