Beer Review: Kasteel Bier Bruin

Yesterday was Eddy "The Cannibal" Merckx's birthday. While I have no relation to this great man besides a shared affinity for bicycles, I reveer him more than enough to waste some time watching men in spandex ride bikes while I drink Belgian beer (Eddy's Belgian).

Kasteel Bruin
Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck Castle Brewery
Belgian Quadrupel

Poured from a dusty green bottle - thanks to Taylor - of an unknown vintage, the bottle has a 08-2009 marking on it.

Right after the pour I get a slightly musty aroma, like it's been laid on its side and absorbed a little cork, or seen a little oak. Dark fruits also dominate with plum and date aromas and a little clove around the edges.

The appearance is a hazy brown with a quickly disappearing (acceptable for an 11% brew) tan head that leaves a little lacing. The flavor reminds me vaguely of plum wine for the smooth esters. I'm also tasting white grape and blueberry with the plum and dates. There's also a slight spiciness that could come from either noble hops of yeast phenols, either way they add a nice subtle layer.

Overall, this is a very good beer and incredibly smooth for the strength, but it doesn't quite have the awe-inspiring complexity of the great quads. Still, very much worth trying.