22 oz bottle. Had this a few times in the last few weeks, time for some formal thoughts.
Pour is a good looking black with a few brownish highlights. Head is initially nice and creamy but the retention and lace are both very poor even when considering the ABV. Marked down for that.
A nice rich nose with some light roastiness, some chocolate and a touch of alcohol. Considering the word “Belgian” is used in the name of the beer and the label, the beer lacks much of a Belgian yeast element.
The tastes reflect the lack of Belgian character for me. On the plus side it is fairly light and drinkable despite the fact that the alcohol is definitely present. It drinks nicely with more than a touch of warming alcohol and some smooth, easy drinking chocolate notes. More warming alcohol in the finish too. A lack of Belgian character and a strange, lingering bitterness in the finish subtract from the experience somewhat.
One of the better Side Projects for me, but still nothing to write home about for me. Seems to me like the beer is trying too hard.