Brasserie De Cazeau Tournay de Noël – Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 8.2% ABV | 40 EBU (2019 Craft Beer Advent Calendar #24, 330 ml, best before 31-Jul-2021, acquired 22-Nov-2019, reviewed 24-Dec-2019)
Appearance: clear deep ruby brown with two fingers of pillowy beige head, good retention and well-defined droopy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: roasty malt, dark fruit, toasted bread, molasses, mild spice. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, sticky lingering bitter mildly warming finish. (4/5)
The brewer’s notes indicate this is hopped with Styrian Golding, Warrior, and Cascade, but the balance, especially on the nose, is very much about the malt. Despite that, it’s not overly sweet on the tongue, with a good bitterness balance. The body is maybe just a tad light for the style, but the finish is otherwise smooth and pleasant. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
