Trignac XII 2013 Review

Castle Brewery

Br. Van Honsebrouck

globalbeer.com

Kasteel Tripel Aged in Cognac Casks
750 ml bottle
12% abv
$60 a bottle

Appearance: lightly cloudy; golden orange body with a thin head half finger bubbly head

Nose: light citrus reminding me of fresh squeezed orange; some white wine stone fruit; light oak; I'm not picking up any cognac notes; pleasing nose but, light overall; as it warms up a little alcohol note comes through and with the fruit notes, oak and a hint of vanilla I get the Cognac now

Flavors: this ale excels in this department; a basket of summer fruits that remind me of a fine Champagne; white grapes, fresh apple, pear, maybe a hint of peach; nice touch of lemon and orange peel; nice floral notes; touch of honey, a hint of vanilla and Belgian candy sugar; the Cognac aging is showing in the flavors; a dash of white pepper coming from the alcohol; a light twist of coriander

Mouthfeel: crisp and dry; sweet up front; fruity; dry grass feel on the finish; fine feel of carbonation; light spicy feel;  

To the Point: I have to admit the price scared me last year when I saw it at the Belgian Fest at Ashley's and at the store that I go to.  This year I said, 'I buy a bottle of wine for a 100 bucks and don't like it, I get over it, so why not a beer.'  But, I love this Ale!  Next time I see this bottle I am buy 6 bottles.  It is that good.

Belgian Dark Ale 2014 Review

Hof ten Dormaal
Tildonk, Belgium

12% abv

$25.00 a bottle

75cl bottle

Hof Ten Dormaal Barrel-Aged Project

Aged in Grappa Barrels

Limited Edition 988 Bottles

Appearance: dark caramel brown body with a two finger light tan head that has some staying power

Aroma: fruit bread; grappa wine like nose

Flavors: grappa wine like flavors shine through; lightly toasted caramel bread;

Mouthfeel: soft; super fine fizzy feel; malty; light-medium body; earthy, bready, caramel notes linger on the palate; dry feel

To the Point: I have never had Grappa wine before but, it sure seems to have transferred to the ale in the aging process; while I am a wine lover – I just don’t think I am a fan of wine barrel aged ales; the few I have had all I can say is that they are okay; I am not paying 25 bucks for okay

Rodenbach 2011 Vintage Oak Aged Ale Review

Palmbreweries.com

Steenhuffel, Belgium

Limited Edition

Oak Barrel No. 95

7% abv

750ml bottle

$18.99 from Lager Mill Frankenmuth

Appearance: ruddy brown with big cherry juice highlights; not much on the head

Aroma: sour mash; cherries; slight hint of oak

Flavors: sour cherry mash; hint of oak

Mouthfeel: sour and tart notes; mild carbonation; cola like; lingering tart

To the Point: rather simple; sour/tart cherry with a hint of oak; I was expecting more flavor; a pleasing sour cherry ale; can’t say I would buy this again 

Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel Review

Brasserie D’Achouffe

Achouffe, Belgium

9% abv

75cl bottle

$12.99 – The Super Fine Wine & Liquor Store in Canton

Belgian Tripel Ale

Tomahawk, Amarillo and Saaz hops

Appearance: misty golden Canadian cream body with a two finger white head; a spot here and a spot there of lace; better lacing on the second glass when I got more sediment into the pour

Aroma: very aromatic nose; citrus, herbal toasted biscuit; the nose is very nice but, I just can’t come up with a specific note and the only descriptor I like is ‘aromatic’ for this aroma

This is one beautiful glass of beer

Flavors: soft citrus meat, herbal tea, hearty golden biscuit; sweet grains on the front, mild bitterness on the mid and finish; a dash of white pepper on the mid;

Great head retention

Mouthfeel: soft, delicate style; mild-moderate bitterness; super fine fizzy feel from the carbonation; medium body; lingering soft and clean citrusy like bitterness

To the Point: super pleasing; while I have found this very hard to review I really like this ale; I am going back to the store to buy a few more bottles and enjoy them before I say I am going to put this on my top shelf list; the aromatic, alpha type hops used gives this ale its clean and delicate style; this is a must try and don’t buy just one

