Unibroue 25e Anniversaire – Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 10.5% ABV | 20 IBU (C$9.59 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 750 ml, packaged on 19-Oct-2017, acquired 12-Dec-2017, reviewed 7-Jan-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy brown with two fat fingers of fluffy beige head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: cherries, dark berries, candi sugar, chocolate, faint earthy funk. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry warming & lightly spicy finish. (4/5)
I called this “Black Forest cake in a glass” when first trying it four years ago. In particular, I noted intense flavours of chocolate and cherry, which are still present, but in different proportion: I’m now noting the cherry to be dominant, with the chocolate having faded somewhat. I’m also detecting just the faintest note of earthy cellar funk that makes me think this is, if not “corked”, precisely, to some extent showing its age. It was a well-balanced and easy drinking beast, and I don’t think that’s changed, but it certainly hasn’t actually been improved by its extended cellaring. In fact, I’m going to say it’s now just very slightly past its best-by, although still quite respectable. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
