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Achel8 BlondeABV 8% • Vol 330 ml • bottle • Belgium • Expensive • Flavour 8.5
• Bottle Conditioned
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One of the beer world's most exclusive clubs gained a new member in 1998 when the monastery of Achel, near Hamont in the province of Limburg, revived its brewing tradition with the assistance of its fellow Trappist brothers at Westmalle. The monastery's previous brewery had closed when the Germans commandeered the kettles in the First World War, and in recent years it had been the only Trappist monastery in Belgium without its own beer portfolio. At first the beer was only available on draught at the monastery's own café, but now the Achel name is popping up on bottles too, and some of them found their way to the London Drinker Beer Festival where I got this sample. How this blond bottle-conditioned ale of 8% ABV corresponds to the draught range isn't clear from the very minimal labelling: perhaps like some Trappist brewers Achel uses colours to distinguish its beers, or perhaps this is the only one bottled.
The beer is a very light pale yellow or straw, made slightly cloudy by a loose sediment, with a low, lacy head. The aroma is soft and very subtle, overall dry with scents of hops, yeast, vanilla and melon-like fruit. The palate is also dry but notably full and fruity, with a big-bodied meatiness unusual in such a pale beer. It turns toffeeish and chewy when swallowed, and the finish has a fine perfumed bitterness, with a summery delicacy reminiscent of fresh plums or mirabelles and more estery, meaty tones. There's also a warming alcohol kick as it lingers, along with melon fruit, tasty hops and some flashes of deeper, chocolate-like tones. Although there is a distant similarity to some of the more untypical
Trappist beers like Chimay Blanche and Orval, the monks of Achel have clearly decided to plough their own furrow rather than imitate existing Trappist styles: as confirmed by the declared ingredients, this is a beer made from malt and hops alone, with no spices nor that other monastic favourite, candy sugar. In doing so they've created a dry, subtle and thoroughly modern beer from one of the finest and most historic of brewing traditions. Review submitted by: Des de Moor |
Review updated 20 May 2002
is this beer avalible in USA?
Debbie Kluis
Smooth and creamy with the alcohol just making itself known. Some lovely flavours. Enjoyable.
There is also a Bruin available in the bottle.
Silk Tork
Fruit, citrus, wonderfully full - there's a lot going on in the flavour here. I just love this beer. Very, very enjoyable.
James Wood
Fluffy head, which soon dissipates. Cloudy golden colour. Quite a lot of bitty sediment. Exceptionally perfumed estery aroma. Mango, orange & honey. In the mouth, this is underscored by peppery hop presence. Very nice so far, but falls away a bit on the finish for me; it is bittersweet, but the aftertaste descends into sugar. Overall, though, very flavoursome and pretty good.
Chris O
This beer is available in Phoenix, AZ. The 750ml bottle that I have in my hand shows that it was imported by Shelton Bros. Belchertown, MA
St. Inebrius
Just returned from yet another visit to Belgium and finally visited this wonderful place. I bought a 75cl blond extra (8.5) that appears to be a special beer brewed for an anniversary. Haven't opened it yet, so cannot comment on contents!
Martin Jacks
Think this beer is one of my favourites. Why?? because its all perfect. Its a real trappist. I advice you all to taste this gift from god. Next time I will taste the Bruin and leave my comment for you.
Sander
Finally opened the Blonde extra and it was worth the wait. A quality trappiste, worthy of the name. Body, flavour and excellent finish. Going back in December, the brewery shop sells all the belgian ales you would want apart from Westvleteren.
Martin Jacks
330 ml bottle, bought in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Hazy golden colour, huge white head. Fairly moderate but very nice spicy, wheaty and fruity aroma. Flavour is spicy / peppery and sweet, with distinct bittering hops, hints of oak. Warming mouthfeel, alcohol is evident but not dominant. Another good Trappist! Rating 8-8.5
Sigmund
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