I’ve been on the look out for this for some time, and on a recent trip to Indianapolis, IN, USA I picked it up at Kahn’s. I want to say $10.99 for the bomber but not positive on that.
I was a little bit wary because I thought that FFF might go a bit overboard on a style that, IMO, needs to be handled carfeully. Let’s find out.
Quite a dark orange pour in the Duvel tulip, this beer forms a large head wirh some lace but not great retention. Spotty, white film forms on the surface of the brew as it settles down. Cloudy appearance gives away the bottle-conditioning.
Nose reveals a bit of buttery diacetyl, not at all what I was expecting and more than a little worrisome. Grassy sweetness in the aroma too.
The grassy sweetness gets carrried into the tastes which are a fair bit floral in their nature. Definite lack of serious funk and really rather sweet up front. The finish produces a touch of hop bitterness and a small amount of tartness but they are both fleeting. Floral nature is what I am going to take away with me from this experience. That and the Belgian candy notes. As it warms some VERY distinct honey notes.
Slightly slick in the mouth which is not surprising given the ABV.
Easy drinking and the alcohol seems well hidden, but at the same time I was expecting a little more, and certainly a beer that wasn’t quite so sweet or so floral.
Not bad; not great.