Rochefort Trappistes 8

Brewed by Brasserie Rochefort
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Rochefort, Belgium

Poured coppery with not much head. Beer was thick with lots of interesting little floaties. Smelled citrisy/spicy. Had an effervescent feel and a fruity complex taste. Could not taste the alcohol but it did have a dry finish. Very enjoyable.

Bottle (330ml). Poured muddy dark copper with a good sized frothy, beige head which lasted extremely well. Spicy, complex aroma with notes of wild yeast with freshly baked cinnamon bread, honey oats, allspice, caramelized dates, boiled sweets and preserved apricots. Flavor was incredible, with strong notes of black pepper with sweet wholegrain bread, almond flakes, dried mixed fruits, fermenting peaches, cinnamon with a warming superb finish. Full bodied with medium carbonation, a warming mouthfeel, and a fantastic length finish.

33cl bottle bought in Belgium. Frothed over as soon as it was opened and subsequently poured a bit cloudy and lumpy. Deep red-brown with very little head, nose is vinous, plummy, toffee-malty, notes of orange. Initial taste is woody with loads of alcohol, hints of port, aftertaste is dry with burnt caramel and hops.

Pours a reddish copper with an off white head. Aroma is bready malt, floral hops, and fruit. Flavor is sweet malt, dark fruits, a bit of spice, and a semi-dry alcohol finish.

Bottle at PIB. Cola brown pour with light tan head, light lacing. Aroma is bready and full of fruit: grapes, apples, plum. Flavor is much the same, slightly vinous and with a nice roast to it. Full bodied mouth and very pleasing all the way down. Can’t wait to try the 6 and 10!

This beer has a very sweet and fruity aroma with hints of flowers and herbs. It has a sweet, spicey flavor of dried fruits, herbs and hops.

Huge foamy light colored head. The actual body of the beer was an opaque dark brown. I was actually surprised at how grapey and wine like many of the beer’s characteristics were. There were a multitude of aromas of sour and astringent fruit, soft malt, grapes, and dankness. Flavors were of fruit punch, malt, cola, and bitter spices. Creamy smooth mouth-feel. Alcohol like its big brother is impeccably balanced. Not really my style of beer, but there’s no denying its pedigree. This is a classic that isn’t quite as good as Rochefort 10. However, it stands apart on its own legs as a amazing brew. Salud!