Style: Dark belgian ale
Brewery: Brouwerij St Bernard
Origin: Belgium
Size: 33cl
Alcohol: 10%
Price: 37kr
Systembolaget: 89313
A cheese factory was founded at the beginning of the 20th century in Watou, Belgium, by fleeing French monks. When the monks returned to France, they sold the cheese factory, which then acquired a beer making licence from the monastery of St. Sixtus and so St. Bernard Brewery was formed. St. Bernards is not an official Trappist brewer, however their recipes are very similar in style, and this is one of the original recipes from the days of license-brewing for the Trappist monks. They are well known for their colourful bottles and happy monk who adorns the bottles. A world-class brewery like this excels at its products, and this is no exception.
This was murky dark brown in colour with an ivory coloured head that lasted for a long time after pouring. A massive and delightful blend of toasted malts, brown sugar, syrup, yeast, plums and redcurrants were all noted in the aroma. These continued into the taste, accompanied by caramel, chocolate and a small hit of metal. The body with thick and left the mouth slightly sticky but not excessively sweet. The carbonation was noted as being pretty high too. The aftertaste was a blend of raisins, plums and brown sugar again, with the warming alcohol subtly sitting in the chest.
This is simply an amazing beer. It fully deserves to be the jewel in the crown of this brewery and have the reputation as one of the best beers in its genre. I think everyone should try this beer at least once in their life. Incredible.