Little did I know when I picked this up that I was venturing into a new beer style, but here you have it… my first Belgian Royal Stout. In drinking it, I have no idea that this really is any different than an imperial stout, but I tell you what… hush everyone down in the room and state you are drinking a “BELGIAN ROYAL STOUT” loudly and very pronounced and you will instantly be cool… really… go ahead. Let us know how that goes.
This brew is explained in much more intricate detail on the Ebenezer’s Pub website (for whom the beer was brewed), De Struise Brouwers Black Albert Royal Stout, so I will keep it in lay terms… This strong, 13% ABV brew is solid. It has a bit of a belgian influence, but not over the top. The pour is dark with a nice, moderate tan head. The front is sweet and easy, the middle thick and mellow, and the finish definitely has coffee and chocolate notes. Overall a great brew that would be welcome back any time… it does make me want to try their Cuvee Delphine (Barrel Aged Black Albert).
Oh… one other thing to try… as the back of the bottle notes, you should drink this while you play La Brabanconne… so here is a link. I played this upwards of 10 times for the entire ’sac to hear and they loved it! Ok… not really… in fact, I distincly remember a shoe flying at my head, but what can I say… it is catchy. Enjoy!
JBB6 Rating: Will Buy Again
