Its been a while since we've had a beer from Brewery Van Eecke.
Located in the 'Brewer's Town' of Watou, just over the French border, it is in the midst of one of the oldest hop growing regions of Poperinge. The family run brewery dates back to 1862, and is being run by the 7th generation of this family of brewers.
Most of their beers are under the 'Kapittel' label, which means 'chapter' - a nod to the monastic links of these abbey breweries. A Prior is the senior figure of a small monastic community, so it is a fitting name for the strongest of Van Eecke's dark beers.
The beer is a smooth and rich mouthful of roasted malts, dark fruit and candi sweetness. Caramel, raisins, figs plums with hints of toffee.
Having the hops produced nearby, the Van Eecke beers all have generous hop additions. This helps cut through the body, to give the beer a lovely balance of sweet vs bitterness.