Nearly completely black with a very large and vibrant tan head. Aroma of alcohol and coffee. Full bodied. Flavor starts off mild, then notes of milk chocolate come through, then roasted coffee, and finally a burnt coffee finish. Very nice indeed.

On tap at The Rake, London. Estery. Very hoppy. Great Belgian hoppy beer. Really very good, almost better tahn de Ranke XX Bitter. More rose petal esters.

750 ml capped and corked bottle purchased at Royal Liquors in Kansas City, Missouri. Ever since reading Joe’s review, and more recently his book, I have wanted to try this beer. Imagine my delight when I saw it at my local bottle shop! Pour is cloudy hazed orange yellow golden with a big three inch white head that falls slowly with gorgeous lacing. Really pretty in my tulip glass. Aroma initially of some skunk (green bottle, I suppose) wich clears quickly to reveal a great earthy, mineral grainy aroma along with some light floral yeastiness. There is also some citrus hop bitterness present. Taste is the mineral earthiness right away, very natural, very grainy. After the mineral is really nicely developed hop bitterness, with more of the citrus (orange - just a bit sweet) from the nose. The finish has light black pepper spice. Palate is nicely carbonated, medium mouth feel, as mentioned dry. The beer really worked with food. Right up my alley.

Cloudy golden with a big and lasting white head, leaving a little lace. Aroma has cookie spices, fruit, berries and yeast. Dry, fruity and spicy flavour with a refreshing bitter finish. Very drinkable - session beer, as I noted until I considered the alcohol content.