Unibroue La Terrible

(08/08... The latest issue of All About Beer rated this as a Biere de Garde, which I have to admit, mystifies me) From a caged cork 750ml. brown bottle with a best before date on the back, 08/08/07, served at cellar temperature in a chalice. Made a good appearance, poured a opaque rudy/purple blackish brown with a fluffy tan head that settled into a thin foamy lacing, well carbonated, as you expect from Unibroue product. Had a dry fruit, plums and raisins, and Maderia wine with whiffs of yeast and spice. A dry, crisp from the malts, carbonated smooth medium bodied mouth feel, above average drinkability. Very dry wine tasting, dry dark fruits and Maderia wine, a light spiciness from the hops and a dry yeasty and winey finish. The alcohol warmth is subtle, like in a decent wine. A decent Belgian Strong Dark Ale, but no a great one, because of the high carbonation, a Unibroue trademark, I can see why some reviewers remark on the soda-like quality. Overall, dry tasting, which I like, with wine characteristics, along as you don’t have to pay more than $8 a bottle, recommended for anyone exploring Belgian ales.

2004 bottle. Pours a very dark amber. Large and lasting tan head. Aroma is very much like Trois Pistoles. Unibroue house yeast, fruit, some sweet malts. Flavor has a tinge of sourness, lots of fruit and yeast, spices, and just a hint of chocolate in there. I find the chocolate to be a real nice touch. Alcohol is barely detected. This stuff is nuanced and subtle, yet powerful and richly fulfilling. This would be a fantastic drink with or after a nice dinner.

Thin creamy, coffee coloured head. Dark brown in colour. Thick, high powered nose of raisened malts, classic Belgian strong ale in style. Good lift and power. Follows up very well in the palate with excellent malt action (heavy, rustic, sweet, authentic) but never gets heavy going despite the 10%. A very good effort from this solid Canadian marque.

2004 Bottle shared w/ John & Elisa. Dark fruit alcoholic aroma. Nice fine tan head - tight. A like-brown beer. coriander heavy-sweet. Common belgian brown, easy going.

750ml - 2004 vintage - Aroma is slightly mettalic. Yeast, milk chocolate, candi sugar, some dark fruit and spice. Pours deep dark brown with a medium off white head and good lacing. Flavor is chewy yeast with some dark fruit, grape, and spice. Hides the 10.5% very well. Palate is sticky and tart but gets smoother as it warms. Another solid Unibroue brew.

Pours a very dark, almost black amber – at first glance it looks like a stout with a good sized tan head that dissipates into nothing rather quickly. What immediately jumped out at me was the very lively carbonation that was audible from a few feet away. The aroma, while not overpowering is hints of chocolate and light fruit. Taste is VERY distinctive, immediately I thought oak and more oak. This really tastes like a carbonated port with hints of grape and a well placed spicyness.. The carbonation is so intense as to be annoying, as the flavor is much more reminicent of port than beer. Okay as it warms, the carbonation dissipates a bit. Really, I’m shocked more ratebeer descriptions don’t mention port and oak. Also, a well aged burgandy. Really one hell of an impressive and unique tasting beer. Mouthfeel is light, and as I said, lively carbonation. I’ve gotta say, as a wine fan, I love this stuff.

2004 bottle here. Thick brown head of small bubbles with a dark but not cloudy color. It drinks more like a wine, giving a nice warm hug to the brain of the imbiber.

2004 bottle dark pour , looks like coke with a big tan head that lasts and good lacing. aroma of sweet grapes. flavor is sweet, spicy ,malty with a dry finish. very smooth with a medium mouthfeel and a slight alcohol burn good stuff