97 Trappist Tripel, Westmalle (Belgium). 9.5% ABV (5/06)
Lightly hazy, pale golden color with a high frothy head. Toasty bread and candied lemon peel aromas. A rich, frothy entry leads to a fruity, super smooth medium- to full-bodied palate with sweet tangy citrus, cocoa butter and a delicate touch of peppery spice and salt. Finishes with a long, tangy orange peel and mild spice fade. This is an incredibly smooth, clean, balanced and drinkable abbey beer — truly great!
94 Trappist 8, Rochefort Trappist Monastery (Belgium). 9.2% ABV (5/06)
Hazy mahogany color. Roasted nut, yeast and dark caramel aromas. A frothy entry leads to a rich, dryish medium- to full-bodied palate with dark caramel, raisin and dark chocolate flavors. Finishes with a long fade of chocolate citrus peels. Very deep and flavorful that keeps evolving.
93 Trappist 10, Rochefort Trappist Monastery (Belgium). 11.3% ABV (5/06)
Burnished copper color with rocky manila head. Dark caramel, baker’s chocolate, toasted fruit bread and toasted nut aromas. A smooth, velvety entry leads to a sweet, fruity medium-bodied roasted malt palate with chocolate-covered citrus peels, nut bread and mild brown spice flavors. Finishes with long cocoa, coffee bean, pepper and dried fruit fade. A rich and satisfying “meal in a glass” that is remarkably light in texture, yet rich in alcohol and effortless drinkable.
90 Trappist 6, Rochefort Trappist Monastery (Belgium). 7.5% ABV (5/06)
Copper brown. Roasted nuts and caramel aromas. Zesty, frothy entry. Crisp, light- to medium-body with dark caramel, nuts and citrus peel flavors. Finishes with a long, drying citrus and burnt sugar fade. Great smooth mouthfeel and lightness make this a Belgian “session” beer.
89 Trappist Ale, Brasserie d’Orval (Belgium). 6.9% ABV (5/06)
Beautiful hazy orangish amber color with a pretty manila head. Wet clay, dried citrus, fresh oregano and tree bark aromas. A round, frothy entry leads to a very dry, tart medium-bodied palate with toasted nuts, singed citrus, tart cherry skin and faint spices. Finishes with an earthy hop fade and a touch of pith. This beer needs food to shine its brightest: try with chevre.
89 Trappist Dubbel, Westmalle (Belgium). 7% ABV (5/06)
Hazy dark mahogany color. Shy aromas of cocoa and nuts. A round, frothy entry leads to dry medium- to full-bodied palate with subtle citrus, coffee, toasted nut and cocoa flavors. Finishes with long citrus spray, mild earthy hop and dark toast malt fade. An excellent food beer.