Bloomington Batch 1000 Ole Floyd’s Belgian Dark Strong Ale

Brewed by Bloomington Brewing Co.
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Bloomington, Indiana USA

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

send corrections   |   shelftag   |   edit barcodes   |   add pic

Draft from the pub. Pour is a dark brown, between chestnut and mahogany. Beautiful sickly sweet caramel hues in the air, rich layered malt, candylike but irresistible to the adult as well. Candy sugar, plum, a touch of alcohol. In the mouth, predominate wit flavors, cardamom and lemon, perhaps some coriander in the back. Light alcohol, actually pretty well integrated, just a little warming. Aftertaste follows up on the Belgian yeast theme, with rich malt and toffee, dries a touch but very little. Lots of interesting fruit swirling around, also has some subtle earth and perhaps even smoky notes at the bottom. A little perceived tartness, with subtle noble hops to balance (but minimal). Medium, sticky body, crisp but perfectly appropriate carbonation. Sticky sticky sticky. Kudos for a very well made Belgian; it’s on the sweet side, but the craftsmanship is here, as is the depth, and for an obvious labor of love I’m especially happy to say this is the best of the dozen-plus I’ve had from BBC. Excellent.

Pours a really beautiful caramel color, no head (probably the fault of whoever pulled the tap). Nose is sweet, malty, and fairly mild. Flavors are similar to the nose. The flavor is quite good, but too meek and mild. This could do with a little more boldness and assertiveness in the flavor. They just need to be a bit bigger, really. Otherwise, a nice brew.