St. Bernardus Prior 8 - Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV

cokes

Wisconsin

3.35/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Murky and opaque brown with orange trimming. Huge tan foam sits atop.
Musty, sweaty, papery, plasticine, chemical-laden aroma. Not pleasant in the least. A real Achilles' Heel here.
Taste atones for the nose's shortcomings, at least partially. Begins with an over-ripe fig and black liquorice coupling. Fades to a subtler (and more standard) raisin and plum. Cocoa and vanilla beans appear later on. Progresses toward butter-toffee with increasing diacetyl as it approaches room temp. A bit of rummy alcohol sweetness late, nearing fusel levels. Hops are mostly hidden, though slightly herbal in nature.
Medium bodied with little carbonation. Lacking *something* even though it is neither lifeless nor cloying.
A decent but underwhelmingly average Dub.
Maybe I expected more.

Serving type: bottle

05-30-2003 23:08:52 | More by cokes

MJR

Missouri

3.35/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Pours an opaque mahogany with some orange around the edges. A light tan head starts out absolutely huge, filling two-thirds of the glass. It slowly shrinks down to a thick and steady cap and leaves lots of lace on the glass.

Smell: The aroma is...interesting. All of the usual smells are here: dark fruits, a peppery spiciness, breadiness, a bit of diacetyl, and alcohol. But there's an awkward scent in there that comes off as fake and plastic. It's a bit musty too. Weird...

Taste: The flavor is barely better than the smell. There's a solid foundation of spicy fruits and breadiness, but the diacetyl gets stronger as the beer warms. Hints of chocolate and nut struggle to be noticed . The diacetyl combines with a medicinal phenolic flavor and a splash of alcohol to form a strange aftertaste. A bit of a fake sweetness on the tail end too.

Mouthfeel: Rich and chewy with a full mouthfeel. Medium in body, with a finish that has a touch of alcohol.

Drinkability: Decent... This is a bit disappointing considering how good their tripel and wit are.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2003 11:44:44 | More by MJR

Padron4KM

Arizona

3.35/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

33cl bottle best before 2010.

Hazy amber with a lasting two finger tan head and thick lacing.

raisin, figs and a little bubble gum on the nose.

Flavor is raisin, plum , brown sugar and yeast.

Creamy mouthfeel, but it becomes a little sticky towards the end of the glass.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2006 06:05:01 | More by Padron4KM

theopholis

California

3.35/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance - Deep, darkamber body with a strong ruby glow. The head is 1-finger high, tan and fades quickly.

Smell - Fairly complex melange of dark fruits (prunes, over-ripe cherries), maybe some currant.

Taste - Again, lots of dark fruits with lots of yeastiness. Quite nixe.

Mouthfeel - Coats the mouth with its full goodness, leaving a nice, lingering aftertaste.

Drinkability- Not great, but worth a whirl.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2009 04:56:40 | More by theopholis

Beaver13

Colorado

3.4/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

11.2 oz bottle, best before 3/2/10. Pours a reddish brown with a large fizzy head that quickly goes to a thin film.

The aroma is sweet woody malts, some dough, some cream, and a little pepper.

The flavor is sweet bready malts, dark fruits, and yeast with a slight bitter finish. The mouthfeel is medium-full and a little harsh on the carbonation.

Overall, it is rather similar to the Pater 6. I liked that one better though.

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2006 05:33:18 | More by Beaver13

Derek

British Columbia (Canada)

3.43/5  rDev -17.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Good, but not nearly as good as their 6 or 12.

I wonder if they use the second runnings from the 12, like they use to when they contract-brewed the Westvleteren.

I feel that I have been spoiled by their other dark beers.

A: Dark ruby-brown, with a little off-white head. Some retention & lacing.

S: Not as much aroma as their other brews. Sweet caramel, figs and brown sugar.

T: Only slightly on the sweet side. Caramelized sugar, raisins, slightly spicy. As it warms up, the alcohol taste becomes quite assertive. I think it's more well-rounded when it's chilled.

M: Moderate body is a little syrupy, plenty of carbonation.

D: Quite drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2005 22:28:54 | More by Derek

NJpadreFan

New Jersey

3.43/5  rDev -17.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

St. Bernardus Prior 8

Appearance- dark maple brown with a thin sticky head.
Smell- woodsy hops with slight hints of spice.
Taste- cinnimon and vanilla mixed with dry leaves and cherries.
Mouthfeel- quite smooth with a nice bite. No acidity or bitterness.

