Noire De Chambly / Chambly Noire
Tasted at my new favorite Chicago bar, Hopleaf. Rich, mahogany in color with a very light brown or tan head. The aroma is intriguing - some lighter, summery fruits are offset by some richer, maltier notes - perhaps hazlenut? The taste is equally as intriguing, with a nice amount of spice that leads to some more faint fruits, wheat, and yeast and a dry, crisp finish. There isn't as much punch in this as my favorite Unibroue offerings, but it's still an enjoyable beer to drink - even if it leaves you wanting a little more. I suppose it suffers from sharing some elements with its bretheren (like Maudite) in appearance, aroma, etc. - but doesn't back it up with the depth of flavor or "wow" factor. But, far be it from me to criticize a beer because it comes from a routinely exceptional brewery...