Urthel Samaranth is the big brother of the Urthel range, weighing in at a hefty 11.5% ABV.It pours a deep ruby red colour, giving a fiery impression. The beige foam top completes an inviting appearance. The aroma is heavy on strong malt, chocolate and caramel, plums, dates, a little woodiness and a hint of sherry alcohol.
Those sweet characteristics present in the flavour, with a good does of caramel malt sweetness, ripe dark stone fruits - plums, figs, cherries, raisins. Those sweet flavours are then balanced by some gentle spicing and moderate bitterness. The alcohol adds a pleasant warmth as well, though is really well disguised.
Overall the beer is a very well balanced sipper. Many levels of flavour to appreciate, in the full and smooth mouthfeel.
Belgian or Dutch? Brewery De Leyerth does not actually have it's own equipment. The Urthel beers were first brewed at the Van Steenberge brewery, and later moved to Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven; which is home to the Dutch Trappist Monastery producing the La Trappe beers. Technically De Leyerth is a brewery registered in Belgium, but there is a fair argument to classify the beers as Dutch!