Country of Origin: Belgium
Price comparison: About twice the price of the average domestic national brand.
Alcohol percentage by volume: 9%
Cute bottle/label? 750 ml corked-and-caged; year (2004) on the cork. Red label with a woodcut of the Abbaye Val-Dieu (Valley of God Abbey) and the establish year (1216).
Appearance: Cloudy copper with a thick white head and not so much lace as clumps of suds retained on the glass.
Scent: Bright citrus with yeast and malt.
Flavor: Spicy sweet (clove and pepper); the yeast is also nicely present in the flavor. Peppery citrus-peel finish.
Impressions: This is another beautiful Belgian abbey ale; I can't get my fill of it, and it gets more aromatic and interesting as it warms. Clean and crisp, and very well balanced.
Will I buy this beer again? I think I'd rather get it in smaller bottles next time, if it's available; the head was more fun on the first pour than on subsequent ones from the big bottle.
Rating:
4 out of 5 cute beer glasses
Reviewed: February 9, 2004
