 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Dec 3, 2006 Updated: Dec 4, 2006
From the jovial label to the last drop of nectar, there’s isn’t much in a St. Bernardus I don’t enjoy. There’s a pure and beautiful simplicity uniting the layers of depth and richness in each brew to which the Abt culminates. I was unsurprised by this Special Edition, it was comforting to find my expectations fulfilled and my palate satisfied. Radiant as always, the pour reveals a clear erubescent glow vanishing into obscurity and covered in a thick beige dress folding upon itself as cloth would. The aroma is majestic, adding its usual caramel, fig, brown sugar and vanilla custard to an enhanced touch of dry hops and anise. Rich creamy tones reminiscent of crème brûlée appear prominently on the tongue, in conjunction to the common Abt base of dark, sweet fruits and malts. The finish shows plenty of cinnamon, emphasizing the subtle departure from St. Bernie’s original recipe. I found that the Special Edition was nearly on par with my previous experiences of the Abt, perhaps lacking the polish and depth age will provide. Hang on to your specimen for a couple years if you can.
EHSRanders (807), Randers C, Denmark
Jan 7, 2009 Bottle. Hazy dark amber colour with large creamy off-white mostly lasting head. Heavy malty aroma with notes of caramel and yeast. Sweet fruity flavor.
turbo (1250), Arizona, USA
Jan 7, 2009 Dark with a thick white head.
Aroma and flavor of caramel, raisin, sweet malts and spice at the finish.
shadey (1373), Rochester, New York, USA
Jan 7, 2009 750ml bottle consumed about 2.5 years old on 1/6/08. Pours a deep brown with lots of layers of light shining through. Big head of white foam and lace all over the glass. Aroma is very rich malts with just a touch of spiciness. The flavor is really quite impressive in its complexity. The rich sweet malts are obvious, but there is also a nice spiciness and a light tartness like raisins or grapes. The body is really smooth and easy to drink. Unfortunately after only my first half glass I’m buzzed. Wow.
TheCaptain (361), Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Jan 6, 2009 Special Ed on New Years to top off the Devonshire Knights New Years tasting. Excellent! What a great ale to end a great evening. Popped the cork, Dark pour with a pleasant rich aroma. Smooth on the pallet with even carbonation, great looking foam tan head and well rounded body. Delicious and well worth the wait.
Cheers-Gentleman!
Bockyhorsey (2118), Mesa, Arizona, USA
Jan 2, 2009 Updated: Jan 7, 2009Bottle courtesy of Secret Santa Chrismas 06. Sweet caramel aroma on the nose. Caramel body with off white head. Good thick caramel candy flavor with some dry bittering on the the palate. Thanks Tom from St. Louis.
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