Brouwerij Het Nest Ten of Clubs KlevereTien Zwart & Straf – Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 10% ABV | 45 EBU (2019 Craft Beer Advent Calendar #14, 330 ml, best before 1-Mar-2021, acquired 22-Nov-2019, reviewed 15-Dec-2019)
Appearance: clear dark cola brown with a short, short-lived beige head, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: dark chocolate, liquorice, dark fruit, ash. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, boozy warming finish. (4/5)
I’m assuming the “Zwart & Straf” on the label means “black and strong”, because to be honest, if I use some of the other translations for “Straf” it’s a bit off-putting. I’m on the fence on this one – overall it’s not bad, and it certainly drinks well for a high ABV, but it just doesn’t seem to have the depth or fullness I like to see in the style. Let’s go with good, not great. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
