Trappistes Rochefort 10
11.2 oz bottle with a freshness date of February 03, 2015, poured into a 25 oz snifter on October 26, 2010. Appearance 4/5 Clear mahogany brown with dark sediment at the bottom, this ale pours with a big light tan colored head; the head retention is average, and lacing minimal. Aroma 4/5 Dark fruit, sweetness, sharp alcohol, fresh baked dessert, perhaps chocolate? Too much alcohol at warmer temperature that distracts at times, but never gets solventy. Taste 4.5/5 The taste is poetry when the beer gets warm, and warm is the best temperature for this one: beginnings are humble, just slightly sweet and fairly easy on the palate. It's towards the end when it turns massive, or should I say sublime? Vinous tannic astringency makes its presence felt and leaves raisin-ous notes on the palate, while chocolate and toffee like flavors take over the nose, and stay all along the warm, long finish that is never cloying. Some toastily malty notes in the aftertaste, and sweetness on the lips. Cold as this beverage is at room temperature, the impression is of a warm dessert after a satisfying meal. Mouthfeel 5/5 The body is medium, but its presence immense. Drinkability 5/5 In general I take alcohol into account while rating drinkability but for Belgian ales I make exceptions. I feel greedy for this one, what else can I say? Other This beer might make me revisit Chimay Blue and Trois Pistoles, that I rated lower, but I can clearly see how they were similar in character, if not at par in merit.