Duvel clone - from extract

[CATpAW Brewing]

I'm ready to step up to the plate and attempt something aspirational, Duvel, but need some recipe advice. I'd really like to hear from someone who has succeeded in getting close to the Duvel profile.

In trying to analyse the beer (which is a joy in itself) and work backwards, I think I'm tasting wheat and pilsner style malts, Saaz, Goldings or Fuggle hops, and what is probably a unique/uncommon yeast strain. Maybe some honey or other complex sugars. Matching the full rounded pallette and high alchohol content is another challenge.

Does anyone have a jumping off point at least using extract cans?

[markaberrant]

You need the Duvel yeast (Wyeast 1388 or WLP570). I'd have to check the Brew Like a Monk book for the hops/gravity/attenuation, but I'm pretty sure the fermentables are just belgian pils malt and sugar. It finishes very dry, and is very light in colour. I'd use the lightest dry extract you can find (preferably pilsner DME, and use the extract late method), and lots of sugar. You should brew a lower gravity beer first to build up the yeast, you are going to need lots of it.

I'm sure others will chime in, and I can add more tonight when I have access to my book.