Grotten Flemish Ale - Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV

assurbanipaul

Texas

4.63/5  rDev +15.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a light orange-gold with a tall and stark white head. Aroma is light yeast and a touch of lemon. (I would have liked a little more to the nose to match what the palate found.)

Taste is a light, toasty pale malt with a hint of honey and citrus. Dries out through the glass with more elements of yeast, coriander, cloves and white pepper emerging. Once it warms just a little bit, a wonderful bitter orange rind flavor blooms, revealing a little floral complexity beneath the malts, maybe even a trace of sweet peppermint.

Mouthfeel is soft and light, effervescent and crisp with carbonation. I'm not sure how to read the style of grottenbier but it impresses me as a spicy, low-alcohol tripel, or maybe a Belgian pale/witbier hybrid. Whatever it decides to be, it's a marvelously complex and enjoyable style.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2006 03:15:56 | More by assurbanipaul

jdawg80

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -0.2%

05-10-2013 14:09:24 | More by jdawg80

superspak

Michigan

4/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750 ml bottle into tulip glass; 11/23/2009 dating on the bottom of the bottle(best before date?). Pours lightly hazy and cloudy golden orange color with a nice 2 finger dense off white head with great retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lingers. Spotty foamy lacing clings on the glass, with a moderate amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of pear, apple, grape, floral, pepper, clove, herbal, caramel, honey, biscuit, and herbal earthiness. Very nice aromas with good complexity and balance of fruity/spicy/floral notes with malt sweetness; and good strength. Taste of pear, apple, grape, floral, pepper, clove, herbal, caramel, honey, biscuit, and herbal earthiness. Lingering notes of light fruits, floral, pepper, herbal, light clove, caramel, honey, bread, and herbal earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance and complexity of malt and fruity/spicy esters; with a good malt/spiciness balance and no cloying sweetness present after the finish. Medium carbonation and body; with a slick and lightly syrupy mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with hardly any warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a damn nice Belgian strong pale. Very nice balance and complexity of fruity/spicy flavors with malt sweetness; and very smooth to sip on. This was probably quite old given the caramelized maltiness from age, but it held up very well. A very enjoyable offering.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2013 05:26:22 | More by superspak

PEIhop

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +6%

11-22-2012 18:34:55 | More by PEIhop

WynnO

Florida

3/5  rDev -25.2%

08-26-2012 04:00:38 | More by WynnO

theminutemen

Missouri

4/5  rDev -0.2%

03-02-2012 21:25:13 | More by theminutemen

imperialking

Illinois

4/5  rDev -0.2%

01-09-2012 04:10:40 | More by imperialking

GreenMountainBoy

Vermont

4/5  rDev -0.2%

12-18-2011 19:01:10 | More by GreenMountainBoy

jophish17

Georgia

3/5  rDev -25.2%

12-06-2011 17:47:45 | More by jophish17

Rochefort10nh

New Hampshire

5/5  rDev +24.7%

11-25-2011 21:07:51 | More by Rochefort10nh

HardTarget

Texas

4.2/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Held for about 3-4 years, opened and reviewed to honor the passing of this giant, R.I.P. Pierre.

Appearance: Golden glass holds a tight white head that clings to the side in clumpy tidemarks.

Smell: Mild Belgian yeast, earthy grain and a rosy floral smell. Slight wet cork note that doesn't spoil the party at all.

Taste: Some tropical fruit, a bit of banana, mango, and lemon peel. Very soft flavor profile, easy drinking but plenty of things going on.

Mouthfeel: Almost creamy feel in a light body, tough trick to pull off. A bit of prickle from the carbonation and a lingering coat in the mouth.

Overall: Lots of bias here, but this is a great beer to spend the afternoon with. Light enough not to fill you up, flavorful enough to keep you interested. A finely crafted beer from one of the best minds in brewing. We'll miss you and your beers Pierre.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2011 21:58:10 | More by HardTarget

Shakujin

Japan

3.93/5  rDev -2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had @Delirium Cafe Reserve Tokyo in 750ml bottle

Appearance: cloudy, glowing yellow. pours with fluffy almost whip cream like head

Smell: yeasty, bready, with strong herbal notes

Taste: similar to smell, the herbal taste really stands out. sort of like almond, black liquorish, and sweet grapes combined. Very unique flavor. Carbonation and bitterness are there but non obtrusive

Mouthfeel: med light.

