De Dolle Arabier

(Re-rate, fresh bottle at One Pint Pub, Helsinki, on 2009-01-16. An aged bottle (vintage 2003) at Pikkulintu, Helsinki, 2009-01-18) The fresh one had the most beautiful head I’ve seen so far. Hops in aroma were quite clear in fresh version, the aroma of aged version was more malty but hops were still there. The palate in fresh version was fruity with high carbonation. The aged version had dry palate with medium carbonation. The taste: fresh version was fruity, hoppy and grassy. Aged version had all of those, hoppines were a bit milder and some dried plum flavours have appeared. Both versions were really good. (Earlier rating: 8-4-8-3-15=3.8)

bottle paisley beer fest as recommended by tom- pours golden yellow brown loads of sediment and offwhite grey head. nose spicey pepper, banana, bitter bitter hops, banana nuts, barnyard, sweetness, lots of balancing hops. i think this is real quality.

11.2 oz bottle purchased at Spirits RB. Pours a clear golden/orange with a large frothy white head that leaves tons and tons of lace. Aroma starts off with lots of sweetness, candied sugar, grain perhaps a touch of honey and caramel. Lots of carbonation on this super dry palate with some superman strong carbonation/dryness on the back of my throat as I swallow. The first sip was all honey but that fades and grainy malts take over. Nice but a little to dry for my taste, sort of like Dennis Miller’s comedy.

Lively yellow, bit hazy, with a white creamy huge head. Nose hit by the typical De Dolle’s tartness, somewhat vinous, or better "casky". Hoppy and malty as weel. Hi drinkable, balanced toward a slightly bitter and definitely dry end.

Bottle. Sweet pineapple/peach malt aroma with mild alcohol notes. Golden yellow color with large white head - moderate effervescence. Nicely sweet elderflower/camomile malt flavor initially followed by a dry hops finish. Not nearly as harsh as many Belgian Strong Ales - nicely blended sweet and bitter flavors.

Pours lovely lemony-gold with typical massive de dolle head and whipped frosting foam. Aroma is mildly funky and dusty, with hints of lemongrass, cheesecake (?), perfumy floral dry hops, and sour honey malts. Terribly drinkable, starting with sweet pastry, moving towards a zesty citrus rind before finishing somewhat metallic and medicinally bitter, with a chalky yeast character that resembles some trappists. Not De Dolle’s best beer, but better by far than many others.

Wonderful brewery with characteristic beers. This beer has a nice appearance with a hazy golden body under the big foamy head. Fruity and floral nose. The body is complex, not a watery texture...Strong taste with fruits, citrus, and a nice but powerful hop flavour with a bit of yeast and honey. Nice and strong aftertaste.

Bottle. Pour is hazy gold, big small-bubbled white head. Aroma is yeasty, some spice, citrusy orange zest, a bit delicate. Taste is sweet, fresh and lightly malty on the front, finishing with a clean, zesty dryness. Palate is dry, crisp, light, soft. A delicate and very refreshing beer, interesting and unique.