Notes added 09/12/21

Bottle pictured. Somewhere I have a Malheur glass or two (which look a lot like the Leffe glass this beer is currently sitting in), but I think that’s part of the garage stash.

Drinks the same as ever, like classy, super-high ABV Tripel, with even more added depth. A beer with real presence. The necessary and quintessential white pepper and wave after wave of sweet, alcohol sodden goodness. The alcohol is perfect here. Big, bold and upfront without ever getting solvent-like. Plenty of fruit and esters, and it feels complex. One moment dry, one moment less so. Champagne notes for a second, then back to a sweeter Belgian Strong Pale.

It’s all here, a great beer, and one that is complicated but so satisfying. A beer that knows what it is – classy.

Original notes 09/08/07

Small (33 cl?) bottle courtesy of Dave at The Brick Store.

Very special brew. Poured into an elegant wine glass like vessel it shows a classic yellow/golden pour and a lovely, finely formed head. The head sets the tone for the beer and for the mouthfeel which is almost silky. VERY fine carbonation.

Sweet, layer after layer of yeasty goodness. Mild clove and banana cut across the first few sips, but this is followed by a more intense alcohol spurt in line with the high ABV. Mouthfeel is exceptionally smooth nad the finish is slightly dry but very well rounded.

Drinkability? Off the chart. One of the best Belgian brews I have ever had the pleasure of drinking.