Overall- another solid beer from St. Bernardus.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2006 13:51:35 | More by NJpadreFan

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.43/5  rDev -17.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

In a word: underwhelming. Although a good beer, I found nothing to brag about. It looks like a nice monk brew, brown with generous head. Smell didn't do much for me. Some fruit and caramel, but it was faint. Similarly with tastes, there were some nice subtle complexities, but nothing grand and tasty. It was a mix of tart, sour berries, with bitter candy. I had a hard time tasting much because the beer was over carbonated. Really took a while for that to settle down. Still a very smooth drink, but not one I'd drop good money on any time soon. I'll stick to the Abt 12.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2006 17:55:55 | More by tempest

Philousa

California

3.43/5  rDev -17.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A dark, hazy brown sits in the goblet with a thin, constant layer of head. I get raisin, dates, some chocolate in the nose with similar flavors, but a little alcohol flavor at the end of each sip. The texture is creamy but not too bubbly.

This was the first time I encountered the Prior 8, and I had the fortune to have it on tap at The Trappist in Oakland. This has lots of complexity without as much alcohol, which is applaudable. Will definitely get it again when given the chance.

Update: Tried in a bottle with more notes.
This is a leathery, chocolatey brown that has a swirly, whispy tan head. Clear, unless you pour the yeast in. Sweet date is prominent on the nose along with brown sugar and maple syrup. Sweet to start the taste. Dark stone fruit, mostly plum, sit in the back of the throat and become metallic, which is kind of annoying. A tart taste sticks around and mingles with the CO2, it's slightly unpleasant. The good nearly outweighs the bad.

It's been established in other reviews that I'm highly sensitive to candied sugar, and this one does it to me. I guess I like this more on tap than in a bottle. Good to know.

Serving type: on-tap

10-17-2011 03:41:36 | More by Philousa

DCon

Missouri

3.43/5  rDev -17.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bought a 33cl bottle from the International Tap House in Soulard (St. Louis), MO for $6. Poured from the orange labeled bottle & St. Bernardus Monk on the front into a 16oz iTap Pint Glass. Has a best before date of 06 01 16 on the back of the glass.

Aroma- Tons of honey and a bit of spice in his one. Has a strong noble hop aroma also but not quite the normal Dubbel aroma...

Appearance- Pours a 1 finger head that has an average retention time. Has a dark copper body that has good depth. Leaves small sudsy lacing but sticks well.

Flavor- Very strong maltiness at the beginning and then very sweet with only a touch of honey. Very light hops and the bitterness level is as low as it can go, 1/10. More complexity could be better in this one.

Mouthfeel- Medium Bodied, Medium Carbonation, Smooth, and then just sweetness and palate lingering after the drink.

Overall Impression- I'm a huge fan of all other St. Bernardus brews, but this one falls short for me. Should have more body, carbonation, complexity, richness, and many more attributes. Nonetheless, enjoyed but would push you to get an Abt 12 or Pater 6 before this one.

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2011 15:24:04 | More by DCon

jujubeast6000

Texas

3.45/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed 2/11/2006 (750mL bottle):

Pours a very dark brown colored body, with a very slightly off-white head, big and lasting, smooth. Has an aroma of citrus, lavender, and spices. A slightly bitter, slightly sweet taste. Some molasses, warming, with a good mouthfeel, somewhat alcoholy.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2008 05:41:29 | More by jujubeast6000

ChuckR343

Florida

3.45/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- Golden to dark brown, with tan head.

S- Smells of dried fruit and yeast.

T- Strong malty front with great hoppy finish. I don't really taste any of the fruit, but it is a little sweet.

M- Highly carbonated. I do not notice the alcohol.

D- I couldn't drink more than 1 or 2 due to the carbonation, but definitely not a boring beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2009 00:26:04 | More by ChuckR343

mulder1010

Australia

3.45/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

750 ML poured into a Tulip glass

A-- Big puff of white cloud upon uncorking this. Poured a very hazy cherry brown color. Some sediment in the pour. One finger off white brown head that dissipated pretty quickly but on swirling the head retention was very good. No lacing but very visible alcohol legs and small beads of carbonation.

