De Dolle Brouwers Oerbier Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 9% ABV (€5.20 at Belgian Beer Tradition Rue au Buerre Bruxelles, 330 ml, best before Dec 2016)
Pours clear medium amber with two fingers plus of fluffy light tan head, good retention and lacing. (4/5) Nose is dark boozy fruit (dates and raisins), caramel malt, brown sugar, green apple, other stone fruits. (8/10) Taste is moderate sweet, mild tart, very light bitter. (8/10) Medium body, prickly carbonation, medium duration finish with a little lingering alcohol warming. (4/5)
Quite a nice BSDA, if a bit on the pricey side for where I got it. Very mild considering the beefy ABV, almost sherry-like and quite good for sipping. Almost feels like there’s a little brett in there contributing to the mild tartness, but it’s quite restrained. Sweetness is similarly restrained, and kept well in check by the pleasantly prickly carbonation. Certainly much better than the amateurish label might have you expecting, and having read their writeup, I’d like to cellar some for future experimentation. (16/20)
My 169th from the 2010 Edition (160th from the 2013 edition), and 179th combining both editions.
8/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
