 MrChopin (119), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
May 7, 2008
Opaque tan-brown body (more red than the 8) with large white head. Smells of fruit berries and roasty malts like the 8. The roasts seem deeper. Taste of strong malt with some fruit sweetness, seemingly more balance and a stronger roast aftertaste than the 8. Similar to the 8 but with fewer champagne qualities, a dryer finish, far more balance (especially as it warms) and generally more going on.
BoBoChamp (298), Gent, Belgium
Jul 26, 2008 33cl, from De Hopduvel Gent, very complex, but heavy (and too sweet)brew, cloudy, good head, very good brew, a topper!
oteyj (275), Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
Jul 26, 2008 Pours dark hazy brown with some residual yeast at the bottom. Head is frothy and copious, forming a lasting one finger head. Aromas are quite evident upon pouring. I was all but knocked back by the sweetness of the scent- tons are dark fruit coming in from every angle. Plum, raisin, currant, and cherry mix with a heavenly sweetness to invoke a humbling sensation. Banana and clove poke through as well as some molasses and ginger. Flavor is bursting with dark sugars and a plethora of fruity notes. Molasses, ripened berry, banana, plum and raisin. Flavors grow more multifaceted and intricate as the ale warms and sits. Malt character is of the utmost complexity, as different flavors are pelted in from all angles. With every sip comes a new flavor- currant, caramel, biscuit and allspice. Palate is modest, but incredibly smooth. Thick and rich, yet wholly drinkable. Tiny bubbles of carbonation caress the tongue and mouth, but don’t act to intrude or lacerate. Sweetness coats the mouth in a resinous fashion, slowly dissipating into a dry but pleasant finish. Highly sweet but never cloying. Alcohol is present and noticeable, but never intrusive or overly aggressive. A warming characteristic acts as a reminder of its presence, but just as fleeting and moderate. This is a brew for the ages.
cluny6 (41), Cambridge, England
Jul 22, 2008 Pours a very dark brown, very cloudy with lost of yeast. lots of dark fruit and sweetness but not overpowering. Good carbonation, feels very fizzy. Alcohol is barely noticeable. Incredible beer, A+
GAManiac (217), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Jul 19, 2008 Pours a dark, dark brown that looks a bit tea-like when held up to light. The head is big and rocky and dissipates fairly quickly leaving little lacing. The smell is hugely complex and dominated by dark fruits and spices - plums, grapes, cinnamon, pepper. The taste is much like the aroma but has a much bigger Belgian yeast flavor that then gives way to huge dark fruit flavors along with a bit of brown sugar and caramel. The mouthfeel is full bodied with big carbonation that dance over the tongue. This is one helluva well-crafted beer and extremely drinkable despite the ABV. Highly recommended!
harley13524 (3), , Manitoba, Canada
does not count  Jul 19, 2008 honestly i didnt care for this beer, it looked nice and everything but it was too bitter and it was too fizzy. The alchohol content overpowered the taste and left a bitter hangovery taste that most brown beers leave. mybe cause i didnt use a trappist glass?
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