Drinkability/ Overall: interesting beer with a great story behind it and a quite unique taste. A great beer to try and have a chat over, but not a go to beer

Serving type: bottle

09-27-2010 01:10:11 | More by Shakujin

htomsirveaux

Texas

3.65/5  rDev -9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

750 mL bottle tried 12 Sep 2007.

Large white/yellow head. Well carbonated. Slightly cloudy golden yellow color. Smells sweet, yeasty, wheaty, with a touch of bubblegum. Starts with some caramel and apricot fruitiness. Fairly sweet and yeasty throughout. Finish is sweet sour. Medium body.

A says 'tastes like a Belgian beer' (guess that is good)...

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2010 19:15:15 | More by htomsirveaux

twiggamortis420

Texas

4.03/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750 mL bottle without a discernable freshness date, I picked this up last year so it is most likely a 2009 vintage, maybe 2008. Pours a very clear (initially) golden color with a large, fluffy white foam that collapses slowly and leaves some spotty lacing on the glass.

Nose is actually quite similar to a Duvel, chalky Smatees candy, lightly fruity Belgian yeast and a smattering of grassy hops. Has a bit more bready yeast character and a bigger malt presence.

Taste is quite unique however, as the yeast and alcohol smack you around a bit up front. Crackery malt comes on in the middle with some definite sweetness, cheap halloween candy and honey. Bittering finish hints at a fair amount of hopping and is accentuated a bit by an alcohol drying effect. I was afraid I hadn't "grotten" around to this beer fast enough as it sat in my DBF for about 6 months. Still seems to taste great though, and is a worthwhile and unique Belgian beer experience.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2010 23:13:45 | More by twiggamortis420

corby112

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a somewhat cloudy golden yellow color with some ripe banana hues and a two finger foamy white head that lingers for a while before settling into a lasting ring that leaves spotty lacing. Visible carbonation bubbling up.

Estery crisp golden fruit aroma with hints of apple and pear as well as some bready yeast, spicy zesty pepper, and citrus lemon peel.

Pretty carbonated up front with a clean bready yeasty medium body. Estery fruit notes, mostly apple and pear, along with some ripe banana notes, creaminess, alcohol warmth and a dry finish.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2009 07:19:32 | More by corby112

tai4ji2x

Massachusetts

3.65/5  rDev -9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

750ml bottle w cork and cage. no date found. tasted in early/mid may 2009.

deep golden straw, almost gem clear, but some flakes of yeast, esp in later pours. massive head of large-bubbled foam, fades very slowly to constant thin layer. great lacing.

aroma: white grape and pear, hint of white bread, herbal hops and spicy phenols. trace of yeasty belgian character, not quite "funk".

taste: again, light white grape and pear, more white bread, but a bit watery. similar grassy and herbal hops (mild to moderate bitterness) with spice and phenols in back. peach notes? however, there is this strong metallic and mineral undertone, especially coming out in the finish and aftertaste. actually a bit distracting...

feel: a bit thin and watery, though smooth. all this is overshadowed again by that weird metallic character. tingly, moderate carbonation can give a hint of body.

very weird...

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2009 03:33:37 | More by tai4ji2x

Gavage

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: pours a clear light orange color with a 1" head.

Smell: yeast, light pepper spice, and some grassiness are easily detectable by the nose.

Taste: slightly grainy malt base with some heavy yeast flavors. Pepper spice, honey, and slightly sour green grapes round it out. Bitterness is up front and balancing for the sweetness here. Alcohol is slightly noticeable.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied beer. Lightly crisp to start, smoother and dry at the finish. Aftertaste is long as the yeast spiciness lingers in the mouth a while.

Drinkability: slow sipping and somewhat refreshing beer on a hot day. Easy to drink this one buit more than two or three glasses may be enough in a session.

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2009 19:49:11 | More by Gavage

HalfFull

California

4.1/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a Belgian snifter of sorts. Pours a clear golden in color with a white sticky head. Good retention and just a bit of haze.

Smell is light and clean. Apple and pear on the nose and with a champagne like feel.

