So I had an “opportunity” to purchase one of these at $53 for the 375 mL! I decided to pass on that which turned out to be a GREAT decision since;
(a) the “groovy one” hooked me up in a trade for an equivalent of a fraction of that cost, and
(b) $53 for this would have been absolute robbery!
Anyway, back ot the beer. 2008 vintage.
Distinct lack of pop on opening and only a faint whiff of gunsmoke. The nose is increasingly acidic as you take more and more whiffs.
Pour is a ruddy brown with a small collar of bubbles. No lace. Light carbonation – a little “fizz”.
Tastes are tannins and dry notes. Very vinous and red wine like. Light vinegar is there throughout the beer but does not really manifest itself properly until the finish. Quite a lot of woody notes as well.
I get ZERO cherry notes, I assume that the fruit is only there to provide some natural acidity and some dry tannins from the skins. Definitely a Flanders Red/Oud Bruin beer as opposed to anything that resembles a Belgian Strong Dark to me.
As it warms it mellows a little, but not much. Alcohol extremely well hidden.
I dunno, quite what all the fuss is about is lost on me. As far as the way this beer drinks and tastes, it is definitely incorrectly categorized in the BA database. Poor value for money, this is a one and done for me.