The latest variation on Zwarte Bron’s Corbi-Art theme so far, differing from the previous versions in containing added roasted malts and vanilla, as well as an ‘infusion’ of Irish whiskey, which was soaked in oak chips before use. Comes from a 50 cc bottle – not something you often see on the Belgian market, but very suitable for more prolonged cellaring. Thanks to Jan, the brewer, for sharing! Pale greyish-tinged beige, moussy, somewhat irregular and open, but edge-retaining head on a hazy, deep and dark caramel-brown beer with ruddy edges – not much darker than the regular (i.e. ‘Vintage’) Corbi-Art, in fact. Aroma of caramel, pecan nut purée, dried prunes, raisin bread, touch of toast (a bit more explicitly so than in Corbi-Art Vintage indeed), sirop de Liège, candied dates, noticeable but subtle whiskey, vanilla only faintly in the background, brown rum, toffee, hazelnut, touch beef broth tucked away in the background. Sweet and fruity, bit candi-sugary onset (even if candi sugar was not used – so this is very likely the pear syrup speaking), ripe pear, medlar, blue plum, candied date, light banana; soft carbonation and soft, fluffy, full mouthfeel. Caramelly and toffeeish malt core with hazelnutty edges and eventually a mild toasty bitter accent (the ‘brûlée’ aspect), ending in a pleasant bittersweetness, the bitter part also supported by soft floral hops. Traces of vanilla are noticeable but seem to be connected more to the oak chips than to the actual added vanilla; tannic effects remain very soft. Lingering, evidently whiskey-flavoured alcohol warmth graces the ending – with the whiskey being identifiable as Irish because of its soft, almost sweet character. Thoroughly solid Belgian dark strong ale, still largely a quadrupel for me even if the brewer insists it was not meant as such – but admittedly a quadrupel with extra, less traditional features, which fit into the whole very well. Manages to combine power with gentleness and softness: nothing sharply sticks out here, everything remains rounded and mild, which makes this an accessible beer – but also a very dangerous one at this ABV. I would love to see what this one evolves into with, say, a year or more of cellaring on it.

4/II/23 - 50cl bottle @ Nieuwjaarsreceptie Gentse Biervereniging, BB: 31/XII/24 (2023-124) Thanks to Alengrin for sharing the bottle! (I think)

Little cloudy red brown beer, small to no head. Aroma: very yeasty, a bit oxidized, banana, some bubble gum, caramel touch, sugary impression, more yeast. MF: ok carbon, medium body. Taste: sweet start, all alcohol, caramel, gentle roast, malty, grains, more alcohol. Aftertaste: a little bitter, malty, lots of yeast, alcohol, ripe banana.