 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Oct 9, 2005 Updated: Oct 10, 2005
The ominous darkness of this bottle promised an exciting reviewing session. I was not let down by the pour: a sinister black hue topped of a fizzy tan crown that dissipated quickly into the void. A foreboding atmosphere accompagnies the first whiff. Many aromas intertwine and interact as you inspect the nose. Dark malts and fruits echo each other and call for a sip. I resisted as I could, and tried to analyze all these sensations. Roasted coffee, dark chocolate and oak dominate the background while blackberries, raspberries and apples mingle with salted butter, biscuits and toast. The first taste was surprisingly uneventful. Very few of the fragrances I had recognized were noticeable and a large malt profile seemed to quench all pretenders. Roasted sugars and coffee reign terribly over the flavor of this brew giving it a stout-like quality. The mouthfeel is slightly redeemed by the velevety smooth palate that finishes dry and salty. I was a bit disappointed by the second part of this beer - maybe I was expecting too much. Not my favorite Unibroue.
achtungpv (127), Buda, Texas, USA
Jul 3, 2009 Very aromatic with fall-ish fruits...figs, raisins, plums. A bit thinner than expected and the high alcohol content is a little too up front but it is very, very good beer. Highly recommended.
kopher (213), New York, USA
Jul 3, 2009 very dark and viscous pour.
aroma is deep dark fruit, figs and raisins and alcohol. similar flavor, fairly sweet with some maltiness and vanilla.
smooth texture, fairly full bodied.
DeanF (70), Paris, France
Jul 1, 2009 Probably the best way to get knocked out.... a dark brew, very smooth, but by the time you’re halfway through this monster bottle you’ll have forgotten anything about what the beer was when it started. Not like that’s a bad thing, though.
direwolf9 (19), Dallas, Texas, USA
Jun 23, 2009 Another great beer. Dark brown color with nice head. Tastes of malt is very nice. A little thin on the palate compared to the very top belgian strong ales but pretty doggone tasty.
RHeastings (214), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Jun 20, 2009 Enjoyed from a 750ml bottle in a chalice. The beer pours a deep brown with a lively just-off-white head. Aromas of banana, Belgian character malts, toffee, prunes, and raisons sneak through. The initial taste is a touch on the grainy side, and the overall palate is a little less full than offerings such as St. Bernardus Abt 12 and Het Ankor Grand Cru of the Emperor. The middle to end of the palate brings sweet flavors of slightly burnt caramel and some yeast-derived esters. The yeast seems to be a cross between the fruity Chimay variety and the "darker fruity" and more restrained Westmalle type. Overall, a great Belgian syle from North America’s Belgian brewery
craftbeerdesign (582), Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
Jun 13, 2009 draft at The Porter. arrived a dark brown with no head. wonderful dark fruit and slight Belgian yeast aromas. some spice up front with big raisin, plum and other dark fruit notes coating the palate. nice medium body which is quite smooth and well rounded. good strong finish which doesn’t overpower the mouth with alcohol, but leaves a lingering sting with more dark fruit notes through the back. excellent BSA.
DrBayern (1112), Morehead City, North Carolina, USA
Jun 11, 2009 750 ml. bottle from Buffalohead. Black/brown pour, nearly opaque with some ruby highlights, and a rather small light brown head. Aroma is dominated by fruit esters, black current, raisins,dates, etc. - vinous in nature. Medium to full body, light carbonation, some stickiness on the palate, but a satisfying richness. decidedly sweet flavor profile extends into the finish, with just the softest bitter accent that prevents it from being cloying. Alcohol not really apparent, but this is a slow sipper in any case.
phishpond417 (1730), Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Jun 10, 2009 I had been eyeballing this beer for a while at the store but just wouldn’t pick it up. Tried it for the first time the other night at the malt house and it was a delight! Pours a dark dark brownish black colour with a hint of red coming through once the smoke clears. Big fluffy brown head. Rich and toasty with plenty of spice, dark fruits and chocolate malts. Aroma is toasty with alittle bit of a prune scent. Totally worth it, check this one out!
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