Brouwerij Bosteels DeuS Brut des Flandres Bière de Champagne at 11.5% ABV (C$20.61 at NLC Stavanger, 750 ml, best before 1-Jun-2016, reviewed 12-Feb-2016)
Appearance: clear pale gold with a tall white head that diminishes rapidly to one finger with good retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: apples and pears, spices, white grape must. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (7/10) Palate: light body, high to lively carbonation, off-dry crisp and lightly tart moderately warming finish. (4/5)
Pretty easy drinking for a massive ABV beast, buoyed by a lively carbonation. I see the champagne comparisons, but unfortunately I think there’s an element of it showing its age (again – the last Bière de Champagne I tried was well past its best-before). Even though it’s four months before its BB date, I think the cidery apple has gone a touch brown, and I can’t help but think this would be nicer – crisper and cleaner – were it fresher. But hey! It’s a 1001 beer, from my local distributor? I don’t remember the last time that happened! (15/20)
My 218th from the 2010 Edition (207th from the 2013 edition), and 229th combining both editions.
7.5/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
