Agatha Christie’s Detective Hercule Poirrot (probably Belgium’s best-known citizen, and a native son of Ellezelles) is the namesake for the “Hercule” Stout. It is the only distinctively Belgian stout, and every bit as sturdy and dapper as its namesake. The Hercule is considered by many to be a classic – very malty, but dry, with a hint of sweetness in the finish, and perfectly hopped. It has a very distinctive and intoxicating spicy aroma of fresh spruce that suddenly, irresistibly, fills the room when the swing-top is released. This unique house character probably derives from the strains of yeast used by the brewery – and possibly from the fermentation in oak – because the beers are made entirely of malt and hops, without any spices.