S-- Really reminds me of a spiced cake. Something like that. Bready yeast, plumbs, cherry's, raisin's, Cinnamon, and some lemon and orange.

T-- A lot of plumb, raisin, lemon and orange. A little bit of alcohol mixed in on this.

M-- More it sat in my mouth the more the lemon came out and the raisins and plumbs felt to be soaked in rum. Has a citrus like feel to the carbonation and a little more than medium body and carbonation to this.

D-- I really like Dubbel's but this is one I am not real found of. Prefer Chimay over this and the La Trappe as well. A little too carbonated for me and left me bloated. Lemon taste was a hindrance in this for me. I will stick to their Triple and ABT 12.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2010 12:03:47 | More by mulder1010

msnow34

South Carolina

3.45/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours mahagony with a decent head, into a chimay chalice. Initial smell and taste sour, and cidery. Thinking i'm going to drain pour after i finish the chalice, but I give it a chance and allow it to warm, maybe served a little too cold. Smell, plums and raisins(disclaimer i have a bad sense of smell) Tastes very sweet, perfect level of carbonation. mouthfeel light and smooth, head retention is minimal. Overall not a bad beer, but most likely wouldn't try this one again, if I did i would allow it to warm to correct temperature first.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2011 03:24:55 | More by msnow34

champ103

Texas

3.48/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a dark amber red with a two finger beige head that forms. The head recedes pretty fast with light lace.
S: A dry burnt wood aroma. Malty with some brown sugar. Not much here.
T: Malty of course. Lots of raisins and brown sugar. A large burnt wood flavor that follows the nose.
M/D: A medium body that is creamy and rich. The alcohol show a bit, but an easy and smooth beer to sip on for the most part.

Not a bad Dubbel, but I have had much better. Not very complex. Though a pleasant enough example of the style. I always like to support Abbey and Trappist Ales as well.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2008 20:05:11 | More by champ103

ruckus232

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

11.2 ounce brown bottle poured into a goblet

Appearance: Brown cloudy color with some sediment and a decent tan head

Smell: Not a very strong smell but it is malty sweet with a slight toasted scent

Taste: The taste is more pronounce in the malted sweetness but there is also a slight bitterness which is more alcohol then anything

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2010 02:05:00 | More by ruckus232

nicetry

New York

3.48/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

750ml bottle poured into a goblet.

Murky brown color with a beautiful amber hue when held up to light. Tan, relatively thin .5 inch head that quickly slides into a top foam. Lovely delicate lacing hinting at the carbonation to come.

Smell is very nice; subdued or dark fruit esters and stings of spice - a high pitch nose of nectarines and anise with low notes of cherry and fig. As it warms it gets more complex, adding in a toasty fermentation smell that, and this may be strange, makes me think of certain jenevers.

Taste surprises: a bouquet of ester-y carbonation forms around the edges of the low notes hinted in the nose; a chalky, malty spine hangs around to yield alcohol and a bitter finish. Decent and different.

Mouthfeel is delicate and unique for a dubbel, and while the finish is interesting, it doesn't convert into the malty saccharin finish characteristic of it's type. Unique and very good for a single bottle.

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2010 03:04:10 | More by nicetry

dizknee24

New Jersey

3.48/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Cork and Caged of course

A - Medium reddish and very cloudy and almost a nonexistent head retention. very carbonated.

S - Nothing special Could not pick out anything specific. very bland IMO

T- Taste was nothing spectacular as well. Maybe a bit fruity but i got a bit of resiny which i wouldn't normal expect from a beer of this style(dubbel)

M - thick. bubbly.

D - umm not really seeing the big draw to this one. Its good but its nothing special. It does not compare to ABT 12 or really anything i have had from them. Maybe i just dont like dubbels are much as tripels and quads? idk but not the best and not the worst. Right in the middle.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2011 13:25:15 | More by dizknee24

match1112

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

my second one out of the gift pack. pours a dirty brown color with a small tan head that leaves minimal lacing. smell is of raisins, prunes, roasted malt and spice. taste is right on with the nose except that the spice is more present in the flavor. has a some what creamy mouthfeel to it with a dry spicy finish. not liking this one as much as i did the pater 6.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2011 17:52:06 | More by match1112

Prufrock

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

11.2 oz bottle poured into a wine glass.

murky medium brown with an inch of foamy, tan head. leaves excellent lacing.

aroma of bready malts, bananas, and caramel. touch of butter as well.

bready maltiness with a nice sweet aftertaste. medium mouthfeel with a nice prickly carbonation.

nice clean finish for excellent drinkability. 8% isn't noticeable.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2005 16:47:32 | More by Prufrock

nhindian

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

11.2oz bottle poured into a Westvleteren chalice.

