Verboden Vrucht / Fruit Defendu (Forbidden Fruit) - Brouwerij van Hoegaarden

Brianmerrilyn

New York

4.68/5  rDev +20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Found this in the middle of the shelves at a supermarket in La Cruz near the border of Costa Rica and Nicuragua. 7oz bottle if I recollect correctly, as I was more than happy to have a real Belgian after knockin' down local lagers.

A: Poured dark red and brown creamy head into mini pint glass provided by the villa. big tough head breaking into big circles and impressive lacing with long strands sinking down vertically.

S: Nose is full of dark fruit(cherry/berry) and yeast

T: Sweet and suculent. Bitterness blunted by the sweetmalts and hops and balancing out perfectly with each finish.

M: Rather thick at first then moving to smooth medium and the carbonation fading away after five minutes or so.

D: One of the best beers I've had and made me smile wide and high. Very fruity and interesting take on the style, Hoegaarden has done well ont his one.

Serving type: bottle

07-05-2008 02:37:15 | More by Brianmerrilyn

garcia2a

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Enjoyed this tasty with ggaughan in downtwon Strassen.

This beer poured a dark ruby color, nicely cloudy with a nice lacing head and low carbonation.

The nose has pleasant sweet malt and a weird peaty hint. This translated nicely to the taste as there was a nice maly bite, powdery yeast and a orange/lemon/apricot cirtus back taste that lingered for a few seconds post sip.

The body is slightly lighter than the appearance and nose would let on. This is easy on the palate, non-filling after the first and just a nice drinking experience.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2008 17:22:11 | More by garcia2a

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.22/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle shared at a BA tasting at the Brick Store Pub. Perhaps supplied by OskarBamaBlues? In any case, I was happy to try it and had been interested in this beer for a long while, so I took my sample off tto a corrner and contemplated it. Poured a dark amber with a very lively head that stuck around. The aroma conisited chiefly of a light, brigght, fruitiness- perhaps passion fruit? The taste had a hay-like flavor like the smell of good clean straw might taste and more of that tantalizing bright fruit. Very floral and delicate and not laser-like like one of the New Glarus fruit brews, noree sour like a real lambic, nor sweet and popsicle-like like one of the pretend lambics. Very smooth in the mouth, and quitee intteresting. Thanks so much for the opportunity!

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2008 15:40:22 | More by Georgiabeer

TheEremite

California

2.3/5  rDev -41%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

I had high hopes for this beer. It poured a muddy brown with a small white head and tons of yeast chunk debris. Very ugly. It smells of spicy and fruit aromas with some slight funk. It tastes like oxidized bad homebrew. I don't know if I got a bad bottle, but this was a dumper. I'll have to try it again if I can find another bottle.

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2008 23:07:55 | More by TheEremite

jenitivecase

Kansas

3.68/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

0,33l bottle poured into a chalice.

A: dark amber orange, lots of floaties, pours a moderate head which lessens but doesn't completely dissipate.

S: fruity; predominate notes of peach, apricot, cherry, some berries, slight woodiness.

T: light & fruity, but the alcohol taste is too prevalent and lends a sharp bite to the taste.

M: fluid and slightly oily; lingers on the tongue, but goes down smooth, especially given the alcohol content.

D: I wouldn't say no to another one of these, but I wouldn't necessarily go in for a second of these instead of something else.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2008 01:36:35 | More by jenitivecase

ATPete

New Jersey

4.03/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

33cl bottle purchased at a bodega in Brussels, Belgium.

*the label reads 8.5% alcohol, BA has it listed at 9...

A- Hazy orange amber, some floaties, not much of a head.

S- Enormous nose to this one, tons of fruit; cherries, peaches, raisons, and lots of spice, nutmeg, all spice and other belgian spices.

T- Dominately malts, no solid hop character, more fruit notes like that mentioned in the nose, slightly tart, some cinnamon and more spice pokes through, nice after taste, the high alcohol works wonders with the general taste of this brew from Hoegaarden.

M- Medium to heavy mouthfeel, some tannin and pretty warming due to the 8.5%

D- the overall complexity is amazing! this is something i would grab a bunch of for maturing purposes...

