Augustijn Brune - Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

3.58/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A hefty chunk of sediment plopped out from the bottom of the bottle. Despite looking like something found in the dryer's lint trap it didn't muck up the clarity all that much; the beer's shady russet tone still shows a strong, clear orange kindling against the light. There is an abundance of puffy, lusciously moussy, khaki-tinted cream.

The bouquet benefits greatly from oxygen; be sure to swirl repeatedly to appreciate the notes of almonds, spice, plum and blackberry that would otherwise be concealed behind the beer's dull, mundane crystal malt base. As it warms, the glass smells more and more as though it were rimmed with ginger and brown sugar.

The flavour is an odd combination of fruit chutney, hard toffee, and a bit of toasted marshmallow. It's not nearly as distinctive as it sounds. On the whole, the taste is quite weak and leaves a dry, stale void for an aftertaste. A metallic presence is noted and spoils what is otherwise a creamy mouthfeel with a clinging, leaden off-flavour.

The impression of chutney comes from tastes of fruit (pear, strawberry, blackberry, apple) that have been mulled in spices (clove, ginger, pepper) and sugar. The sweetness, however, is cloying as if from extract or adjuncts (the maltiness is thin and suspect). The lack of alcohol is a plus, but isn't enough to sell me on it...

Augustijn Donker leaves much to be desired. It ranks so low down the Belgian Dark Ale totem-pole that it really doesn't even warrant mention. This was not my first time trying it, but it likely will have been my last (none in the Augustijn series impressed me). However reasonable the price, I guarantee you Belgium offers better brands at the similar cost.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2012 04:06:18 | More by biegaman

pkalix

California

4.18/5  rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

beautiful ruby red, also picked from the sampler pack. usually the samplers arent all that great, but these have all been firsts for me (except for the Gulden Draak) and i was wary from the beginning. nice looking head which diminished quickly with lacing. fine bubbles of carbonation. BA has this listed as a 7% but the bottle says 8%. previous reviewer hit it on the head "strong Newcastle with belgian yeast". so happy with the the sampler pack i went back and bought another one for a friend. except now i'm drinking it.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2012 03:23:53 | More by pkalix

Humulus85

Minnesota

3.88/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

My second of a Van Steenberge variety pack. Not too experienced with Belgian Darks but here goes. From a 330ml bottle into my Darkness snifter.

Pours a deep mahogany with nice ruby tones when held to light. A light tan, one-finger head dissipates rather quickly but left behind some decent lacing.

Tons of sweet caramel malts, a touch of roasted malts and spice, and a whiff of booze in the finish.

Begins with a clean caramel/toffee malt profile, some roasted malt comes through in the middle, maybe some floral to earthy hops. A touch of spicy yeast in the end with a clean alcohol finish. Very well balanced.

Medium in body, almost chewy, but the carbonation helps lighten it up. Finishes very clean and balanced. Very drinkable, it's like a strong Newcastle with Belgian yeast.

Overall this is a solid Belgian Dark. Clean and drinkable. Well crafted malt profile, but not super complex. Recommended to any fan of Belgian ales, or fans of bocks and brown ales that want to try something different. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

06-18-2012 20:36:18 | More by Humulus85

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.9/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a snifter.

Appearance: Really dark brown, not opaque but holding up to the light bubbly in texture. Off-white to a very light orange head rising to maybe a fingers length.

Smell: Light alcohol, feeling of yeast.

Taste: It's lightly bitter, but has a sweet caramel feel to it. I like It's pilsener feel to it but it feels slightly like a bock. Yeast not too heavy but just enough absolutely great.

Mouth: Medium and smooth.

Overall: Having this after a long day of work, makes me appreciate a descent beer. It is not going to blow you out the water but I think in the end you will like it's quality. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2012 05:11:15 | More by BlurryVisi0n

Pahn

New York

3.98/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750ml bottle into Duvel tulip. Couldn't find any freshness info. Received the bottle in March as a birthday present (suggested to my friend by the store's "beer guy").

Appearance: After a loud pop of the cork, careful pour yields a 3 inch poppingly fizzy offwhite head that dissipates quickly. Pours a semi-translucent ruby. Head and beer leave almost no lacing.

Smell: Bold Belgian yeast aromas, banana and plum, with highlights of clove and brighter fruits like berries and even citrus. The magnitude and character of the aroma really brightens every sip, and illustrates the virtues of drinking out of a tulip glass.

