Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien

March 1, 2013 By

BFM Brasserie Des Franches-Montagnes

Saignelégier, Switzerland

Imported by: B. United International Inc.,
Redding, CT

Treading the boundary between port, wine and beer, this unique ale is aged in wooden casks that have been used to age Merlot, Merlot Cabernet, whiskey and Grappa.

ABV: 10-14

ABW: 8.0-11.2

COLOR: 17-20

BITTERNESS: 4-5

O.G.: 1089-1094

AVAILABLE: NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, VT, ME, NC, SC, MD, DC, VA, FL, GA, LA, CA, OR, WA, CO, IA, ID, MN, IL, WI, OH, MO, IN

Handsome turbid, deep amber has great depth of color. Intriguing nose is beer, cider and cheese-like, and wonderful. Unique complex palate is sour, sweet, fruity and well balanced without being overly oaky. Satisfying finish. Clean and especially fresh for a sour beer. A challenge to pair with entrees. Superb with soft ripened cheese like Off Kilter from Washington’s Mt. Townsend Creamery, or French Pont L’Eveque, walnuts and Yakima Valley organic apples and pears.
- Charles Finkel

Easily disturbed sediment creates a mystic and murky amber liquid situation. No head retention. Aromas of fruit and intense acidity roar. A hint of barrel-aged vanilla slaps my nostrils just before my first sip. This is a deranged punch of sour-filled joy or brutality, depending on your personal preference. Indeed this is one edgy beer. Not helping my reflux. I’ll suggest a creamy textured cheese to balance the impact of this Swiss ale de garde. You’ll either lovingly dive into this one or feel like you were born to weep. Peanuts, peanuts, gimme some peanuts.
- Charlie Papazian

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