N’ice Chouffe: Review

Limited Edition

Ale Brewed with Spices (Thyme and Curacao Peel)

Brasserie D’Achouffe

Belgium

Achouffe.be

10% abv

75cl bottle/750 ml

$13.99

The problem I have with these 75cl bottles is getting that great sediment off the bottom of the bottle for the first pour.  Stirring or rolling a Belgian beer bottle does not work well before opening (experience) it just explodes when you open it.

Appearance: rich dark mahogany with a beige head and little lacing.  On the second half of the bottle (after stirring up the sediment) the body is a dark brown. The lacing is stronger on the second half of the 75cl bottle. 

Aroma: very faint, earthy yeast.  As it warmed sweet malty notes.

Flavors: this is a tough one; nothing standing out right away but I sure like for some reason (tasty should work).  As it warms up a nice spice note develops but I don’t know if I could pick out thyme.  Dusty orange peel, brown holiday nut raisin bread, allspice comes to mind with the bready note, thyme starts to show as the ale warms (halfway through the bottle), nice toasted grains, the dark candy-sugar also shows better as the ale warms up. 

This is liquid holiday dark bread - with orange peel, walnut, raisin, touch of allspice in the mix and thyme sprinkled on top of the crust. 

It is suggested on the bottle to serve at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  I have to agree from this experience.  When it was still chill from the fridge the notes were muted and they opened up as it warmed.  It is also suggested, on the bottle, to enjoy after dinner. 

  

Mouthfeel: smooth carbonation – in other words low, medium to medium-full body, full of flavors once it opens. 

To the Point: I really like this ale.  Top shelf stuff here.  I’ll have to plan to have this in stock next year for the holidays.  Hope I remember!