Brasserie du Bocq Gauloise Brune Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 8.1% ABV (C$5.49 at Oak & Vine, 330 ml, best before 14-Jun-2018, acquired 31-Jul-2017, reviewed 8-Aug-2017)
Appearance: clear amber-brown with two fingers of fluffy beige head, excellent retention and soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: caramel & toffee, dark dried fruit, cocoa, red berries, bready yeast, light booze. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (7/10) Palate: medium body, lively to moderate carbonation, lingering bitter and mildly boozy finish. (3/5)
Nice BSDA, with balanced dark fruit, roasted malt, and even-handed booziness. Not particularly memorable, perhaps, but mild and pleasant, and that’s got to count for something, doesn’t it? Perhaps it’s just slightly too middle-of-the-road, and would benefit from a bit more emphasis, but all in all, I enjoyed it. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
