$11.99 (I think) from Arbor Place, Douglasville, GA, USA. 750 mL bottle, capped, dimpled bottom.
Pour is a very, very dark chestnut brown approaching black. Initially the head is very high but this fades to a thin, mocha, spotty impressive film. Not much lace but that’s OK considering the ABV. This is a good looking beer. To be honest the carbonation seemed a touch high for the style and there was a light prickle in the mouthfeel that although not troublesome, again seemed a touch out of line with the traditional aspects of the style.
Some fruity bread in the nose.
There’s a surprising amount of licorice and burned character here. Some charcoal and a fair dose of alcohol as well, but also some fruity acidity. It’s a bit of a crazy mix. There is indeed some Belgian dark character, but there is also some Belgian based stout notes as well. I guess the Belgian stout flavor is the cocoa nibs coming through. I don’t get much nutty flavor from the pecans though. Some sweet and sour in the finish as well. Even a touch of lactose milk stout. Interesting mix!
Interesting, and a really nice beer that you should try if you get the chance, BUT it does push “Belgian Dark” a little too far for me. It’s there (or thereabouts), but it’s at the extremes of the style for me and in that respect, although I really liked it there are quite a few in the style that I would choose before it.