decaturstevo (1971), decatur, Tennessee, USA Jan 3, 2009 Aroma is brown sugar, yeast, a hint of raisin. A deep copper pour with tight tan head and lace. A brown sugar front with alot of sweet raisin. Smooth full bodied beer. Very nice. A beer that reeks of Christmas cheer. Would have never guessed it was 10.5. At least maybe until it warms. 07 model. chicagodri (1020), Chicago, Illinois, USA Dec 31, 2008 On tap @ Map Room. Pours amber with a thick off white head. Interesting, strong aroma of Belgian yeast, banana, and some clove. Flavor was solid with some dark fruits, banana, clove, and some other spices. Nice winter warmer. JoeMcPhee (4893), Jackson Heights, New York, USA Dec 31, 2008 Very deep brown beer with a thin tan head. Aroma is very rich and fruity. Figs, plums and prunes with an absolutely intoxicatingly balanced mix of spices, nutmeg, allspice and clove. Very rich plummy character. Balanced spiciness, baked/dried fruits, a touch of berries and a very rich lightly cocoaish character. Both rich and light at the same time. Flavour is loaded with stewed fruit, figs, orange peel, coriander, allspice and a kiss of molasses and treacle. There is a kiss of black pepper and some light lemony character. Both intense and delicate... a gorgeous beer with a multitude of contrasting elements that are still harmoniously incorporated. 502Flavors (617), Louisville, Kentucky, USA Dec 31, 2008 On tap at Sergio’s. Dark pour. Good but I am not a big fan of the style at all due the whole Belgian candy sugar thing, and this has a lot of it. Pretty enjoyable though. tlind2 (560), Helsinki, Finland Dec 30, 2008 750 ml bottle. Reddish-brown color, tan head. Strong anise aroma, which continues in the flavor and presents itself as licorice. Plenty of alcohol as well. Full body, medium carbonation. I’d call this a one trick pony: great if you like anise, but if you don’t, well... jmm635 (250), Havertown, Pennsylvania, USA Dec 28, 2008 Pours a dark brown with a slightly red hue when held to the light. Head is tiny, light brown in color, and thins rather quickly. Aroma was very nice. Had a nice rich maltiness and some sweet alcohol. Flavor resembles an abbey dubbel with some spice and a kick of alcohol. Palate was superb! Perfect carbonation, great mouth-feel, and a smooth finish. I was expecting something a little sweeter, but this was great! Archibaldo de la Cruz (394), Finland Dec 28, 2008 75cl bottle. Dark brown colour with a small off-white head. Sweet, fruity aroma. The flavour is sweet, fruity, spicy and malty. Smooth and medium to full-bodied. A very nice Christmas brew. gary07734 (391), Tyne & Wear, England Dec 28, 2008 Pours a dark cola consistency with no head, just a little froth. Smell is yeasty and wooden, pine. Taste is similar, wood and caramel/mollases sweetness with yeast, liqorice and spice, and a strong fairly alcoholic finish. Enjoyable slow one.
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