St. Bernardus Prior 8

This beer was disappointing. It started out nice. The pour was a great pour, the color was a darkish brown. The head was nice, but not too powerful. The flavor was lacking. I am considering this to be just as good as the Pater 6. As the beer warms the flavors beginning to open up, but they never fully mature as I was hoping they would. I taste a slightly bitter caramel flavor, but as I stated it doesn’t even reach its maximum potential as the Abt 12 does. The Abt 12 opens up on your tongue and leaves a flavor that one can taste. This is subordinate the the Abt 12, but should still be complimented for its taste. Accolades to St. Bernard Brouwerij.

Color is dark, opaque brown. The serving I received had a nice thick but not overly persistent head. Smell is delightful and very tempting. Flavor is rich with smoky undertones, and this beer feels smooth and tingly. I was quite impressed, and will certainly order this one again if I get the chance.

Tasted 2007-03-08. 3 year old bottle. Stored properly. BB 2009, but still, I suspect it was way past it’s prime. It poured nicely - off white head, that disappeard quite fast. The Aroma was OK, but nothing special; malt, citrus - maybe a little caramel. Flavour was initially a bit bitter then turned sour. Not nearly as much flavour, as I know this beer is capable of having. Overall it seemed a little watery, and the aftertaste was not optimal. It was an OK beer but only OK. I have tasted this many times before, and this was the worst bottle of them all - and the only one of this age. I’m disappointed!

Bottle at ZBF. Dark brown color, geige head. Aroma: roasty malt, yeasty. Taste is complex, smoky, smooth, yeasty and malty. Like i’m more as the 12. Full body.

DELICIOUS! This dark belgian was heavy in taste and sediment. Creamy mouthfeel with tastes of chocolate covered fruit. Caramel and alcohol in the after taste. This is one complex and beautiful Belgian that I will buy more of.

33 cl bottle, best before 27/04/10, courtesy radiomgb. Beautiful mahogany amber colour with a mostly lasting frothy and creamy off-white head. Raisin, cherry, plum, chocolate, more dark fruit, and light apple aroma with alcohol notes. Rich flavour of raisin, plum, fig, and other dark fruit lightly dipped in chocolate and perhaps a touch of rum and port. Full bodied, rich mouthfeel with lively carbonation and just warming enough to convince you to take your time and savour every sip. Wasn’t expecting all that much after trying the 6, this one just kept improving with every sniff and taste.

Pours like rootbeer nice foamy tan head that remains about a quarter inch. Aroma of yeast and fruit. Tastes a little fizzy, touch of malt, spice, honey, balanced with a nice finish.

0.75l bottle. nice cloudy brown appearance, spicy aroma of cinamon, clove and cardamon, finish very long and lingering. A bit like drinking panaforte (a spicy tuscan dried friut cake). Excellent with a seafood stir fry. Overall a great beer.