Bottle (EBF2008)<br /> Dark. Aniseed aroma. Soft palate. Taste has tons of esters. Some alcohol on the tongue and up the nose. Decent hoppy edge, but it’s apples to the fore. Soft full palate. Oak. Malt loaf. Stunning.

RBSG 2008. Estery dry nose, lemon and herbal notes shine through. Flavors bring more of a sugary character to the table, candy, citrus, and a soft nuttiness. The spicing is softer, but compliments well, giving a nice dry character to it.

Thanks to Dr. Bill for bringing this, 2006 vintage. Poured lighter golden with a nice, well-retained white head.. looked nice. The aroma picked up bright Belgian yeasty spicage (led by white pepper) over rather boring toasty pale malts.. some candi sugar joined in and helped sweeten up the back of the nose. The flavor was very strong with peppery spice and dried fruits over paler malts.. a heavy warmth washes over the palate after the finish leaving a dry lighter fruit bouquet. Medium-plus bodied, spicy, and warm mouthfeel was a little rough. Solid overall.

750 ml. brown Belgian bottle. Corked and caged. Brought back from Belgium by a friend. Aged in my cellar for 3 years. 2005 vintage. Soft pop released the cork. Poured out a deep reddish brown color, with a sticky tan head. Aromas are of cinnamon, roasted pecans, rum soaked cherries. Flavors are spiced cherries, Bourbon or Rum soaked fruitcake, some berries, roasted malts. Medium mouthfeel, rich and velvety. Flavors change constantly as it warms up. Finished slightly cake like and fruity. Best Belgian beer I have had in years. Very tasty with some age on it. Wish I had another now.