 awaisanen (1161), Irvine, California, USA
Jan 5, 2007
From a 330mL Bottle, 2006 Vintage. OMG. This is not what I expected at all. The aroma grabs ahold of me instantly as I pop the cap, erupting a geyser of tan head out of the bottle neck. Deep dark, chocolatey brown pour with a massive, gushing head of rich mocha brown. Impermeable to light, with only a subtle tinge of tobacco red to add some color complexity to the thick, dark body. Deep, molasses rich gingerbread wafts from the glass, heavy on the ginger spice. Some milky coconut adds a touch of vanilla lightness, complimenting additional aromas of dark, juicy, spicy, dried figs that tantalize my nostrils. Sticky, brown sugar coated Virginia whole leaf. Full bodied, richly carbonated mouthfeel... and the flavor is even more intense than the aroma. My love affair with dark Belgian strong ales has officially been rekindled after a drought of not tasting anything truly amazing. Gooey, thick flavors of chocolate fudge and backstrap molasses coat the tounge, spiced with some ginger and a hint of black pepper. Some soy marinated orange peel and lightly smoked malt supplement wonderfully. Heavy, brandy-like caramelization - amazing. Star anise and cinnimon combine in a yeasty spice finish. Its almost like a hybrid baltic porter, rauchbier, and Belgian strong ale. So much flavor packed into a 330mL bottle that I instantly feel gluttonous for drinking this one by myself. Fantastic, thick, decadent dessert. For me, this beer is to Dark Belgian strong ales what Still Nacht Reserva 2000 is to golden Belgian strong ales.
MuttyD (88), Cambridge, USA
Oct 7, 2008 Dark brown pour with a huge bubbling cream colored head. Aroma is fruity, yeasty, and has hints of brown sugar and caramel. Flavor is yeasty, sugary, and slightly alcoholic. More like a quad/abt than a Belgian Strong Ale. Spicy throughout. Sweet finish.
NosirIwont (879), Aalborg Vestby, Denmark
Oct 7, 2008 Bottle. Pours dark, dark brown with a big, creamy beige head. Aroma is quite sweet and complex; fruity with citrus/orange, wood, plums, liquorice and brandy. Sweet flavour. Fruit, plums, a touch of vermouth. Finish is cloyingly sweet, like brandy or sherry. Has a strange chocolate/liquorice mix-note. Notes of vermouth at it varms. Lingering apple notes, which aren’t doing any good here. Alcohol is well-hidden. Nice, smooth palate. Overall a fine brew, but way too cloying. Also could do without the apple notes in the finish. 07-10-08.
Todeon (211), Höllviken, Sweden
Oct 6, 2008 Bottle @ home. Aroma is wonderful with lots of dark fruit and spicey notes. Almost black in color. Taste is spicey with lots of caramel and dark fruit. A bit alcohol in the finish.
Joakgust (90), Stockholm, Sweden
Oct 3, 2008 Bottle SB&WF-08 - Unclear ruby amber colored beer with a dense head. Aroma is spicy, malty and vinous with strong notes of caramel and ripe fruit. Flavor is very malty and sweet with notes of spices and caramel. Full bodied, powerful and well balanced. Highly recommended!
dogfish120love (78), west hartford, Connecticut, USA
Oct 2, 2008 When I opened the bottle it foamed over onto the counter and appeared brown, but when poured it sits in the glass a dark brown, almost so much that it is black. The head is a frothy light tan or off white.I’m getting a hint of bannana, alcohol, oat, and spice, one of the best smelling beers i have had. Taste:hints of banana, sweet syrupy flavor, caramel cinnamon, and alcohol. The sweetness of this beer masks the alcohol nicely. This is an addition to my top ten list.
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