Shane's Drivel

Maudite April 15, 2011

Style/ABV

Belgian Strong Dark Ale, 8%

Appearance

Dark brown, thin head that mostly goes away soon

Smell

Just a little malt, mostly what you’d expect from a dark ale

Taste

I had high hopes from this beer, as dark ales are my favorite style. Unfortunately, I felt this beer was merely a dark ale version of Ephemere. Minus the citrus, plus some hoppy/malty ale. Too much carbonation, that bites too much up front. It is heavier bodied than the ultra-lite Ephemere, but less so than I expect from a dark ale. Once again, as the beer warmed, the flavors came out more. And like Ephemere, I think this beer would be best served lightly chilled.

Drinkability

Yep, its just a dark ale version of Ephemere. Not nearly smooth as it should be. Too crisp from carbonation. A forgettable beer that I wouldn’t buy again. Life’s too short not to buy Chimay instead.