The beer made me think about the "Kastelein 8°" beer immediately. It isn't the same. Kastelein is actually weaker, and the taste is completely different (we were able to taste them next to each other). Very deep-dark; thick head, immediately down. Very hoppy! Good! Noble hops, some chocolate in the nose. Taste: Belgian? this is pure USA West-coast. Toffee, good dark malt underbuild, with a superb dose of noble hops. There is some oxidation, showing the age of the beer. Full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel. The palate is actually somewhat lacking, as if the beer gets tired. Americans! This is your Belgian ale - the most West-coast tasting beer I've ever had here. And I like it.