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2008 13:16:34 | More by ATPete

mooseisloose

Florida

3.95/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Smell is malty and chicory-like. Pours to a golden light rootbeer color with a huge head. First taste is very malty and thick like a milkshake. Head really stays. Following malt is a slight herbal spiciness. Carbonation is good. The high AC is hardly evident and is really masked by the thickness of this brew. A delicious brew with drinkability only limited by the high AC content that can sneak up on you. As a note the AC was listed on the bottle as 8.5%.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2008 01:39:11 | More by mooseisloose

ggaughan

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Beer poured a deep amber color with a thick tan head that lasts for awhile and gave way to a nice ring around the edges and impressive lacing. The nose had scotchy and sweet notes, pleasing. The taste was pleasantly scotchy, malty sweet. There were also noticable citrus tones and a hot feeling from the alcohol levels. The beer was rounded out by a nice bitterness on the tongue. A well rounded beer and probably the best from Hoegaarden.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2008 11:57:34 | More by ggaughan

AlexLMS

Portugal

3.58/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: very dark amber colour. Nearly opaque with a lot of floating sediments. Medium-sized, foamy tan head. Fair retention but not much lacing.
Aroma: alcoholic vinous, sweet malts and ripe fruits.
Taste: confirms the aroma plus caramel and spices.
Mouthfeel: mouth coating and creamy, low carbonation, high alcoholic strength (my bottle stated 8.5% instead of 9%) and a full body.
Finish: warming and sweet aftertaste.

Overall: too sweet (almost cloying) for my taste. The alcoholic strength is very apparent. Nevertheless a very complex and interesting beer. Definitely worthy a try.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2008 12:26:22 | More by AlexLMS

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.4/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Again, one of those most elusive beers that I thought I'd never get to try. Nevertheless, here I am -- here it is... I'm going to drink it!

Pours a surprisingly dark beer (always thought is was blonde -- who knew?), that has a medium brown opaque-ness along with a muddy, murky dull-ness that picks up highlights of orange, rust, and copper. Medium head formation that reduced to a dainty sheet of froath and held firm. Aromas are very spicy and fruity (more of what I originally expected) but with a toasty, amber maltiness that was a surprise. Flavors of orange zest, peaches, pears, appricots, and lemons leaped out in front of any toasty German Dunkel-like maltiness. The dichademy of it all never resonated with me, leaving me wanting better balance and more medled-ness. The texture was as silky-smooth as the Witbier, but with a bit more abrasive carbonation (which remained quite high from the on-set). Finishes with a slightly-dirty, toasty, citrus flavor that cleaned up in a hurry and ultimately became quite crisp and refreshing. Certainly a good beer, it was just all over the place. Again, thanks to Clvand0.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2008 19:48:18 | More by BEERchitect

baggio

Sweden

3.53/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Bought in Holland with a best before date of 23/12/07.

A Brownish color with a thin, creamy, lace on top. Bottlefermented so lots of crap floating around in the beer :)

S: Ripe fruit, portwine, grain, yeast.

T: Cherries, apple, sugarcandy, yeast.

M: Low carbonation. Liquid is very smooth and warming. You can feel the beer warming you up as you go.

A well put togheter beer with many interesting complexities.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2007 19:19:29 | More by baggio

belgbeerdrinker

Colorado

3.4/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

a: dark amber color, thick foamy head settles to good layer
s: sweet malts and fruits, spices
t: sweet malts hit right away, hints of yeast, fruits like banana, slight tartness, and almost medicinal spices
m: medium carbonation, pretty good balance, medium body
d: didn't knock my socks off, but actually a pretty good beer from the big guys, certainly one of their better. worth a try

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2007 05:09:55 | More by belgbeerdrinker

thierrynantes

France

3.5/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Sorry but this following comment is in french :

Appearance : bière brune de fermentation haute, robe rouge-brun
Smell : arôme épicé de zeste d'orange, de curaçao et de coriandre
Taste and mouthfeel : notes de café et de caramel, riche et voluptueuse, une finale séche
Drinkability : une bonne bière dans le style Belgian strong dark ale

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2007 20:33:18 | More by thierrynantes

hoegaardenhero

California

3.65/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

bottle good for another two years.

a: nice frothy head sits on beautiful murky red/brown beer

s: yeast strong is most prevalent followed by nice blemd of fruits: pears, apples, and some citrus; slight amount of bitterness in back of nose

t: a little bit alcohol/winy flavor hits the toungue first (not surprising for an 8.5% beer); followed by yeastyness with nice overtones of cider/pear

m: nicely carbonated with medium body

d: some very enjoyable flavors but a little wineyness cuts down on the overall drinkability

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2007 17:57:22 | More by hoegaardenhero

tpd975

Florida

3.7/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This bottle came from my Westvleteren guy in Brugge Belgium. He threw it in with the proper glass in a deal I made with him for some Westy.

A: I love the bottle with a nude Adam and Eve along with all the French writing and foil…Pretty Cool. Pours with a tall light head that recedes nicely. It is a wonderful reddish brown color, very pretty actually. There are lot of floaters, and little to no lace.

