Extremely interesting on a number of fronts;
Purchased at City Beverage in Winston-Salem, NC, USA (a great store BTW), for $5.99 marked down from $8.99. Notched rear label that seems to indicate “Lot B”, but the “Best Before” notches fall EXACTLY between the months 02/03 and the years 06/07. I suspect this is supposed to be March ’07, but either way this beer is STILL drinking nicely. Surprised to see it “Retired” here – what’s the story?
More surprises becasue this pours as a Belgian Strong PALE, not a dark. Oh well, interesting times!
Corked & Caged 750 mL, very different to the BA db picture! More questions.
Pouring into the Duvel tulip leads to a very, very good looking beer. HUGE head, fantastic lace and deep, deep golden body. Some small, dark floaties at the bottom of the glass (yeast particles?)
Nose matches the taste. A LOT of sherry, maderia type tastes which are delicious. Finishes a little dry, but the alcohol comes through and supports the dry bitter finish well. Almost Champagne like. Maybe a little thin for the style, but this drinks superbly (even at this advanced age). A little dry spice in the finish too. If anything it seems a little HIGHER than 8%. A touch of yeast and candy sugar. Some minor pepper.
One tasty, drinkable beer but I still have lots and lots of questions! This is certainly Pale so why Dark in the BA db?; Why Retired?; Why only 9 reviews?; Why a different presentation to the BA db? etc.
Good stuff!