Taste follows suit. Very light and a touch of fruit. Quite perky and bubbly, reminiscent of a Flanders brew. Not sour at all however. Closer to an Affligem Blonde than a Duvel. Not a lot of sweetness and with a light Belgian yeast nose. Alcohol is well hidden and adds another stake to Duvel's coffin.

A nice brew. Belgian Blonde would be a more apt description.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2009 04:54:53 | More by HalfFull

atsprings

North Carolina

3.85/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

5oz pour at the Flying Saucer Tri-Beer Belgian tasting served in a tulip glass a hazy bubbly straw yellow with a decent off-white head. Aroma is loads of sweet fruits. The taste is a decent amount of very tart sweet fruits with hints of citrus hops. The body is slightly heavy with loads of sweetness. This is a very enjoyable brew to say the least.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2009 02:29:57 | More by atsprings

Nickls

District of Columbia

4.08/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Poured with frothy, foamy white head with good retention. Lightly hazy orangey-yellow color that's vibrant

S - Yeasty; orange and citrus aromas; some grassiness as well

T - A bit flowery; yeastiness comes in mildly; citrus fruit. Pretty nice

M - A bit chalky for me; very vibrant carbonation. Thinner body overall, though

D - Really drinkable, with some nice layers of complexity, but refreshing and at a very reasonable abv

Overall, certainly worth a look and I found it pretty darn good.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2009 23:50:32 | More by Nickls

BeardedBoffin

Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Grotten Flemish Ale is the product of Brouwerij St. Bernard so expectations are high, and, in the end, met. This glossy brew pours a hazy golden color, tinged with orange. A nice lively cap of foam announces the carbonation therein.

Very nimble on the palate, as it flows across the contours. Lightly toasted malt with an orchard fruitiness greets the taste buds. A subtle sourness mixes in. Toward the end, a clove spiciness balances the initial sweetness, bringing everything together. An earthy character pervades it all.

This is a quality beer, a "Unique Belgian Ale" indeed.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2009 19:59:00 | More by BeardedBoffin

Richardberg

New Jersey

3.85/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: poured from a bomber into a Bavarian style beer mug. Big cream head atop a pale golden liquid.

S: pale malts, floral hoppy aroma, banana esters

T: crisp malty taste, hides the nearly 8% ABV very well

M: slightly above average ale fizz. Not as interesting as Duvel or Delirium.

D: nice beer, great example of the style, but not world class like many are rating

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2009 03:28:08 | More by Richardberg

JBogan

Nevada

4.25/5  rDev +6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a beautiful bright golden color with a large and creamy white head which left excellent lacing. Very inviting looking beer.

Smelled of banana and spices, almost like a Wit with a little something extra.

Tasted very similar to the aroma. Excellent balance but perhaps just a step below the best of it's style.

Mouthfeel was superb. Very smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of carbonation. Really nice in the mouth.

I'd happily drink this one again. It is very refreshing, well balanced, and goes well with almost anything or just by itself.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2009 00:59:09 | More by JBogan

dfillius

Michigan

4.53/5  rDev +13%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bought due to my admiration for Celis' beer savvy.
Enjoyed in a wine glass
A: Hearty 'POP' when corked. Moderate pour yields 1.5 finger pillowy white head with stellar retention (3/4 finger 2 minutes later). Cloudy luminous golden color.
S: Banana, clove, tropical fruit. Smells creamy even
T: Pleasant hop to this one. Almost hoppy enough to be a BIPA. Fruity, well balanced, tangy, delicious.
M: Bright, creamy and smooth.
D: Very tasty. Very pleasant. No bad flavor, refreshing!

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2009 02:11:06 | More by dfillius

Psilo707

California

3.73/5  rDev -7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A very pear, opaque color when poured into a mug. A frothy head forms and the lacing slowly dissipates along the sides in a uniform fashion. The smell is one of a strong beer in general - actually probably the lowest point of the brew, but still fairly decent. The taste is very herbally strong, and the alcohol is slightly present. Some fruits and nuts in there but exact tastes are not discernable. Mouthfeel is really solid, and it tends to lay heavily on the tongue with a nice feel. Drinkability is decent although I think the overly abundant alcohol aftertaste might get in the way a bit.

Overall, a very good Belgian Ale, and I would generally recommend this to most drinkers.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2009 03:01:17 | More by Psilo707