De Proef Cuvee Mystique

Caged corked 750 ml. bottle, no bottling/freshness date on the front or back labels, (MY 8) on the cork, sampled in a tulip glass. L: Chestnut brown in color with a tall creamy beige head that slowly sank into a sudsy skim. A good deal of curtain-like lace rings the brim of the tulip glass, giving this a classic Belgian ale look, quite appetizing. S: Dark candied sugars, chopped walnuts, raisins and caramel with a thin layer of chocolate, Mystique has an inviting, taste inducing aroma. Further whiffs brings out touches of clove, dates and a light peppery spice. The alcohol is hardly noticeable, well disguised by the dark fruity esters. F: The mouthfeel is a bit lean for the style, but still very satisfying. Airy, light feeling on the tongue, softly firm and crisp, this is quite the easy sipper, this has the mouthfeel of a well crafted beer. T: Spryly sweet tasting, no out of place, strange tastes, everything is in the right balance. Dates and raisins sprinkled with candied sugars, hints of caramel and chocolate in the middle, with a distinct cocoa nuttiness on the back end. A nicely mild peppery spiciness that blends with the sticky tastes of clove oil and black licorice. Finishes on a dryly crisp note, aided by a arid hop spiciness. The alcohol is concealed behind the flavors of dark fruits and spice, it is impossible to measure it’s true strength until it finally creeps up on you as near the bottom of the bottle, a soft warmth in the back of the palate. D: I have found all the ales from Andelot Cuvee to be highly drinkable. While Mystique doesn’t hold out much of a mystery, it is a properly thought out and brewed dark ale. Mystique would be ideal for introducing the novice to the stronger, Belgian dark ale styles. Smooth and tasty, I don’t see why anyone would complain if you offered them a glass of this, recommended.

Nice spotted brown head on a murky brown body. Sweet earthy cola notes in the aroma also carries into the taste, and brings additional chocolate covered raisin notes. Slight bitter roast in the finish. $8/750

nearly opaque red shade of dark brown topped by a spongy tan head with nice retention and lots of lacing. smells like oxidized red apples in a pie... brown sugar, bready yeast, a mix of golden and black raisins (rather icewine-y and sweet), bruised apples and some cinnamon-like spice. the flavor follows suit with a touch of chocolate and grain. light sweetness but it’s not over the top and actually finishes quite dry and spicy. not terribly complex but the medium body is rather light in mouth feel which makes it really quaffable.

75cl bottle from Total Wine (Tampa). Pours dark brown to black with thin tan head that laces the glass slightly. Aroma is sweet malt, syrup, molasses. Flavor is strongly of coffee (too much for me), hints of chocolate and toffee. There is an earthy nature about this ale throughout with a slightly bitter finish. I experienced this beer as more like a stout or porter than a quadrupel/abt style ale -- too much malted barley.

Old notes: "cherry/apple smell, raisin taste". A decently brewed Belgian from De Proef at a price that you really cannot beat!