Taste: Sugary apple and banana with prominent Belgian yeast. Juicy sweetness that goes well with the fullish body. Hot finish reminds you you're not drinking fancy apple juice.

This is good. The fruity esters are at the fore, along with a very flavorful Belgian yeast character. I write 'Belgian yeast' smell / taste in many reviews, but--especially in better beers--the exact nature of such a smell varies by beer and brewery. The more unique but recognizable and palatable, the better (as here). ABV is not well hidden at all, but since there's so much fruit and sweetness, the heat adds balance.

Mouthfeel: Full side of medium bodied and juicy, giving a very succulent impression (which matches well with the flavor). High carbonation bordering on unpleasant. Hot, slightly dry finish--guessing that much of the 7.5% ABV comes from candi sugar.

Overall: Solidly above average Belgian Dark Ale. It has more character than, say, Leffe Brune, but lacks that beer's reasonably strong leather and clove type flavors/aromas. I generally prefer that end of the BDA / BSDA spectrum to sweet fruit bombs like this one, but this beer is bold and well-put together enough to be enjoyable regardless.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2012 01:38:11 | More by Pahn

Douberd

Netherlands

4.03/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle 330 ml, at home, poured into a trappist glass.
One finger beige head, quickly dissolved. Dark ruby colour.
Sweet aroma of dark fruits, plums,caramel.
The taste is even more fruity and sweet. Some banana taste along with the other fruits.
Light carbonation and medium to thick body.
Overall a very nice beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2012 13:27:53 | More by Douberd

jazzyjeff13

United Kingdom (England)

3.58/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A 330ml bottle with a BB of March 2013. Part of a box collection from this brewery.

Poured into a Delirium chalice. A deep coppery-brown with decent carbonation. Forms a large head of creamy light-brown foam with great retention; this slowly reduces to a surface layer. Aroma of sweet, fruity yeast with notes of bananas, brown sugar, dried fruit, a hint of marzipan and a whiff of booze.

Tastes of sweet caramel malt with a fruity yeast character. Notes of brown sugar, caramel, bananas, dried fruit, marzipan and dry yeast. A hot, spicy alcoholic finish. Mouthfeel is smooth and tingly, with nice body. Quite astringent - dries the palate. Aftertaste of sweet fruity yeast.

Not bad. Has an easy-going, well-rounded character that goes down nicely. Lacks depth; perhaps a little sweet with an excessively boozy finish, but no major complaints. Nothing special, but worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2012 22:38:53 | More by jazzyjeff13

douggoodavage

Virginia

2.95/5  rDev -22.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Poured with little head. Beautiful amber ruby color. Scents of alcohol, yeast and over ripe grapes & cherries. Tastes like dark malts raisins & brown sugar. Thin mouth feel water like. Overall not a bad beer its like a session beer in the Chimay style.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2012 23:57:55 | More by douggoodavage

Digimaika2

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottled stamped with Best Before: 11/07/2013

A: Clear reddish-brown with a fluffy foam head that lingers on-top for a while and clings to the glass as it falls.

S: Sourish notes (lemon-grapefruit-balsamic), an odd but not off putting rubber odour, herbal twang, and hints of dark fruits. Enjoying this aroma quite a bit, especially the sourness.

T: Metallic-herbal and slight sourness evident throughout taste. Nutty tastes and faint dark fruits including cherries. Not a traditional belgian brune (if that's what this is classified as) but enjoying the generally lighter taste and sour element quite a bit.

M: Light bodied with a med-high carbonation. Quite chalky and dry with a tart and sour-tangy feel.

D: Not quite what I was expecting as a brune, but enjoyable with the sour taste. Not something I would seek out but not a bad deal if it's included in a mixed Augustijn 6-pack.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2012 03:36:12 | More by Digimaika2

bump8628

Oklahoma

3.78/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Clear brown, thin ecru head of tiny bubbles. Caramel, treacle, and coffee dregs. The finish is slightly balanced toward a subtle brown sugar sweetness as opposed to the light earthy bitterness that hangs on at the finish. A lower level of carbonation compared to the Augustijn Blonde helps showcase the maltiness.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 21:47:22 | More by bump8628

bigdeuce

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Very nice looking beer with a rich oft-white colored head and extreme lacing down the beer. Pours an outstanding dark bold color. Scents of cherries, apricots, cranberry, and belgian yeast and sugar. Tastes like tart cherries and candied sugar. Beer gets better as it warms. Medium bodied, but yet very light in the fold. It will be revisited!

