Southampton Abbot 12

This is a very impressive immitation belgian brew by Southampton. The pour reveals a clear ruby-hued burnt orange with a lasting, rocky, tan head. The aroma was yeasty, fruity, spicy and earthy, very complex. There was sweet dark pitted fruits, raisins, dates, clove, lemon grass, caramel, molases and yeast that all together resembled a sweet soy sauce of some kind. The flavour was equally as complex with the addition of bready malts that weren’t detectable in the aroma. The palate wasn’t as effervescent and lively as I hoped it might have been, but it was smooth. The body could have been a bit fuller. The flavours, as the beer warmed, began to sweeten further, becoming almost syrupy. The alcohol was hidden well by the sweet, fruity and spicy flavours. I also detected some chocolate and caramel flavours too. COMPLEX. A must try for all who appreciate the Belgian style.

I have to admit that I was thrilled to find a Quad from Southampton as I have really grown to love their beers. This one was a maghony color with a very very sweet taste. It is different from some other quads but quite enjoyable none the less. This was more of a dessert beer, but a quality attempt at a hard to reproduce Belgium classic.

Dark reddish orange, small head with blah lacing and retention. Aroma is raisin, plum, usual spices, light yeast. Medium to heavy body with a very sweet finish, some alcohol. Enjoyable but doesn’t have the balance or complexity of the Trappists.

Tried this again, and it was absolutely disgustingly sweet, even worse than before. Did the yeast die off before it could finish? Undrinkable mess. Thanks for sharing a bottle, iowaherkeye. The body was dark orange with a large light khaki head. The aroma was funky cinnamon with some peaches and flowers. The taste was very sweet with some peaches and some hints of cinnamon. There was also some rich fruit, like canned cherries. Some light pancake character. The more I drank the sweeter it got. The body had a slightly chewy character with nice subtle cabonation. Did I mention this was too sweet?

Combination of an ’03 bottle from Pailhead and ’06? bottle from adrian910ss. thanks to the both of you. ’03 had tons of rotten dark fruit, huge malt backbone. Flavor again huge malt, residuel sweetness, not much fruit whatsoever. Seems one-dimensional. ’06 bottle much nicer. Huge dark fruit and caramel/mollasses combo up front. Faint alcohol in the background. Flavor much the same, fig/prune/raisin/candied plums up front. Through the middle it’s all residuel sweetness, not cloying whatsoever though. Finishes with a touch of alcohol, helps clean the palate a little. Huge sticky body and mouthfeel. Well done.

Bottle. Aroma has a straw malt note with herbs and lemon for the hops and there’s a heavy smell of soap and musty basement for the yeast. Head is big and rocky that’s off white with good lacing and is fully lasting. Color is a clear red/brown. Flavor is harshly sweet and moderately acidic and finishes moderately sweet and lightly bitter. Palate is medium, between oily and watery and it has lively carbonation. A little too sweet but tastey none the less.

Bottle. Light molasses color, sweet aroma, medium head. Strong yet light malt flavor with definite caramel notes. Mild body complements flavor very well. Bubbly feel. Surprisingly complex and refreshing on a summer day post-work!

Bottle; sampled previously on tap. Pours hazy brown, with a thick white head. Sweet malt aroma with some vinous quality. Flavor shows malt, candi sugar. raisins, caramel, alcohol, and spice.Sweet malty finish. Nice beer.