The Bruery The Order Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 10.6% ABV | 30 IBU (C$16.99 at Oak & Vine, 750 ml, bottle date 12-Jan-2017, acquired 27-Mar-2017, reviewed 5-Apr-2017)
Appearance: clear brown with one fat finger of fluffy beige head, moderate retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: Demerara sugar, dates, dark fruit and red berries, light bubblegum, hint of coriander. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, light peppery spice. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish medium duration finish. (4/5)
Oh yeah – with the name, and the label’s stained glass effect, when I first smelled this? It was some Ozzy Centre of Eternity shit. Surprisingly light in the body, and for that matter, in colour (the brewery claims 30 SRM but there’s no way that’s true). Decent depth and complexity of flavour, and little to no hint of the double digit ABV, until it puts you on your ass. I’m not entirely sure whether this is best characterized as a BSDA or an Abbey Dubbel (or maybe even an Abt/ Quad), but either way it’s my kind of monster. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
