Trappistes Rochefort - 10

Trappistes Rochefort - 10

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits

Serving Type: 11.2 oz. bottle, poured into a snifter

Rochefort 10 is the most expensive and the strongest of the three ales from the brewery. Coming in at a towering 11.3% ABV it’s an example of the Quadrupel style. It pours a cloudy dark brown with a thin brown head. The head struggles to maintain, but leaves pleasant wisps of foam floating on the top of the beer for the entire duration of the drink.

The nose is sweet with dark fruits and a slight must and spiciness. Most noticeable are notes of ground pepper. On the taste immediately present are earthy tones and a selection of nuts. Most prominent are chopped walnuts. There’s a spice likely from the alcohol, but perhaps some hints of clove.

Dark fruits like plums and apricots come though with a bit of raisin flavor. There’s a very mild astringency, but far from medicinal. The alcohol is present throughout, but the real impact comes in late, producing a faint warmness in the chest on the way down. This is a very enjoyable, but strong beer. It’s perfect for the cool weather and a somewhat rare occasion.

Final Verdict: A-