Black Albert - De Struise Brouwers

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94
exceptional
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1,082 Ratings

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rAvg: 4.25
pDev: 10.12%
Reviews: 769
Hads: 313

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Brewed by:
De Struise Brouwers

Belgium

Style | ABV
Russian Imperial Stout | 13.00% ABV

Availability: Year-round. bottle (715), on-tap (54).

Notes:
Originally brewed exclusively for Ebenezer's Pub in Lovell, ME.

View: Beers (52) | Reviews (7) | Events (0)

Reviews

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Reviews by stakem:

stakem

Pennsylvania

4.45/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Review from notes taken on 11/12/10.

Batch "0" poured into a mini snifter appears pretty much black in color with a lighter brownness around the edges. A very dark brown head appears and slowly fades. As it recedes, patches of lace cling to the glass with smaller spots in-between. Swirls revive the head showing a bit of clarity when the brew is thinned out during the swirl.

The nose is dark roasted grains reminiscent almost of a bitter baker's chocolate. A slight vinous twang is present along with a bit of citrus hops. Other smells suggest some deep dark roasted coffee.

The taste is seemingly dry but that is mostly a feeling imparted by the heavily roasted grain which makes itself known straight out the gate with a wallop of alcohol. The flavor of the alcohol opens up some dark fruity flavors of plum, raisin and some more vinous quality. Once warm there is minor indication of a liquorice type of taste.

For such a bold brew this brew is ridiculously smooth and drinkable. The grain is heavily kilned and leaves a lasting roasted dark flavor residing in the mouth with each sip. There is a moderate bitterness that equally matches the solid alcohol presence. Full bodied with a moderate level of carbonation. If I haven't said it enough already, this is a very drinkable beer. Despite any hesitations about infection issues or variance from batch to batch, you gotta give this one a try.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2010 23:50:28 | More by stakem

More User Reviews:

Photekut

Azerbaijan

3.5/5 rDev -17.6%

05-18-2013 22:21:39 | More by Photekut

brian4beer

Indiana

3.75/5 rDev -11.8%

05-18-2013 03:20:49 | More by brian4beer

carlosega

Ohio

4.25/5 rDev 0%

05-17-2013 19:20:21 | More by carlosega

jkane101

New Jersey

4.25/5 rDev 0%

05-16-2013 22:17:00 | More by jkane101

deekyn

California

4.25/5 rDev 0%

05-16-2013 04:16:37 | More by deekyn

BBP

Ontario (Canada)

4.4/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

Pours somewhat standard for a stout of its calibre, but a little thinner in appearance. Carbonation was as expected.

The aroma is sweet, with subtle booze, and some slight chocolate.

The taste is quite strong, and appealing at first. There's quite a balance to this stout, and the IBUs are quite far from obvious (although not something I'd prefer), and it really comes across perhaps too smooth. For 13%, this is very easy drinking, and the booze is there, yet works with the drink rather than against it. Chocolate, coffee, and vanilla are all here; A bit of sweetness as well. Perhaps raisin and vanilla. Sweeter than most imperials, but not by a long shot.

The body is full, and the carbonation plays its role without bringing attention to itself, which is all I could ask from a stout.

Overall, this was quite a tasty stout, and perhaps one of the best stouts I've tasted outside of North America. It's really nice to see a Belgian brewery strive to branch out beyond the typical styles that they're known for and this was a big success.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2013 20:00:38 | More by BBP