A - Pours a murky brown, a bit dark purplish color with a beautiful 3-fingered, frothy head. Retention is good. Spectacular lacing, which is a welcome addition to these great Belgians.

S - Smell is strong in Belgian yeast, candied sugar, and ripe, dark fruits. Getting huge whiffs of raisins, grapes, and plums. Sweet smelling, yet has a noticeable alcohol smell in the back. Tantalizing yet dangerous.

T - The smell segues nicely into the taste and each element is represented well here. The front is certainly sweet with the malts and sugar. The fruits come through here strongly as well, with the vinous grape taste leading the way. The sweetness from these two combine to help reduce the alcohol heat a bit, but the alcohol does impose a bit too much for my liking.

M - Mouthfeel is heavy with good carbonation. The sweetness lasts throughout the taste, and while it's not cloying, it could be reduced a bit. Additionally, the alcohol comes through a bit too much for my liking.

D - Drinkability is moderate. It's a bit on the higher side of the scale for sweetness and alcohol, and while the flavors are good, it's a good sipper.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2011 01:20:22 | More by nhindian

jbphoto88

Texas

3.5/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Deep reddish brown color with an alarming amount of bits suspended in it. This beer looks like the first runoff of a brew kettle before any vorlauf. The head is a tan white, quick to rise and just as fast to fade to a thin sheet of suds. After the Pater 6 i am slightly disappointed with this one.

Nose continues the disappointment with a just slightly above average scent. It is heavy on the caramel and candied side of things. It smells over sweet and a touch boozy with mild toasted grains.

Taste is better then the nose but only slightly. The caramel and candied flavors are there and really aren't bad, the problem i have is the lack of complexity. Once you get past the slight grain and sugar toasted sweetness there isn't much else. It tastes good but a little simple. Frankly I expected a little more.

Mouthfeel is nice with a firm carbonation and a smooth coating feeling. It's almost chewy with a warm finish that stays in your mouth for some time after. This isn't a bad beer but a solid average one. Simple and well made but not much for big flavors and complexity. Worth a try but probably not one I'd come back to. I find the 6 to be much more satisfying.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2011 00:49:16 | More by jbphoto88

TerryW

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Hazy cola or coffee-like appearance with a good-sized and long-lived head that leaves behind chunky lace.

Nose is gentle with a touch of raisin and whiff of alcohol. Quite bready as well. Appetizing.

Somewhat sweet to start with but quickly evens out into something slightly dry and almost chalky in character. Nice lingering mouthfeel and flavour with a hint of cocoa and raisins. A hint of alcohol as the beer starts to warm up.

Decent, competent beer. Nice finish.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2005 21:27:50 | More by TerryW

ultralarry2006

Illinois

3.53/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from an 11.2 oz. bottle. Leaves a tan one finger head with good retention and good lacing. Body is a hazy garnet.

Smell - horse blanket, caramel, figs, and raisins. Alcohol is well hidden.

Taste - like the smell. Horse blanket, caramel, figs, and raisins washed down with medinical and alcohol phenolics. Alcohol is mostly well hidden.

Mouthfeel - medium bodied, and dry.

Drinkability - I find this to be good, but not great. I will have this on occaision. High abv also supresses sessionability.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2006 17:49:18 | More by ultralarry2006

jjanega08

Minnesota

3.53/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

Poured into my St. B goblet
A= a very dark brown color that almost comes to black. The two finger heafd lifts up and leaves a head that covers the top nicely leaving behind decent lacing
S= tart grannysmith apples and a yeasty odor comes out.
T= the apples taste more red now like a sweeter tart apple. The yeast is still there. There's a small amount of hop bitterness.
M= high carb but very crisp and refreshing. Totally not expected from the color
D= pretty average. Not my style but very tasty

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2009 01:36:04 | More by jjanega08