Achouffe

N'Ice Chouffe

ABV 10% • Vol 750 ml • bottle • Belgium • Expensive • Flavour 8.5 • Bottle Conditioned
Other beers from Achouffe
Other beers from Belgium

This 1998-vintage winter beer from Achouffe was bought a few years ago and kept in the office to age it before tasting. Reading the back label, it would seem that thyme and dried grapes have been added to the mash.
It pours a deep brown colour, and initially pours clear, although it is exceptionally difficult to avoid mixing the yeast in, which has the effect of making it very muddy. When first poured it looks like a coffee float, but then the head rapidly dissipates, although it still appears lively and sparkly. It also leaves a thin, oily sheen on the sides of the glass when you swirl it - a wine buff would describe this as 'legs'. The nose is marmitey with lots of dark prune-like fruit, powdery chocolate and cream. It is also quite vinous and a little spicy in a puddingy way. In the mouth it is smoother than it might appear when poured. The flavours of the added thyme and grapes/raisins are certainly apparent, along with phenols and plenty of malt. There's no doubt that this is a big and complex beer, and the ABV soon makes its presence known - though the alcohol is never harsh. Rather, it is like a fine cognac, and leaves a warmth in the back of the throat, a lightly caramel cloy in the aftertaste and a longing for another sip. A gorgeous beer but, if drinking with friends, make sure yours is the first from the bottle. Ageing it seems to work too.

OBBD reviewer: Sparks

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Review updated 16 December 2004

Comments

A special 1998 brew from the dwarves at Achouffe, this is a very dark, deceptively strong Belgian ale. Much stronger and more intense than the other Chouffe beers, this a brew for sipping, not drinking quickly. Rich in depth and flavour, with a slight alcoholic kick on the throat, it is definitely a beer worth trying if you can find it. [Score: 9]
Ian

I really like this beer. I've tasted it from bottle and from tap. It's a nice strong beer and it has a nice bitter taste.
Michael Schot

750 ml bottle, courtesy of Cardinal pub, Stavanger. ABV is 10%. 19 degrees Plato. Refermented in the bottle, unfiltered and unpasteurised. Ingredients include sugars, thyme and curacao. Hazy reddish dark brown colour, huge tan head. Pleasant but fairly moderate aroma with vinous notes, notes of oak and spices, hints of farmhouse. The flavour is distinctly spicy and oaky, with a substantial but not overwhelming sweetness from the malts and sugars. Some yeasty notes. Distinct hoppy bitterness in the aftertaste. Warming mouthfeel, but the 10% ABV does not dominate. As a Christmas beer, this one is better suited to accompany an English Christmas pudding than a main course of meats or fish - but is also nice to drink on its own. Score: 8
Sigmund

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