Hoegaarden Wit Review

By: InBev Belgium

Belgium

4.9% abv

Brewed with Coriander and Orange Peel

Appearance: a misty lemon wheat body with a one and a half finger white head that hangs around; some spotty lacing

Aroma: nice touch of coriander and citrus spice mixed with a hint of white bread

Flavors and Mouthfeel: refreshing and crisp; moderate coriander; the orange peel seems more lemony to me; either way it has a nice citrus zest to it; moderate carbonation; nice zippy feel

To the Point: I liked the Samuel Adams Cold Snap’s aroma over the Hoegaarden’s nose; the Hoegaarden seemed lemony while the Cold Snap’s Orange Peel seemed to be … well … orange peel like; I liked the Hoegaarden’s overall mouthfeel – it seemed more refreshing and zippy; But, Cold Snap is a seasonal beer for the early spring – spot on.  

Cuvee des Trolls Cuvee Speciale: Review

Brasserie Dubuisson

Pipaix, Belgium

br-dubuisson.com

7.5% abv

1pt 9.4oz bottle

Appearance: hazy golden-yellow body with a one and a half finger of pure white head that hangs around for the party; not much on the lacing

Aroma: not much; very delicate; yeast, biscuit, hay, pear; lemon drop candy – only one piece (very faint);

Let’s see what happens as the ale warms up

Flavors: pale malt; soft pear; tart apple; hint of lemon; sugar; yeast; dusty hay; dusty spice; a pinch of chardonnay sea salt

Mouthfeel: very spritzy, lively carbonation; somewhat dry; dusty; tart; medium body; dry hopped on the aftertaste;

This ale can be aged

To the Point: the flavors seem a little disjointed; I am not feeling the flow; the sugar is just there it’s not in the mix – example: candied fruits or pear cotton candy – no it’s pear, apple, lemon and then sugar; like the sugar was an afterthought;

To me there is nothing special about this speciale; I don’t remember the price tag but, it was 30 to 35 dollars at Ashley’s of Westland during their Belgian Fest. 

10 bucks I might do it again; thirty bucks I’ll pass

Augustijn Dark Brune Ale: Review

Br. Van Steenberge

Ertvelde, Belgium

Globalbeer.com

8% abv

11.2 oz stubby bottle

Style: Dark Ale/Brown Ale

Sampler Six Pack

$22.99

Appearance: brown body with a two finger light tan head that leaves some lacing

Aroma: mild nose; plain brown ale like; earthy yeast; sweet brown grains

Flavors: sweet non-descript malts; sweet brown grains; touch of dark raisins; mild hops to keep things in check; light non-descript spice on the finish;

Mouthfeel: low carbonation; smooth feel; moderate flavors; okay aftertaste; sweet malts balanced by some mild hops; medium body; no frills here

To the Point: this beer is not very review-o-genic as I like to say; not much to write about but, it is pleasing to drink; then the question is, do you want to pay this price for this ale?; 

Scotch Silly Port Barrel Aged: Review

Br. De Silly

Silly, Belgium

Globalbeer.com

9% abv

Serve 45 degrees

750ml bottle

$13.00 Ashley’s of Westland, Michigan

I had to buy two of these bottles because I love a great tawny port.  Now, take an already sweet ale, Scotch Silly, add some port barrel aging and this could be really good.

Appearance: nice medium-dark amber with a hint of ruby port color to the body with a one finger tan head and not much on the lacing front

Aroma: sweet malty nose; whiff of cotton candy sugar; not much on the port

Flavors: tart apple; caramel; sweet grains; caramel/toffee cotton candy; dried out stale black licorice; oak spice; flavors just seem DE shoveled

I sure am missing the port concept here – I love a nutty port with a rich caramel/toffee style with a nice woody quality and some dark fruits.  All this is - is a slightly tart Scotch Silly.

