Unibroue 16

Formerly brewed at Unibroue (Sapporo)
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Chambly, Canada

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

A- Absolutely beautiful Belgian. Body is an opaque, bright, vibrant cloudy amber color. This one pours with a 3+ finger foamy white head that slowly dwindles down to 1/2 finger and has perfect retention from there. Plenty of lacing is left behind in the glass. S- Peppers and other spices come across the nose first and are the main character. In the background are sweet bready yeast, soft exotic fruit, and a hint of alcohol. T- Upfront is a touch of spiciness that accents an exotic fruity character. Yeast is prominent in the background. The finish is all spices and spicy yeast-an explosion. What lingers is a lot of spice, some bready yeast and a big astringent alcohol presence (which intensifies as this brew warms). P- Medium carbonation and medium weight body that is very smooth and creamy. Hints of alcohol consistency are in the body. O- This is a magnificent ale. I’m really happy I had the chance to pick this one up and try it myself. As with other Unibroue offerings-this one is heavily spiced-which is something I really like-but may not be for everyone. This was wonderful and enjoyable-the reason why I am not giving this one a higher drinkability is because of the obvious alcohol presence which can eventually become cloying. Having more than 10 or so oz. of this one is a challenge. Serving type: bottle Reviewed on: 03-03-2008 01:23:53

Bottle; best by Dec 09. Poured a hazy amber with a creamy off-white head that settled to a ring and left light lacing. Dark fruit aroma and flavor. Medium body, sweet, lively carbonation.

750 mL bottle. (Nov 22, 2006.) Orange brown with a small, sticky beige head. Smells like Unibroue yeast. The flavour, however, is wonderfully complex, with anise, spice, caramel, and fresh peach all balancing out the alcohol. Good body, and it hadn’t lost much carbonation, although with Unibroue’s typical carbonation, maybe it has. I drank this AFTER an Aventinus Eisbck, and it held its ground, so that’s gotta count for something.

Aroma is quite faint, slightly fruity and floral. Looks great, hazy orangy coppery colour, not much head but truly great lacing. Great malt flavour that isn’t too overpowering but it is quite close; the sweetness of the 10% was balance nicely so as not to have too much sugar left over. Very smooth and creamy, the amazing lacing continues as you swallow it. A warm alcohol taste afterwards. Quite easy, especially since it’s 10%. I will have to get some more of these from the wine cellars basemet stock before it’s all gone.

Pours deep redish amber with a nice thick head low retention. Aroma is very nice. Rich and yeasty it smells like a Unibroue. Flavour is greatBig and malty with a strong bready flavour. Lots of dark fruits on the palate and a bit of a strong alcohol flavour in the finish. THis is one hell of a brew. I am glad I had a chance to try it.

Bottled sample. Pale copper in colour with moderate carbonation. Aromas are of peppery yeast, pale malts, banana, and lemon rind. Surprisingly malt forward in the mouth (for a Unibroue product), along with more spicy yeast, sourish red berries, kitchen spices, and a hint of plastic and must. Medium bodied and clean finishing. Very easy drinkng for 10% alcohol.

Bottle. Clear copper pour with long lasting white head. Sweet aroma, I get maple syrup, nuts and dried fruits, age is also definately present in the malt profile. Rather sweet taste, still quite present alcohol in the finish. Very well preserved, too bad this was our last.

Caramel body with a white bubbly head. Bready, yeasty aroma. Nice, sweet flavor that finishes dry and wine like, but not too much.