 kepano (239), Meudon, France
| 3.8 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 4/5 | 7/10 | 4/5 | 15/20 |
Jun 16, 2008
It seems tough to admit, but Belgium’s brewing climate today has little to do with the monastic tradition so often advertised. I can’t help but raise an eyebrow when I see borrowed ecclesiastical titles, as if they somehow elevate the product to a divine status. Abbaye des Rocs awakened this concern during my initial encounter. Fortunately, as I explored their profound talent, I realized this is a brewery thats put little effort in polishing its image, and focuses instead on a truly exceptional set of beers. A remarkable endeavor. Des Rocs’ habit of leaving ’unsightly’ sediment in the bottles never bothered me in the least, but I was surprised to find a relatively clear brew this time around. The lively apricot color glows deeply, and a creamy off-white head puffs up above. The aroma is equally bright and summery, but rich and complex as well. Honey and abundant grains form the unmistakable smell of Miel Pops, one of my childhood breakfast cereals in France. The subtle balance of spices and vegetal components adds surprising intricacy for a basic offering. Nutmeg, coriander, pepper and buttery asparagus are particularly notable. The palate finds a light, creamy and very easy-drinking ale. There’s a touch of minerality that seems perfect for a hot day. Sweet grains are present, and the chalky lemony yeastiness gives an air of witbier. The spices are perfectly balanced with both hops and malts, suggesting hints of peach and coffee. There’s a definite sweetness throughout, but it remains authentic and the subtle dryness and sourness in the finish continually encourage another sip. Perfectly sessionable and drinking well after it’s second birthday, it’s another stunning beer from des Rocs. (08/06/07)
mbuisman79 (139), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| 3.7 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 5/5 | 6/10 | 3/5 | 15/20 |
Nov 18, 2009 Very nice and interesting blond. Great aroma of fruit and flowers. Flavor is the same sort of interesting mix. Has almost the right amount of alcohol and hops too. Great blond.
gunnfryd (3573), Kristiansand, Norway
| 3.4 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 4/5 | 6/10 | 3/5 | 13/20 |
Nov 15, 2009 Bottle. Dark golden orange colour with huge floaties and a white head. Aroma is sweet, hop, orange, citrus. Flavour is dry, sweet, orange, yeast, hop, spices. Strange beer
yngwie (4946), Kristiansand, Norway
| 3.5 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 3/5 | 7/10 | 4/5 | 14/20 |
Sep 27, 2009 Bottle, 75cl corked. A hazy, orange beer with a small, white head. As expected, there’s also lots of floaties. Citrus, white sugar and a nice hoppyness in the aroma. There’s also a strange herbal note there, that I don’t like, but fortunately only a note. Bitter flavor with white sugar and notes of leather, leading to a dry, bitter finish. Medium body with appropriate carbonation. A quite nice beer, nothing special. 090724
Geokkjer (256), Kristiansand, Norway
| 3.3 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 3/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 13/20 |
Sep 25, 2009 75 cl. bottle.Pours dark murky brown with small off-white head.Aroma is fruity ,yeasty and spicy .Flavor is fruity,spicy with a dry finish.Ok Belgian ale.
weaselkenievil (738), Cheshire, England
| 3.2 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 3/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 13/20 |
Sep 4, 2009 Bottle, Dranken Geers. Dark amber muddy brown with small off white head. Spice, oats, tea, malts, yeast, dark fruits. Not my kind of thing.
Skinnyviking (4141), Copenhagen, Denmark
| 3.6 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 4/5 | 7/10 | 4/5 | 14/20 |
Aug 26, 2009 Bottle. Low white fluffy and quickly disappearing head. Hazy amber body. Fruity aroma with notes of cinnamon and. Mild malty spicy caramel flavor with low carbonation and a long aftertaste.
faroeviking (6024), Republica Vikingo de las, Faroe Islands
| 3.4 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 3/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 14/20 |
Jun 23, 2009 Botella. Cloudy orange. Fruity, yeasty and wheaty aroma. Pleasant soft filling mouthfeel. Flavour is fruity with yeast, wheat and bit spice. Dry yeasty fruity finish. Nice.
Fin (3411), Merton, Oxfordshire, England
| 3.2 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 3/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 13/20 |
Jun 23, 2009 Bottle that was picked up at Dranken Geers, Oostakker, Belgium 09-06-09 consumed, Stiffkey, campsite North Norfolk 15-06-09 Pours murky puddle brown colour with white filmy head. Yeasty and spicy, soft in mouth, little bit of ginger, maybe a touch overdone on spice, reasonable. A6 A3 F7 P3 Ov13 3.2
|
Rate This
Statistics
Find This Beer (Want/Have)