Welcome back to another Sunday Session Craft Beer Lover’s.
A few weeks back I reviewed Westvleteren 12 the beer dubbed as the best in the world. With black market prices reaching as high as $100 for a stubby it really is over hyped. Don’t get me wrong it truly is a fine beer but no beer should cost this insane amount.
So what’s one to do? Well I definitely encourage anyone who’s Dark Belgian Strong style beer’s to seek out Westvleteren 12, if for no other reason other than to tick it off your bucket list. But if you want to drink a beer of this caliber on a regular basis then maybe it’s time to get a better job or try your hand at credit card fraud….
Or you could take a hint from your friendly Alechemist. What I’m about to tell you could change and enrich your life forever. So here it is, Don’t throw away your hard earned dollars on a regular Westvleteren 12 fetish when for a mere pittance you can have a beer that rivals maybe even bests Westvleteren 12. What’s this magical secret beer I here you all ask?
St.Bernardus Abt 12.
Let’s jump right on in and pull this silent under dawg apart shall we?
Appearance – Dark hazy brown with ruby highlights. High carbonation, this bottle had some age on it, as such it was highly attinuated and very lively on the pour. Big bubbly head with beautiful lacing. Looks evey bit the part.
Aroma – Big caramel, phenols, rum and raisin chocolate with roasted nuts, plums and assorted dried fruit. Sweet with a hint of acidity. Small alcohol notes.This truly is one of, if not “the” best beer’s I’ve ever held my nose over.
Taste – Impeccably smooth, sweet but nicely balanced by the phenols and roasted flavors. Plums, nuts, raisins, fairy floss. Finishes caramel, before opening up into a spice clove-like finish. just the slightest acidity which helps the dried fruit character. Incredibly complex and an absolute treat for the taste buds.
Overall – Quite simply an incredible beer, dangerously drinkable without those higher fuelsel alcohols so common in this style. One of the best beers in the world period! And here’s the best bit my brethren…… it’s easy to get your hands on and will only set you back around $12! So go ahead and indulge without regrets. I’m off to do so now.
Well thats a wrap for this week my beer brethren, So stay tuned, drink up and brew strong! I’ll catch you all next week on the Sunday Session.
Cheers Swannie,
The Alechemist.