New Belgian Beer Favourites (Draak, Rochefort, Bernardus)

[rec]

Over a month of extensive and exhausting taste testing, I've enjoyed the better part of almost 50 brews. Some I have had before, but many I had not. Something that has become bold and clear is which style I prefer, and that is without doubt the Belgian Strong Dark Ale, above all. I wanted to document my top 3 for the few of you that also love your beer as much as I do...



1. Gulden Draak

http://pics.livejournal.com/reccy/pic/0001k8gr

Immediately the pour will have your attention as the amazing deep brown colour fills the glass and the bubbly head creates a beautiful lacing.

Gulden Draak brings to life the fruity aroma and taste of cherry and plum with a bald malt finish which leans towards a caramel flavour.

At 10.5% this one is definately a sipper, and has a great mouth feel. I sat back with my feet up at my local Belgian Beer Cafe in the sun for upwards of half an hour drinking the one glass, and I can't have imagined a better way to experience it.

An a-grade acomplishment and definately worth trying if you haven't. It's perhaps the most well-rounded (appearance, aroma, mouthfeel and taste) brew I've had yet, but ensure you drink it at around 10 degrees celsius because anything below just won't do it justice.



2. St Bernardus Prior 8

http://pics.livejournal.com/reccy/pic/0001hx9f

The pour presents deep opaque brown with a foamy off-cream coloured head which laces well and has great retention. A gorgeous looking beer indeed!

The smell is fantastic, dominated by malt and dark fruits. It'll make your mouth water before taking your first sip.

The taste is also rich in dark fruits, plum and raisin, and is balanced well with strong malt and a hint of citrus.

It's very drinkable, although despite all the brilliant traits of this fine brew, it does feel a little over-carbonated for my liking.





3. Trappistes Rochefort 10

http://pics.livejournal.com/reccy/pic/0001p2bs

Pouring a deep and glorious brown, the head dissipates quickly but sticks to the edges of my glass with much appeal.

While there's a distinct alcohol smell, the aroma is brilliantly detailed. Plum and fig make up part of the picture, but rich malt with cherry and chocolate come through the strongest.

While drinking, you're privy to a delightful warmth and the taste of all what was smelt after pour. I have a soft spot for malt-heavy brews, and this is indeed one, but not enough so to unbalance the near perfect delivery of the flavoursome bouquet.

The aftertaste is dry and spicy, and as the warmth mellows all the wonderful chocolates and fruits come back into play before their final departure.

Another high-quality Belgian brew, but unfortunately at AUD $14 a stubby, I will have to reserve this one for very special occasions.



More reviews:
http://beeradvocate.com/user/beer_reviews?user=rec

Respect beer:
http://beeradvocate.com/respect_beer/

Beer tasting:
http://www.cureforwhatalesyou.com/20...to-taste-beer/
http://beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/637/