This beer was created by the head brewer as a surprise for his wife. The brewery which produced her favourite beer disappeared in the 80’s, and with it her favoured tipple. This is an attempt to replicate the long-lost brew.
It is a deep amber brown ale, with ruby red hues and an offwhite head which collapses slowly. The nose is typical of a Belgian dubbel, with dark fruits, roasted malts, caramel and herbal, splcy notes.
The taste is much more complex than the nose. The fruits and sweetness follow through, but there is a strong herbal; almost earthy flavour. In the background is a slight bitterness, like green apples. The high carbonation gives this beer an almost champagne-like quality. The combination balance perfectly, and totally mask the 8.3% alcohol content.
This beer was a gift of sorts, which truly is an interesting and complex take on a classic style. This is one out of the box.