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 01:10:40 | More by bigdeuce

jrenihan

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Beer is a medium-hued brown, reddish tints. A smallish off-white head dissipates quite rapidly, leaving a film.

Smell is relatively faint, comprised of sweet, bready malt and raisin.

Some raisin and other dark fruit in the taste, but not strongly. Bulk of the taste is sweet, bready malt and Belgian yeast. A little thin.

Pretty high carbonation level, medium bodied, a bit chewy.

Overall, a decent beer but not a great example of the style. A little thin in all respects, though not unpleasant in any way.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2012 01:31:27 | More by jrenihan

BierStein711

Illinois

3.28/5  rDev -13.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle poured into arcadia ales chalice

This is my third strong dark.

Carbonation medium, half finger off white head.

Brown in color

Smells of malts, Belgian yeast, wood, and cherries

Tastes of chocolate, malt, hop bitterness, cherries, and the beer has a fruity finish! Courtesy of the wondrous gift of Belgian yest.

Mouthfeel: Watery, this is where the beer is lacking.

Overall, above average. Seek it out for an introduction to the style. Don't seek this out if you are looking for something complex, such as Brother Thelonius by North Coast. Naturally, try this for an introduction.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 02:49:24 | More by BierStein711

bobhits

Kentucky

2.95/5  rDev -22.4%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

These dark strongs all seems to taste the same. This one however ignores the fruity side of brings out some wood, chocolate, and finishes it with the Belgian yeast fruity flavors that we all expect.

There's something "off" in the aromas and the taste though. A certain stale like presence that isn't working well for me.

Overall this isn't a bad beer. Fans of the style should definitely give this one a go. If you're not a fan however, avoid as there's nothing special enough to justify the purchase price.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 17:11:57 | More by bobhits

BeerLover99

New Jersey

3.73/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: brown/cherry wood body, no head,

S: cherry, figs/dates/plums, spices,
malt

T: sweet cherry/ripe fruit, malt, mild boozy/spicy finish

M: med body, solid carbonation/smooth

O: I enjoyed this, but don't know if I would
get it again. Fair amount of alcohol warmth

PRETTY GOOD, NOT MUST HAVE!

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2012 17:25:47 | More by BeerLover99

peensteen

Ontario (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Reddish brown, one finger of white head, minimal lace, decent retention. Smell is yeasty, lots of dark fruits, raisin, brown sugary notes, faint alcohol, some overripe banana and dark bread. Taste is fruity, grape and raisin, bready, brown sugar, banana, toffee/caramel. Over carbonated and fairly thin, fairly light feel as well. This was better as it warmed but for the style this isn't great, I would probably drink it again though if it were in front of me.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2011 20:14:31 | More by peensteen

SebD

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Appearance: It has a nice dark brown color to it with some nice amber and ruby hues coming through. It has a nice tan head that dies down moderately and leaves some lacing.

Smell: The aromas definitly give out hints of grainy and bready malts, some definite grapes and some other dark fruit.

Taste: Like the aromas, it has a grainy and bready malt character, some grapes and dark fruit and a sugary sweetness.

Mouthfeel: It has a high carbonation with a nice overall balance and feel.

Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied with good flavors and aromas.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2011 21:02:48 | More by SebD

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.88/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

330ml Bottle

Appearance - The beer pours a dark reddish brown colour with an average size fizzy beige coloured head. I can't see much carbonation due the darkness of the beer and there is some fair lacing on the sides of the glass. The head lasted for 5 minutes before it was gone.

Smell - Raisins/grapes, malts, wood

Taste & Mouth - The beer has an above average amount of carbonation and I can taste lots of dark fruit.. grapes/raisin and malts. There is also a bit of a woodiness to it.. almost like a port wine. It also has a touch of spiciness and a hint of banana. It ends with a malty dark fruit aftertaste.

Overall – The beer had an interesting taste from the wood flavour. While not something I would drink on a regular occurrence, I'm happy I gave it a try.

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2011 19:39:54 | More by spinrsx

korguy123

Ontario (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

One of the six bottles from the 2011 LCBO holiday Belgium pack.

