 FlacoAlto (2099), Tucson, Arizona, USA
Feb 13, 2008
Pours with a frothy, initially four-finger thick, dirty, light tan colored head that leaves some slight lacing as it slowly recedes. The beer is an amber color, but shows a brilliantly clear, red-copper color and lots of carbonation when held up to the light. The aroma has an interesting soft spiciness to it that accentuates a light, fruity sweetness. Aromatic notes reminiscent to woody black pepper, old ginger, bright plum notes, a touch of apple, some berry aromatics, some soft citrus and a slight musty / slightly moldy cotton note combine with a touch of dusty grain character towards the finish. This is an interesting aroma, it is a bit more complex than I expected. It also picks up some notes of tropical fruit, fresh cut tangelos and even a hint of herbal character to it as time goes on.
Fairly dry and carbonated up front, the beer picks up a fruity sweetness towards the middle though. This is quite light bodied for a beer of this strength, or really it has a lightness that I really like to find in Belgian ales of this strength; the peppery, zippy carbonation helps to keep this light and while ample does not detract from the experience of the beer. The long finish has a touch of musty malt to it, hints of browned vegetables as well as a pepper like bite to it. The sweetness in this brew, which is fairly noticeable, incorporates flavors of plums, caramelized apples, perhaps a touch of sweet citrus fruit and a bright berry note. As the beer loses its carbonation it begins to pick up a soft creaminess to the mouthfeel, but still remains quite drinkable. While the dominant spice note is that of black pepper (with a touch of woodiness) there is also some hints of ginger, clove and ephemeral nutmeg.
This is a nice surprise as I was not expecting too much from this beer for some reason. It really has a nice balance between piquant, peppery spice notes and sweet fruit notes, plus it is all wrapped up in a light bodied, easily quaffed package; all of which fit the bill for a good Belgian beer.
Purchased: <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=698>Plaza Liquors, Tucson AZ
VTHopHead (673), Barre, Vermont, USA
Aug 27, 2008 Bottle - Poured a darkish amber in color with a foamy white head. Some nice lacing on the glass. Aroma is quite sweet with spices... cinnamon, coriander... along with a nice sour yeastiness with plenty of fruity esters... banana and citrus. Flavor is also sweet with *lots* of fruit... especially banana... along with some Belgian yeast and spices. Medium palate. Alcohol is completely hidden. Fizzy... slightly over carbonated. Finish is slightly bitter and sour (yeast?). I liked this one...
Rciesla (712), Brick City, New Jersey, USA
Jun 18, 2008 Bottle. Pours an amber body with an off white head. Aroma is sweet some cinnamon, and other spices, a bit hot, and some light citrus fruit. Easy to drink and the 8% does it part. Good beer.
AgentSteve (757), Livermore, California, USA
May 15, 2008 Attractive, deep caramel pour. The nose is yeast and banana. The flavor is sweet complexities and malt.
rayOfBeer (231), El Cerrito, California, USA
Apr 28, 2008 Poured from 33ml bottle an amber orange with off-white medium sized head that faded quickly and low carbonation. Aromas of rising dough with bubblegum and a yeasty tartness. Flavors of light toasted bread, caramel, some soft fruit hints like pineapple and mango, and a bit of bubblegum. It has a nice balance between sweet and dry. Palate is mildly sweet with a yeasty tartness and very mild spiciness. I liked this beer. Wish it had better carbonation which would drive up the spice, but I’d buy this one again.
RSRIZZO (992), Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Apr 14, 2008 Aroma is fruity with banana and pineapple tones. Color is a hazy orange with very low carbonation and the head dissipates quickly to nothing at all. Taste is light and fruity. Starting with a light/medium body it goes down smooth with a slight fizzy feel. Finish comes in fruity with an apple and pineapple flavor followed by just a tiny bitterness. After taste is clean with a warm feel and just a hint of alcohol. This is a tasty brew and makes for a nice Christmas brew. This is the fourth beer from a box set called Christmas in Belgium and is the best one so far.
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