750 ml, capped and corked from the latest batch to make it to GA. Delighted to see this back in GA after a fairly lengthy absence due to production and distribution inconsistencies.
I think it’s worth saying right off the top that this beer is fairly atypical of Fantome. It lacks some of the excessive funk that one often finds and whilst certainely “spiced”, it’s in a herbal manner which is somewhat out of the ordinary for them.
Pour is a turbid, murky brown Dubbel like body (not very attractive) with a better than expected head. Nice foam and surface film that persists.
A touch of alcohol and some herbal spice in the nose. Some fruit that rounds out the nose.
Tastes are more herbal notes. Somewhat reminiscent of a Cinzano Bianco (see my review of Lost Abbey 10 Commandments for the full story on that), but less fruity and MUCH more aggressive in the bitterness department. In fact, a little Angostura in there and a quite brutal finish. The harsh bitterness is surprising at the back end, but to be honest it’s both manageable and fitting with the herbal nature of the beer.
As I say, lacks some of the usual Fantome character, but for me it’s better for it. Certainly one of my favorite from Soy, and perhaps even my current, personal #1. Great stuff.