Back when I did my review of Ommegang’s Gnomegang, I mentioned a Belgian brewery that claims to have been taught to brew by the Chouffe, a race of brewer gnomes who have refined their craft over thousands of years. Brasserie D’Achouffe, as they are known, contributed yeast to that beer, and now finally I stumbled across their beer for half-off at work!
Anyway, this beer is a very hazy pumpkin color when lit up, head retention is excellent. Smells of fruits, cherry and plum, with some softer, more typical Belgian notes underneath, and a touch of alcohol. The taste is sweet and warm, notes of chocolate and roasted grains, and light mineral quality from the creamy, full body; alcohol content is noticeable, but serves to add a pleasant warming sensation throughout the mouth. The finish is warm and lightly bitter, more notes from the orange peels than hops, the thyme is also discernable underneath, along with a light pepperiness, and together these flavors slowly fade out on the palate. Very tasty beer with a hell of a kick. Not very sessionable due to the high ABV, but it’s a great beer to sip slowly while you become warm and cozy.
