It looks typical enough on pouring: an opaque red brown with just a soft downy skim of ivory foam for a head. However, don't expect any of the dark sweet fruit found in most dark trappist beers, this is very much doing its own thing. The malt base is dry and roasty with more than a hint of high-cocoa dark chocolate and biscuit. Then it's complicated by a bittersweet herbal note which I'm guessing comes from the honey.
Between the dryness, the herbs and the alcoholic weight it's not easy drinking, but I really enjoyed it. The mix of dry and sweet and bitter offers a fascinating all-round taste experience. I don't know if Engelszell have anything else planned now that they've got their stripes, but I'd be very interested to try it if they do.
Been tempted by this one for a while, but it's got a fairly hefty pricetag.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. I bought it with a few other things so didn't notice it as much.
DeleteI tried the first batch at Braukunst Live last year, WAY before it was cool, or even before it tasted good ;) That first batch was extremely banana-y, almost like a Weizenbock. I was told at the time that the brewer was not so happy, and they'd be adjusting. Sounds like they hit it! Would love to try it again.
ReplyDeleteNot a trace of banana in mine, so I'd say they hit it all right.
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