This Belgian Strong Dark Ale pours a disappointing head, which is very bubbly and fades super quick, leaving only a very thin ring. The alcohol isn’t high enough for me to excuse such a poor head. Fail.

The aroma is very sweet and fruity esters with prominant raisin, plum, kiwi, and red grape notes. Soft, grainy malt with a nutty appeal. Lightly spicy, and mildly wine-like. It’s quite heavy on the toffee, which foretells of a sweet palate.

Flavor is also very fruity, with many of the notes detected on the nose. A rich, cotton candy sweetness merges with caramel malt. Nutty grains with light herbal hops. The best part about this beer is the dynamics of the malt profile: walnut, dark bread, caramel, brown sugar and chocolate. The feel is overly viscous and thin, without enough creaminess to carry things through. Alcohol is present in the fruity esters which complements the malt bill nicely. For a Belgian beer, there doesn’t seem to be enough yeast, which may be it’s greatest downfall. Not enough carbonation, so that it falls ‘flat’ and sort of empty. Insufficient ‘dryness.’

Overall, the flavor is unimpressive, I must say. It lacks complexity, depth, and character. Many aspects of this beer just aren’t working well together. However, this was on sale for about four dollars so it was worth it. If you have to spend any more than six, I’d say it’s not worth it. There are far better foreign and domestic examples of the style. Not recommended.

8.5%

? IBU

Mater-Oudenaarde, Belgium

http://www.roman.be/nl/brouwerij