95 La Trappe Quadrupel, Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven B.V. (Holland). 10% ABV (5/11)
Bright copper color. Aromas of banana taffy, white pepper and salty roasted root vegetables with a plush fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a candy apple, pink peppercorn, radish, fig, mint cream and spicy pear cider-accented finish. Clean, fresh and rich.
95 Urthel Samaranth, Brouwerij de Leyerth (Belgium). 11% ABV (5/11)
Copper color. Bold aromas of fruity rum cake, caramel apple, vanilla pudding and orange frosting with satiny fruity medium-full body and a tangy, roasted nut, peppery spice and bib lettuce finish. A decadently delicious and seamless brew.
93 Draconus, Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. (MI). 8.9% ABV (5/11) %{Brewpub}
Beautiful reddish brown color. Pure, subtle aromas of cinnamon raisin toast, dried citrus and peaches, and molasses-drizzled nuts with a soft, silky fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a long, smooth mocha cream and honeyed pear skin finish. Very well done and super drinkable.
93 Scaldis Prestige, Brasserie Dubuisson Freres (Belgium). 13% ABV (5/11)
Deep reddish copper color. Bold, vinous and boozy mixed peppercorn, molasses and tropical fruit cake aromas with a satiny fruity full body and a long, warming evolving spice, mint, rock candy and fruit pie finish. Really delivers what one would expect from a Belgian strong ale.
93 Thor’s Hammer Strong Ale, Bastone Brewery (MI). 9% ABV (5/11) %{Brewpub}
Golden amber color with bone foam. Pleasant banana cream pie, Asian pear, anise and apple mint jelly on brioche aromas and flavors with a supple, finely carbonated fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a rich, spicy, wafer, turnip and wheat grass finish. Fun and flavorful.
93 Local 1, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 9% ABV (5/11)
Hazy golden amber color. Interesting aromas of banana pie, spice and herbs with a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, honeyed fruit, root vegetable and herbal hop finish. Very elegant and balanced; pair with cheese and cured meats.
92 Trois Pistoles, Unibroue (Canada). 9% ABV (5/11)
Soft creamy delicate ginger and Asian spice aromas and flavors with a soft dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an orange pudding, dried fig and wheat cracker-accented finish. Stylish and tasty.
91 Three Philosophers Quadruple Ale, Brewery Ommegang (NY). 9.8% ABV (5/11)
Lightly hazy reddish mahogany color. Lively aromas of chocolate-cherry bonbons and apple butter on toast with a rich, frothy full body and a long, sour cherry, pineapple cake, yellow apple, peppery spice and flower-bed earth mélange. A great food beer.
90 Local 2, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 9% ABV (5/11)
Brown color. Aromas of molasses, roasted nuts, grilled citrus, ginger, clove and lemongrass with a supple dry-yet-fruity and a creamy chocolate and lightly grassy hop finish. A nice range and fruit and spice flavors for sipping or the table.
89 Brother Thelonious, North Coast Brewing Co. (CA). 9.4% ABV (5/10)
Bright roasted nut and melted chocolate aromas follow through on a supple entry to a dryish medium-full body with very good depth and a boozy, brandied note. Finishes in a chewy, toasted pumpernickel, burnt sugar and dried autumn fruit fade with a hint of oak and earthy hops.
89 Don de Dieu, Unibroue (Canada). 9% ABV (5/11)
Pale yellow color. Aromas and flavors of citrus, honeyed apple and custard with a fruity medium-to-full body and dried fruit, praline, and wheat cracker on the delicately spicy and mineral-laden finish.
87 Lay Down, Stay Down Strong Ale, Roy-Pitz Brewing Co. (PA). 8.89% ABV (5/11) %{Brewpub}
Caramel buttercream on pound cake and dried fruit aromas with a round, crisp fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a zesty nut, spiced chocolate and earth finish.