Maredsous 8

Brewed by Brouwerij Moortgat
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium

I had this on tap at Chapel Hill Wine Bar with Jonathan3584 and we were pleased to have it available in North Carolina, regardless of how it tastes. A pleasant departure from Flying Dog’s Pale Ale, which we normally drink at the Wine Bar.

a deep opaque brown with a large creamy tan head. aroma of chocolate, caramel, and mint. smooth palate with a light body and chalky aftertaste. flavors of caramel, herbs(mint), licorice, plums, maybe some honey. finishes a little too quick. i wish it lingered around for a long aftertaste. i liked it better than the 10.

Bottle (75 cl) from Systembolaget. Dark reddish brown, somewhat hazy, with a medium short-lasting beige head. Big, malty aroma with dried fruits, dark bread, roasted wood, herbal hops, and yeast. Medium bodied and good carbonation. Very dry and bitter finish. Really good.

A Mes rate: Draught from Lowlander. YUM! Dramtically better draught than in bottles. Nice semi-translucent mahogany colour. Decent tan head that lasts pretty well. Heavy in the lace department. Sweet coffee ice cream nose. Flavour is vanilla, chocolate, cherries, almonds and coffee. A little flat and lifeless in the palate but it will do. The finish is great while it lasts. A quick sugary swish round the mouth and then slightly bitter but it’s all over a little too suddenly. Complex and slightly unusual dubbel. Wish the bottle tasted this good.

On tap at some crappy belgian beer bar, poured into its own glass. Yeasty aroma, mild raisins, spice. Very drinkable for the style and for 8%. Taste, plummy, kind of like a yeast-forward dubbel. Enjoyable. Has a great sweet note that is reminiscent of Pannepot, while retaining a nice, light body.

Redish amber colour catches the light. Thick head with great retention. Toasty, hoppy, scent. Taste is creamy head, then nutty with a dry finish. A very wee bit sweet, with a taste that reminds me of almonds.

750ml corked bottle. Deep dark garnet color. Funky and musty. Notes of vanilla and prunes. Caramel and toast. Tasty and dry.

Bottle: Clear deep red colour, nice creamy head. Aroma of yeasty,caramel, citrus and flowers. Flavor is almost the same here, some nutty mouthfeelings was here too. Thin to medium body, and a thin to medium fruity finish.