96 Des Rocs Triple Impériale, Brasserie Abbaye des Rocs (Belgium). 10% ABV (5/06)
Brilliant dark copper color with a huge white, rocky head. Yeasty dough, citrus peel, dried apricot and mild earthy hop aromas. A smooth frothy entry leads to a sweet fruity full-bodied palate with rich candied stone apricots and peaches, sweet toffee and brilliantly balanced vanilla and brown spices. Finishes with a long, sweet chocolate-covered citrus, candied fruit and a very subtle, piney hop fade. This is absolutely delicious and very hard to put down!
94 St. Bernardus ABT 12, St. Bernardus Brouwerij (Belgium). 10% ABV (5/06)
Burnished dark copper color. Yeasty dough, dark caramel, nut fudge and mild cinnamon aromas. A smooth silky entry leads to a chewy, fruity sweet medium-to full-bodied palate with raisin compote, toasted nuts, peppery spice, molasses and toffee flavors. Finishes with a long, chocolate-covered lemon peel and spice fade. Rich and delicious—try with ice cream and nuts.
94 Trois Pistoles, Unibroue (Canada). 9% ABV (5/08)
Mahogany color. Ripe peach jam, watermelon candy, golden raisin and coriander aromas follow though to a rich, sweet full body with candied ginger, coriander, rose water and cocoa flavors. Finishes with a long floral honey, curry spice and artisan chocolate fade. Absolutely delicious.
92 Lozen Beer ABT, Andelot Proefbrouwerij (Belgium). 10% ABV (5/06)
Dark copper color with a lacy taupe head. Sweet caramel, vanilla bean and melted chocolate aromas. A rich, satiny entry leads to a medium- to full-bodied palate with chocolate-covered espresso beans, dark caramel, roasted nuts and sweet dried fruit flavors. Finishes with a long mocha, lemon rind and peppery spice fade. Very smooth, rich and flavorful—try with firm cheeses.
90 Monk Madness, Rogue Ales (OR). 7% ABV (5/07)
Reddish chestnut color. Sweet dark caramel toffee aromas are accented by a draft from a horsey barnyard. A round entry leads to a frothy dry medium-full body of dark roasted nuts, burnt crème brûlée, molasses and muddy hay flavors. Finishes with a pleasantly astringent blend of bittering hops and burnt nut flavors. An earthy, nutty and fun strong ale reminiscent of American barleywine.
90 Seam Roy Red, Bastone Brewery (MI). 7.25% ABV (5/07) %{Brewpub}
Deep copper color. Spicy apple-cherry tart and cinnamon toast aromas. A round frothy entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity, medium-full body of dates, baked apples, roasted nuts and singed spices. Finishes with a crisp and refreshing roasted nut, toast and dried citrus-like hops fade. A strong, yet very thirst-quenching style.
89 Three Philosophers Quadruple Ale, Brewery Ommegang (NY). 9.8% ABV (5/07)
Deep burnished copper color. Caramel, cherry custard aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a dryish, velvety medium body of honeyed rye toast, toffeed and cocoa-dusted cherries and pits. Finishes with a long tangy nut, cocoa and cherry juice fade.
89 Malheur 10, De Landtsheer (Belgium). 10% ABV (5/07)
Hazy golden amber color. Dried apple and paraffin aromas have an herbal, slightly soapy edge. A supple entry leads to a fruity sweet medium-full body of white chocolate toffee, candied tropical fruits and subtle spices. Finishes with a sweet honeyed rye toast and caramel fade. A very fruity and inviting beer that needs food to balance the sweetness—try with spicy Asian cuisine.
89 Matilda Abbey Style Ale, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL). 7.5% ABV (5/08)
Brilliant amber gem color. Buttered nut toast, jalapeno pepper jelly and wet clay aromas. A rich, chewy entry leads to a creamy medium-full body of sourdough, baked apples and pears, butter roasted nuts, coriander, sour cherry and orange flavors. Finishes with a very tart apple skin and slightly bitter nutshell fade. A subtly complex, lively and engaging food beer.
88 Ommegang Abbey Ale Dubbel, Brewery Ommegang (NY). 8.5% ABV (5/07)
Beautiful reddish mahogany color. Candied ginger, pickled beets and dark chocolate-covered cherry aromas follow through to a dry-yet-fruity medium full body of roasted nuts, dried cherries, cocoa and delicate spices. Finishes with a charred nut, black cherry skin and melted chocolate fade.
86 Bon Secours Dark, Brasserie Caulier (Belgium). 8% ABV (5/07)
Mahogany with a tan head. Dark fruity caramel, cola nut, allspice and walnut fudge aromas. A silky, frothy entry leads to an fruity, off-dry medium body of peach jam, cinnamon raisin toast and nutmeg flavors with brisk, slightly watery toffeed nut fade. A refreshingly fruity, lightly spiced dark ale.