Belgian stout is not a common beer style, there really are very few examples I can think of. This beer from Brasserie Dupont is probably the first one I do think of.
Back in the early 1950’s Dupont first made this beer as something a little different but given the popularity of other beers (most notably Saison Dupont) taking up their tank space, it didn’t last long. Fast forward to 2011 and the beer was revived, still brewed to the same recipe that was first used back in the 1950’s.
It is a deliciously uncomplicated beer, lots of roasted malts give off a strong coffee and chocolate aroma. If you concentrate you might also pick up a little citrus from the hops, but that’s about it.
Flavour-wise, the roasted malts are front and centre, quite sharp in the taste with strong hints of that coffee with some dark chocolate and a slight nuttiness.
The beer is intentionally dry, with no real sweetness to speak of. It makes for a truly refreshing dark beer that is light and crisp, with good carbonation.
The brewery suggest serving this beer either chilled, or at 12 degrees. It really does make for a different beer as it warms up and more of the chocolate notes come out, with the roasted malt and coffee losing a little sharpness. And for full-service recommendation, sushi or blue cheese are the chosen food pairings!
The classic farmhouse ale, and benchmark that re-popularised the saison style of beer.
A special annual vintage version of Dupont's classic saison