Mouthfeel: dry; tart yet sweet; low carbonation; bitterness on the finish; lighter than I expected in body; dirty tart aftertaste

To the Point: wow, 87 points on BA with 26 reviews; I’ll bet $100 that only two of them have ever had a great port – hell, I’ll bet only four of them have ever had a port;

This is not all that interesting to me; I don’t know if I could even give it a 72% to keep it in the C range I’ll have to give it a C-.  Damn, I had a fine cigar planned for this ale. 

Anybody want to buy my second bottle.  

Leute Ale Bokbier: Review

Br. Van Steenberge

Ertvelde, Belgium

Globalbeer.com

7.5% abv

11.2 oz stubby bottle

Style: Strong Dark Ale on BA; Double Bock on Global Beer

Sampler Pack

Appearance: dull opaque ruddy brown body with a tan head that leaves a spot or two of lacing here and there.  Be ready to pour the bottle when you open it for the carbonation just explodes and this bottle sat on the table for at least twenty minutes till I got a chance to open it. 

Aroma: moderate malty bouquet; notes are not clear to me; dark fruits; sweet grain; not very inspiring

Flavors: tastes better than the nose; nice dose of cherry up front followed by dark fruit, milk chocolate and grains; mild hops keep things in balance; as the flavors meld together I think of that cheap box of Valentine candy that has the one piece of chocolate that I did not like … milk chocolate covered cherry.

Mouthfeel: moderate carbonation; light or light-medium in body … to me it is light for the style; thin aftertaste of light tart cherry; not very complex; a tad thin; lacks depth;

To the Point: I don’t get this Bokbier; maybe they are competing with Kasteel Rouge 8; it is better than Kasteel Rouge in my opinion; Kasteel is a cherry cola beer to me; the Leute has some ale qualities at least; a good ‘girls’ beer; I am giving this one a straight out C … 75% for a double bock.  

There are not many ales brewed by Van Steenberge that I don't care for and this is one of those on that short list.  

Troubadour Imperial Stout: Review

Br. The Musketeers

Ursel, Belgium

Globalbeer.com

9% abv

750 ml bottle

$12.99

Appearance: dark body, almost black, big dark cola like edges, easy two finger light tan head; some nice lacing on the glass;

Aroma: dark roasted malts; semi-sweet chocolate; toasted brown sugars; light smoky note; creamy feel on the nose

Flavors: follows the nose with a light peppery feel on the back and finish; black smoked sea salt on the finish; medium roasted coffee; mild hops help to add balance

Mouthfeel: not imperial stout like its more stout like but, it is a Belgian Ale; not syrupy; not thick; in other words a tad thin for an imperial stout; dark roasted notes; sweet toasted sugars; medium coffee bitterness; light peppery feel probably from the alcohol; soft carbonation; full-medium body

To the Point: not a very impressive imperial stout – I’ll give it a C as an imperial stout; thinking of it as a stout – I’ll give it a B/B+; lacks the mouthfeel of an imperial stout; a very pleasing stout to sit back and enjoy; 

Biere du Boucanier Dark Ale: Review

Van Steenberge

Belgium

Globalbeer.com

9% abv

11.2 oz stubby white bottle

$21.99 a six pack (sampler pack)

Refermented in the bottle

Style: Triple Ale or Belgian Strong Pale Ale

I just cannot believe that I have not reviewed these Boucanier Ales.  I did review the Red Ale a year or two ago (click here to see review).

Appearance: a ruddy cola colored body with a light tan two finger head that leaves some lacing on the glass.

Aroma: light bouquet of dark fruits that remind me of dry fig and sweet dark raisin; light yeast and light brown bread – reminds me of a light pumpernickel bread;

Flavors: really follows the nose; flavors seem to meld together well; good balance with a nice sweet note and mild hops to keep things in check; the only thing to add to the flavor profile would be a lightly toasted yet sweet caramelized malty note 

Mouthfeel: light carbonation gives me a fine fizzy feel to keep things a little crisp; smooth feel; sweet raisins early, little bittering on mid and a dry bittering on the finish and a sweet caramelized malt that swirls around these notes; brown bread aftertaste with caramel; medium body

To the Point: easy to drink; no wow factor but, very serviceable Dark Ale; lacks complexity and depth but still pleasing to drink;

If you want to have a Pirate Party this is Boucanier line-up is a must have.  Don't forget Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19.  

