Look, if you know what you’re getting into here you’re likely to be fairly content. A beer from Van Steenberge with that classic, huge, sweet cherry note is only going to end one way. This doesn’t surprise or shock in any way.

Slightly clouded, maroon body with a classic, light pink head. The head’s size, retention and sticky lace is really quite extraordinary given the massive ABV here. Bottle conditioning helps.

Nose gives up some cherry, but honestly what I find to be a slightly more generic, fruity ester base.

Tastes have the cherry tartness, a little solvent based alcohol, but a surprising (relatively) dry finish. I was initially expecting this to be noting more than massive, cherry sweetness and an alcohol bomb, but it all comes together in a slightly less aggressive manner than I was expecting. Now, don’t get me wrong, this is what it is, with all of the attributes that one would expect, but ultimately it ends up being not quite as bruising as one might expect.

Having said all of that, although it’s not terrible this is strictly a one and done beer for me.