Trappistes Rochefort 8

Tonight’s selection is a Belgian classic that I haven’t reviewed before, but was really excited to try. Let’s see how it was.

ABV: 9.2%

Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Trivia: According to merchantduvin.com, “Originally called ‘Spécial,’ Rochefort 8 dates to the mid-1950s. The name comes from the original gravity in ‘Belgian degrees.’ Deep brown color; the flavor is vigorous and complex, with firm body to support the strength. The aroma has elusive notes of fresh fruit, spice, leather, and figs. Great with full-flavored dishes like pate, duck, or wild game; shows well with strong-flavored cheeses. Also wonderful alone as an aperitif. Serve in traditional Rochefort stemmed goblet.”

Random: I usually get a craving for true Belgian beers in Winter.

This beer poured with a three finger, light brown head. It dissipated quickly and left no lacing on the glass. There was a small crown left on top of the cloudy mahogany body with some floaties visible. There was no visible carbonation due to the cloudiness. The nose was intense. It was filled with sweet dark fruit, specifically currants, figs and dates. There was a brown sugar sweetness as well, but the alcohol was well-hidden. The taste had flavors more towards leather and tobacco but there was still a significant fruit presence. Oak, vanilla and brown sugar came through next. The body was thick and chewy with moderate carbonation. It had a quick finish with vanilla. A single bottle was $7, which came to $.63 per ounce. This beer was outstanding and I will definitely be searching it out again to buy a few bottles to age.

Untappd Rating: 4.5/5.0

Trappist Rochefort 6

How I haven’t had this beer yet is beyond me. I was at the beer store and checked the blog thinking that I’d reviewed it and I was terribly wrong. I tried it the same night it came home from the beer store.

ABV: 7.5%

Style: Dubbel

Trivia: According to merchantduvin.com, “Rochefort Trappist 6 is named after its original gravity measured in ‘Belgian degrees’ – a brewing scale no longer used today. It was first sold to the public in 1953. Reddish-brown color with amber-gold highlights; soft body leads to earthy flavors and an herbal character. Refined, soft spiciness in the bouquet finishes with a bit caramel. Bottle-conditioned for soft natural carbonation.”

Random: I could go for a pretzel right now.

This beer poured with a three finger, thin, khaki colored head. It dissipated quickly and left some lacing on the glass. The body was cloudy and mahogany colored. There was a lot of carbonation visible and some floaties as well. The nose had dates and figs along with yeast. There was a lot of coriander spice with some cocoa powder. The taste was all dark fruit. I picked up raisins, dates, figs and tobacco. There was a lot of bread and spice with coriander as well. I also picked up some nutmeg. It had a thick body with ridiculously high carbonation. The finish was lengthy with raisins and dates. Yeast and spice remained on the tongue as well. I bought this bottle for $5.45, which came to $.46 per ounce. This beer was simply exceptional. I haven’t had a dubbel in a long time and this beer could easily be the benchmark I use for the style now.

Untappd Rating: 4.5/5.0

Trappist Rochefort 10

Sometimes when I go through my drafts, I find random reviews that I have forgotten to post. This happens to be one of them. This is a really well-regarded Belgian that I can’t believe that I haven’t reviewed prior to this.

ABV: 11.3%

Style: Quadruple (Quad)

Trivia: According to wikipedia, “The brewery is located inside the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy, near the town of Rochefort, and has been brewing beer since 1595. There are approximately 15 monks resident at the monastery. As with all other Trappist breweries, the beer is only sold in order to financially support the monastery and some other charitable causes. Like many strong Belgian beers, those produced at Rochefort age well and can be cellared for at least five years while maintaining quality. The water for the beers is drawn from a well located inside the monastery walls.”

Random: The more I get into beer, the more that I feel the need to obtain more glasses.

I poured this one into my St. Bernardus glass. It poured with a one finger head that dissipated quickly and left some lacing on the glass. The body was a cloudy dark brown with moderate carbonation visible despite the cloudiness. The nose had some serious dark fruit with raisins, figs and cherries standing out. Biscuity malt came through as well. Taste was outstanding. I got raisins and brown sugar, coupled with Belgian yeast and caramel malt. A touch of alcohol warming came at the end with some biscuit. The body is thick with moderate carbonation. The finish is remarkably fast given the style, but had a touch of dark fruit and sweetness. This was an outstanding brew and one I would revisit again and again. Go grab one now!

Untappd Rating: 5.0/5.0