Sandwich Pairing: grilled pumpernickel bread with black forest ham, baby Swiss cheese, and mayo or grilled Black Russian Bread with pastrami brisket, Havarti cheese, and Mucky Ducky sweet Mustard.

Cigar Pairings: this medium bodied Ale goes well with a variety of cigars; I am enjoying a San Lotano Oval Cigar with it today.  

Biere du Boucanier Golden Ale: Review

Van Steenberge

Belgium

Globalbeer.com

11% abv

11.2 oz stubby bottle

$21.99 a six pack (sampler pack)

Refermented in the bottle

Style: Triple Ale or Belgian Strong Pale Ale

I cannot believe that I have never reviewed this ale.  Just before I started this blog, back in January of 2010, I stumbled across the Boucanier line-up and I enjoyed them a lot.  I also remember smoking some fine cigars with this ale and enjoy the experience each and every time.  I just can’t believe this ale is not on my cigar or beer blog – just a pure injustice. 

Appearance: cloudy golden orange body with a one and a half finger white head that settles to a thin layer in about a minute or so; some lacing on the glass; get that yeast off the bottom of the bottle by swirling the bottle with the last inch of beer and then pouring it into the chalice; solid sheets of lacing hang on my second glass of this ale during the first half of the glass then, spotty lacing

Aroma: to me this has that classic Belgium Beer aroma: Belgian yeast, sweet tropical fruits like tangerine and a hint of banana (a creamy red banana) with a touch of stone fruit; nice spice; aromatic hop;

Flavors: sweet malts and nice aromatic hops show some good balance (still on the sweet side); stone fruits and citrus zest swirl around some sweet grains and honey; spice on the back that reminds me of pink peppercorn; come to think of it the sweetness also reminds me of the cranberry maple rub that I just sautéed up in some unsalted butter that I glazed my pecans in that I covered my veal chops in today for dinner. 

Mouthfeel: creamy feel; fine fizzy feel from the carbonation; sweet candied fruit up front with spice on the mid and it all comes together for a pleasing aftertaste; a pleasing bitterness underneath;  medium-full body; the alcohol did not play a big role to me except for adding the light pink peppercorn spice note

To the Point: very pleasing aroma that makes the drinking experience a pleasure; the sweetness is under control and not in your face; the mild hops give it some balance; I am giving this ale a solid 89% for a B+ … no how about 90% for an A- … boy is grading a beer tough work; must buy – go out of your way to find this ale

The Boucanier Golden Ale paired perfectly with the La Gloria Serie R Maduro No. 6 cigar.

Delirium Nocturnum: Review

The Huyghe Brewery

Melle/Ghent, Belgium

$12.99 a bottle

1pt 9.4oz bottle

8.5% abv

Style: Strong Dark Ale

I reviewed the Delirium Tremens Ale yesterday while watching some college football bowl games and today I am still watching some college football and reviewing Delirium Nocturnum Ale.  I don’t know if these Delirium Ales are having an effect on me but all the goal posts look like this (see picture below):

Maybe, I am starting to hallucinate?  Hey, I have a pink elephant on my beer bottle why can’t my goal posts during a football look like that?  With goal posts like that who wouldn't want to be a field goal kicker.  I am sure I can get it between the uprights.  I hope you don't mind my wife posing for these pictures - damn, I am hallucinating.  

Today's College Bowl Picks: take Rugers and the 15-1/2 pts over Notre Dame; North Carolina will cover the 3 pts that Cincinnati gets (home game for NC); take Miami and the 3-1/2 pts over Louisville; and Kansas State will cover the 3-1/2 pts Michigan gets.  I see a lot of field goals being kicked today!

On with the review.

