Poured from a bottle that looks like this; http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/922/40681 but reliable information suggests that these two beers are the same offering just packaged in different ways for different markets - change request for the BA db has been submitted. $14.99 from Green's on Ponce, Atlata, GA, USA. Poured into the Ommegang chalice the initial pour is somewhat fizzy and not in a good way - rather soda-like. Highly carbonated with a large, frothy head but the head doesn't have...
Notes on beers brewed by
Brouwerij der St. Benedictusabdij de Achelse
Trappist Achel 8° Bruin
Dirty tea like color, with a huge amount of filthy brown yeast sediment. As usual with a Dubbel, not very attractive to me. Very fizzy (loud) out of the bottle, but the head disappears quickly. Excellent, sweet alcohol and caramel aroma. Tastes are just the same, sweet caramel, but with a warming alcohol finish and a bit more of a watery feel than I was expecting. Dry alcohol finishes quickly.
Trappist Achel 8° Blond
Poured into the Val-Dieu chalice it presents itself as a very pale golden color. The head is big and lacks a real rocky appearance (rather ultra-fine bubbles predominate), but the slightly thinner nature means the best lacing I have seen for a very long time forms on the glass - I'm giving it a 5.0 for appearance PURELY based on the lace. Aroma is mild yeast with some lemony/citrus hops. Mild sweetness in the taste, typically Belgian Tripel notes, but not nearly as sweet as many of the style....