 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Mar 20, 2006
The bottle was marked for drinking before then end of 2006 and seemed the oldest of my Abbaye des Rocs lineup, so I decided to give it a try. Even with cautious use of my bottle opener, an eruption of foam bubbled out the semi-open seal. As I poured into my Trappist glass, a voluptuous cappuccino head fluffed up from the deep sanguine body. Suddenly, the volcanic container began to ineluctably vomit a legion of large chunks. From experience, attempting to decant the liquid is absolutely futile, and I would instead suggest capitulating to the valuable nuggets by gently stirring the bottle halfway through to homogenize the mixture. What resulted from this nearly disastrous pour, was actually more than potable.
The nose is powerful and striking in richness and complexity. Initially pineapple and chocolate dominate in a surprisingly agreeable blend and with minimal effort one can dissect the three chocolates in the aroma. Dark, milk and white are equally present and create a smooth creamy yet slightly bitter character. With a second sniff, café au lait appears in conjunction with a thick bready odor that provides a dusty and slightly musty aspect continually accumulating in complexity. The dynamism of Montagnarde’s nose makes it difficult to untangle as each inhalation reveals new scents. The general aroma feels earthy and smooth, malty and yeasty but also fruity and spicy. Green vegetables such as artichoke and string beans are present and reflect the slightly caramelized, brown sugar sweetness that one might find blended in nouvelle cuisine. Figs, plums, banana, apple and vanilla appear as soon as you think of fruit. Irish cream emanates from the background leaving a buttery yet slightly sweet alcoholic tinge in the nose. A woody and gradually spicier fragrance becomes noticeable as the liquid warms.
Finally, I take a sip. Beautiful lacing covers the glass and slides down phlegmaticly as it leaves a speckled painting reminiscent of Jackson Pollock’s work. Coffee and vegetables appear first: carrots, green beans, brussel sprouts, flavors skip from one to the next as the liquid wraps smoothly around the tongue. Goat cheese, meat, steak sauce, bread, a veritable dinner in a bottle! L’Abbaye des Rocs’ Montagnarde is what Willy Wonka’s gum must be like. A substantial brew that displays incredible complexity, an instant favorite. The creaminess of sweetened fromage blanc emerges in conjunction with caramel, butter and a slight burnt character. Spices mark the final touch as the velvety liquid ends in a bloom of milky flavors and the gentle trace of alcohol. The description is spot on with gingerbread in that finishing gust of spices which also includes black pepper, cinnamon, anis, cardamom and nutmeg. A brilliant concoction that has left me tremendously impressed.
carruthm (889), Seattle, Washington, USA
Jul 2, 2009 Bottled, very clumpy from yeast and cloudy orange color with a nice covering of white head with solid lacing. Aroma is mellowed fruits, slightly sugary and alcoholic. The taste is sweet and the palate nicely balanced.
saxo (3046), Højbjerg, Aarhus, Denmark
Jun 13, 2009 Bottle. Medium head with medium duration. Color is amber/brown with lots of yeast sediments floating. Aroma and taste are rich fruits, spices, caramel, yeast and alcohol.
larsga (2772), Oslo, Norway
May 20, 2009 Medium white head. Amber body with a whole fleet of submarines. Strong bready raspberry aroma with woolen socks aroma. Dry-sweet strong raspberry and bread taste with spicy plastic notes. Fullish body. Clean, fresh palate. Dryish woolen herbal raspberry aftertaste. Excellent! (0.75l bottle from gr0ve.)
OleR (1750), Oslo, Norway
Apr 24, 2009 750 ml bottle enjoyed@GrOve’s. Fingerthick white cream head. Shiny golden-orange body with lots of sediments floating around. Inviting Belgo-yeast aroma; acidulous with dried tropical fruits, ripe citrus and flowers. Some caramel and yeast. Taste is deliciously sweet and fruity. Light caramellish and yeasty with some acidity. Soft mouthfeel. Almost full-bodied. Yum!
Pinball (2068), Allerød, Denmark
Apr 23, 2009 33cl bottle.
lively as most belgians, but not too lively, i managed to pour before it gushed. extreme amounts of floaties in the glass, and unbelievable number of small and BIG floaties in the bottle. the bottom 1.5cm of the bottle is one big pile of floaties of frigthening sizes. never seen anything like this. if this is my laste rate, this beer killed me!.
nice thick head, and nice amber colour.
spicy/pepery/sour aroma. nice.
flavor is also spicy, not sour. nice flavor.
i think i’ll chicken out and drainpour the rest. this beer is alive!. biggest floatie is 2cm x 1cm x 0.4cm!! and i’m not hungry.
Gr0ve (1295), Oslo, Norway
Apr 21, 2009 750 ml bottle. Best before 31-12-2009. Lots of floates, but in only half the bottle. Amber colour. Clear. Medium-sized white head that clings to the glass. Feels a little thin and dry in the nose. Wonderful sugary malt flavour. Really nice. Smooth texture from fine carbonation. Full-bodied. Caramel from the malts and the sugars and perfume from the yeast. Storing this beer made wonders.
AR (373), Georgia, USA
Apr 19, 2009 This is my third beer from Abbaye des Rocs and it doesn’t impress my like the first two. There are a huge amount of solids suspended in the beer. The aroma has a somewhat prunish note, which is also a little bit evident in the taste. It does have a good flavoring, a sweet mix of grapes, prunes and caramel.
jujubeast6000 (712), Houston, Texas, USA
Apr 13, 2009 Reviewed 4/10/2009 (Bottle BB end 2010):
Pours an amber reddish colored body, big suspended particles, off white. Small creamy head, quickly diminishing. Floral funky fruity aroma. Some sourness, and a little effervescence. Somewhat sour, dusty taste. Some floralness. Funky and stale tasting. Mostly clean aftertaste. somewhat bland. Might be an old/aged bottle.
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