OMFG - Beer Review Series - Maredsous 8

Lovely shade of mahogany but jet black held against the counter top. The head, crafted by the Duvel family, stands tall with a light brown retention that remains for the duration of the session.

The nose of the beer is super spiced and boozy that tickles the senses. Dubbels are “rich malty beers with some spicy / phenolic and mild alcoholic characteristics. Not as much fruitiness as the Belgian Strong Dark Ale but some dark fruit aromas and flavors may be present. Mild hop bitterness with no lingering hop flavors. It may show traits of a steely caramel flavor from the use of crystal malt or dark candy sugar. Look for a medium to full body with an expressive carbonation.(per BA)” The nose is rounded out by some burnt malts and toasted caramel.

This is a top 10 beer in my opinion and easily accessible in the Atlanta area year round, but since there is a 2 inch thick sheet of ice over the ground I don’t think you’ll be picking this up anytime soon unless you prepared properly. With that being said: taste is bitter chocolate nibs and coca followed by dark malt and toffee, perfect for the cold weather. The back end has boozy warmth that heats you to the core. Really enjoyable.

The brewery must have used a high-quality yeast strain that graduated near the top of its class in terms of clove and cinnamon spiciness. The final pour, especially, adds a spiced woodiness that is some kind of appealing. Dark fruit (figs soaking in chocolate liqueur and light molasses) is present as well.

The mouthfeel is full and creamy with very little carbonation as per the style.

The Maredsous 8 is an amazing beer. If you are a beer nerd or aspiring beer nerd please please please pick up a bottle @ your local OCBS (Old Crabapple Bottle Shop.) It will not disappoint, and could introduce you to a new world of Belgian beers.


Cheers!


Ryan