Brasserie Valduc-Thor Valduc Thor – Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 9.5% ABV (2019 Craft Beer Advent Calendar #7, 330 ml, best before 21-Feb-2021, acquired 22-Nov-2019, reviewed 7-Dec-2019)
Appearance: hazy reddish amber-brown with two fat fingers of fluffy light beige head, excellent retention and moderate spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: peat, bready yeast, chocolate, dark fruit, burnt sugar. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, moderate bitter mildly warming finish. (4/5)
The near-on gusher upon decapping might catch those less experienced by surprise, but this ain’t my first rodeo so it all made it into my glass with nary a drop spilt. A Rauch-like smoke plays heavily, with strong peaty malt dominating, especially upon warming. Not necessarily a negative – I quite like Rauches – but this is quite a bit different than most BSDA’s. On the other hand, it drinks very easily for a relatively high ABV. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