A- Clear deep ruby, pour. Aggressive pour and swirling brings me a finger width off white head. Lacing is decent.

S- Bananas, cloves, all spice with faint stone fruits.

T- Toasted malts, bananas and all spice. Not nearly as sweet as the nose leads on.

M- Thin with lively carbonation. Imagined it would be heavier than this.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2011 00:17:06 | More by korguy123

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

3.7/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bottle from the LCBO, Belgian gift pack. 330ml bottle into a tulip, best before July 11, 2013.

Poured maroon, which appeared a bit redder around the edges. Light tan head with some relatively dense lace and modest head retention.Nose of light toasty grains and breads, a pinch of dark fruit notes come through as well. Dried grapes and some light sugar notes. Fairly simple. Taste has some caramel, dark fruits, a hint of copper, more bread and brown sugars. Drying finish. Mouthfeel is on the lighter side of medium with a carbonation that's a tad crispier and fizzier than I'd hope for; once the carbonation dies down, the body is still too thin for my liking. Still enjoyable, and this could work well with some food pairings I'd gather.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2011 17:06:24 | More by liamt07

evlu1441

Alberta (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is my final beer from the Van Steenberge mixed 6-pack. I saved it for last largely because it seemed the least interesting to me. That said, I have been very impressed with the other peers in the pack, and I doubt this will be an exception.

It pours a hazy reddish-brown with a large fluffy light toffee coloured head.

Banana comes through quite prominently in the aroma. This mingles with some flowery aspects and belgian yeasty smells and a hint of tartness.

The flavour is full and quite sweet. Brown sugar mixes with some hoppy bite and aromatic floral aspects. It finishes with a nice rounded malty note.

Overall, another nice offering from van Steenberge. It's not the most outstanding Belgian dark, but a good beer nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2011 23:14:27 | More by evlu1441

barleyroad

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is a dark amber beer with a nice ratio of foam. This is beer has a non-eventful smell, some what disapointing. Mouthfeel is full of bubbles and that is being proper. The taste is very, well, nice. There are hints of roasting and a nice hoppy mix. We like it! Overall the smell and taste do not match, but do not let that get in the way of having one.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2011 00:09:19 | More by barleyroad

yemenmocha

Arizona

4/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a cola brown color with modest sized head, and surprisingly modest compared to many Belgians. Nose has some dark toffee, figs, brownbread, and a nice musty quality. On the palate a black tea element is there, some light caramel, and a light body. Finish is light with more black tea, and I find this ale is very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2011 03:20:46 | More by yemenmocha

BeerDocT

Georgia

3.8/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Yet another new addition to the Van Steenberge sample pack; again, at least it is new to me. In a previous review, I was uncertain as to whether or not the beer that particular beer replaced in the sample pack was simply the same beer with a different name. This is definitely NOT the case with this beer. This is not the same beer as the Bornem Dubble, which is darker with larger carbonation bubbles.

Poured from a bottle into a wide-mouthed glass.

-Appearance 3.0: Average looking, dark brown color. Opaque. Small head that stayed about the same level (1/5"). Small bubbled carbonation.

-Smell 3.5: Strong barley smell with a hint of chocolate. Slightly sour smelling with some hoppy accents.

-Taste 4.0: Very, very smooth. It is slightly sweet and smoky, like a porter. There is a kind of "dead space" in the middle of the taste, that is quite refreshing; just cool liquid. Very clean aftertaste with just a hint of yeast and toasted malts remaining in the mouth. Nice.

-Mouthfeel 3.5: Bottle conditioned carbonation is not distracting at all. Small bubbles that are refreshing. Very light and refreshing in the mouth, not syrupy at all despite its relatively high ABV (7.5%).

-Overall 4.0: Another very good Van Steenberge beer. This is refreshing and quite a difference from the golden "dubbles" that so many of us are accustomed to. Worth sampling when you find it.

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2011 04:22:09 | More by BeerDocT

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a hazy orange-ish to brown color with a light tan head. In the aroma, big candy sugar and a small fruitiness. In the taste. a small roast, almost chocolate like, and a small candy sugar in presence. A smooth and medium bodied mouthfeel, with a dry small candy sugar in the aftertaste. Big candy sugar and a nice small roast. Nice but nothing exciting.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2011 14:34:45 | More by OWSLEY069