Appearance: deep brown body with chestnut highlights; nice one finger light tan head and not much on the lacing front

Aroma: holiday brown bread; sweet dark fruit;

Flavors: dark brown fruit, candied fig and prune like; brown spice – a pinch of allspice; brown holiday breadiness; light toasted malts; little nutty – and so am I as I keep looking at that goal post; some toffee coming from the caramel malts and dark sugar;

Mouthfeel: smooth; moderate carbonation for a soft fizzy feel; I wonder if those goal posts have a soft fizzy feel; light sweetness mixed with a soft bitterness;

To the Point: this is a super nice strong dark ale; on beer advocate it received a 90 with 1,788 reviews; I would give this a higher rating personally; for this style let me say 95 for as high as I would go; I prefer this one over the Tremens; if you like Belgian Ales like I do - this is a must try

Gulden Draak Ale: Review

Van Steenberge

Ertvelde, Belgium

Globalbeer.com

10.5% abv

11.2oz white stubby bottle

Now here is a new label that I like the old one was a paper label on the white bottle.

Global beer had me do some cigar and Belgian beer pairings for the blog back in 2010.  That is how I started doing my own blogspot.  Global Beer imports some of the best Belgian beer on the American market – spend some time on their website and find your favorite. 

Checking my own blog out I find out that I have not reviewed this tasty Triple Ale since 2010.  Time for an update.

Appearance: dark brown triple; most triples are blond or an amber color; two finger creamy tan head crowns the top of this dark brown triple; plenty of lacing sticks to the glass

Aroma: aromatic nose; sweet caramelized malts with fancy raisin and fig with a nice Belgian yeast note

Flavors: caramelized malts; dark candied fruits – raisin and fig; rich milk chocolate; hint of herbal tea; touch of toffee; nice alcohol spice; not boozy for having a 10% abv; pleasing undertone of fuggle hops

Mouthfeel: smooth is the word; okay ‘creamy’ is another word; fine fizzy carbonation feel; toasted sugars and Belgian yeast linger on the aftertaste; super pleasing mouthfeel

To the Point: this is top shelf!  Yes, 2010 was the last time I reviewed this ale but every winter I pick-up a four pack or a 750ml bottle and enjoy this great triple ale.  This is a great after dinner ale and a sipper at that. 

If you are a cigar smoker like me you must pair this with your favorite stogie. 

Plan to enjoy this one after your Christmas dinner.  Yes, pass on that boring Pumpkin pie and pour yourself a real world class treat. 

Bornem Triple Abbey Ale: Review

Van Steenberge

Ertvelde, Belgium

Globalbeer.com

9% abv

11.2 brown stubby bottle

Another Van Steenberge ale that I have not reviewed since 2010 (on my cigar blog) and once again I might as well do an update since I bought this Van Steenberge variety six pack.  

Appearance: misty golden blonde with a nice white head that hangs around like a dog in heat; plenty of bubbles rise from the bottom giving you that champagne like look; I am using a champagne flute because this Abbey Ale has a big time champagne like quality - bubbles

Aroma: apple; yeast; white bread; and the effervescence just slaps the nose silly – just like champagne

Flavors/Mouthfeel: this is all about the mouthfeel with this Triple Abbey Ale; the effervescence just dances across your tongue like Fred Astaire; white bread, apple, and pear right after the effervescent blast; tart apple and a soft white peppercorn on the back of the palate that flows to a slight bitter note on the finish that reminds me of a dirty old lemon peel; bubbles all the way;

To the Point: as for being a Triple Abbey Ale – forget it – I’ll give it a C+ at best. For being a champagne-beer I’ll give it an A-.  It’s all about the effervescence here.  The flavors are even champagne like.

This would be good to pair with your appetizers – I served it at the fruit and chocolate fountain table back in 2010 for Christmas.

As for the Detroit Lions being on Monday Night Football tonight: They will lose 43 to 37.  And, for all you Detroit Lion slappies - buy a bottle of this Bornem expecting a quality Triple Abbey Ale and then feel the disappointment - the type of disappointment that you are use to feeling watching this team.  

Just so you know, I am a football fan I just live in the Detroit area and I have the Detroit Lions as my home team.  Why do I think they will lose? They don't like to be in first place and they have a history of ... Losing!