Achel 8 Blond

Brewed by Brouwerij der Trappistenabdij De Achelse Kluis
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Hamont-Achel, Belgium

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

UPDATED: MAR 26, 2010 Poured a cloudy yellowish orange with a big head that stays some time. Aroma was citrus, sweet malts and a hint of flowers. The taste was much the same as the aroma but more mild... with a light bitter aftertaste. Overall I liked it but it did not hold up to the other Trappist blonds I have had. It was not as complex and lacked the layers that Orval and Westmalle have. I think I would have liked it more if the taste was more bold. However, I would try another as I think the Trappist beers have some variation each batch.

UPDATED: MAR 21, 2011 Bottle. Almost clear orange, fluffy white head that is extremely well retained. Nose has citrus zest, earth, leather and flowers. Some alcohol and acid, too. Quite active carbonation on the tongue. Fruity and sharp when at 11C with cloves and coriander seed. Now at 14C - this appears to be one of those warmer-than-you’d think Belgians - it’s opening up into something quite complex with a real sweet/ bitter/ sour balance. The finish changes too, from just dry to dry with some sweetness followed by bitterness. Shame I wasted the first half of this. [3.8]

Bottle, 15C. Bronze with a large white head. Aroma of earth, leather, lemon zest, flowers. Creamy mouthfeel. Alcohol is noticeable this warm. Fruit and light sugary sweetness with pears and barely ripe stonefruits, a little wild yeasty sourness, floral and herbal bitter finish. A very lovely beer.

( 330ml bottle best by 12/05 thanks to BA bosse) Pours opaque orange with nice ring of head and great lacing. Nose of rum raisins, caramel and sweet malt. Taste of golden raisins, toasted grain, brown sugar, very light alcohol, banana and other fruits. Nice carbonation and a creamy finish. This beer reminds me why I love Belgians so much.

330mL bottle. Pours a clear pale gold with a thick persistent head that leaves some lacing. Fruity and spicy aroma with a hint of earthy yeast. The flavour is mildly bitter, fruity and spicy when cold, warming to a bit of sweetness, sourness and some hops, while the alcohol is quite well disguised. High carbonation, quite smooth, light-medium bodied with a mild bitter finish. Much more drinkable than I expected for such a strong beer.

Deep golden, close to a brownish-orange. Huge, rocky, frothy head, keeps growing, with tons of fountain-like lines of bubbles. Lemony aroma with honey, light grain, some spice. Fresh, crisp, and light. Crisp citrus. Citrus and honey flavor. Lemon is strong, with some sour and a rather strong bitterness. Very nice balance of sweet / sour / bitter. Complex and wonderful. More tart and lemony than most, and I like it. Smooth and rich, full mouth but not too heavy. Great. Seems to be improved. That’s something you don’t say about many trappists these days!

A nice single. What I hope Chimay Doree will be when I try it. Nose is sweet, and inviting. Pours blonde with white head, cloudy. Notes of dryness abound in this single. Much better than Achel’s other beers.

11 and 1/5 ounce bottle. Pours a hazy neon yellow with a voluminous white head. Aroma has substantial light fruit and peppery spices. Flavor repeats the aroma but adds a perfumy floral essence. Medium viscosity, spritzy on the tongue, the perfume lingers... Overall, good to very good.

Bottle split with Dallas. Pours a blonde orange body with nice haze and foamy white head. The aroma is some fruit and spicey clove. The taste smooth and crisp, with flavors of fruit, vanilla, malt.