S: Nice sweet fruits. Notes of Strawberry, Cherries, and maybe even a little mine apple. Nice Maltiness about it as well. Pretty Nice.

T: Nice caramel malty yeasty sweetness up front. Some fruits and a bit of sourness as well. There is a hint of spice also, clove maybe?

M: Light and bubbly.

D: One bottle is enough for me.

Overall: Something different, but not the best beer out there. It was nice that it came all the way from Belgium with the proper glass but I would not pay to have it shipped again. If available locally I would give it another go around though

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2007 14:54:11 | More by tpd975

LittleCreature

Australia

3.95/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance - 4.0
Poured two fingers of bubbly white head, which quickly reduced to a thin layer. The colour is a rich ruby-brown and slightly transparent.

Smell - 4.0
Very nice, increasing in strength as the beer warmed up. Fruity smells include strawberries, sultanas, pineapple and sweet malt.

Taste - 4.0
Strong, but the alcohol is reasonably well hidden. Roasted malt and grain tasted are most prevalent, and there is a definite although moderate hoppiness in the finish. There is some of the fruit in the smell, although much reduced. The aftertaste is quite strongly alcohol, not the best.

Mouthfeel - 4.5
Very smooth, with moderate carbonation and weight in the mouth. Almost creamy at times. Somewhat unusual how bubbly it is while still maintaining the smoothness.

Drinkability - 3.5
The overly alcoholic aftertaste would usually stop me from wanting a second, but there was no difficulty in finishing the one. Alcohol content is reasonably high, so you won't be wanting too many anyway.

OVERALL - 4
An interesting Belgian strong dark ale. Considering the name, I am somewhat disappointed it was not fruitier. The aftertaste is something of a disappointment, but the smell, mouthfeel and upfront taste are very good. The price is relatively high, but then so it the quality, so I wouldn't call it bad value. I may try this again if I find it at a good price. Went well with a strong cheddar cheese and multigrain crackers.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2007 12:57:25 | More by LittleCreature

basica

Singapore

4.9/5  rDev +25.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This is the second time I am trying the Forbidden Fruit, this time a full bottle; the last time
I shared a bottle with Keith. The Forbidden Fruit is my entry into my favourite Belgian style,
the Belgian Strong Dark Ales. After quite a while venturing into the world of Belgian Strong
Dark Ales, I would probably drop the rating for Hoegaarden Forbidden Fruit down to 9.5. After
tasting many of the great Belgian Dark Ales, I guess my taste buds have matured quite a bit!
Anyway this fruity ale pours out a dark red brown with a mild creamy head with pretty good
retention. It smells strongly of cherries, berries and some dark fruit and a subtle nice yeasty
smell. It was heavy on the fruits in terms of taste as well; pretty unique compared to a number
of the dark ales. Cherries and berries as usual with a few other dark fruits like plums was
in the taste. Nice aroma from the smell to the taste; really good. The finish was very slightly
bitter but not at all disturbing. Also well masqueraded is the alcohol and there was not a hint
of alcoholic taste in this beer though the strength along with the nicely balanced subtle bitter
finish gives is great character for such an ale. Very fruity yet full of unique character due
to a masterfully crafted balance. The body was between medium to full body but I felt it could
have been better off with a thicker body. Almost no carbonation and very smooth mouth feel and
it also smoothly runs down my throat. A full score for drinkability for certain! The after taste
was again Cherries and berries (and perhaps plums) and I could really appreciate this
fruitiness. One of the most drinkable strong Belgian dark ales which is fruity tasty, sweet and
well-balanced; a Hoegaarden masterpiece and one of my favourite beers.

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2007 18:00:47 | More by basica

wagenvolks

Texas

3.95/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Awesome label: Adam cheers-ing Eve in the Garden.
Gorgeous pour: gold at the edges transitions to an amber-orange, translucent body. A 1" thick velvety, khaki head recedes slowly, leaving spackles of lacing. A very Belgium aroma: fruity, yeasty notes with hints of pepper, barley, and other spices.

Taste is of spicy hop notes alongside fruit yeast esters of apple and pear. Some alcohol warms through as well. Let this beer warm up and lose some of its carbonation. Big difference after 10 minutes. Once calm, it gives way to a smooth, medium body with a hint of a boozy bite. Goes great with Gouda cheese. Overall, it's not a bad Belgium ale...not bad at all, in fact. Give it a try.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2007 21:46:27 | More by wagenvolks

TurdFurgison

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I picked up a 330ml bottle at a department store in Utsunomiya, Japan. It's unbelievable what you can find in the most unlikely locations in Japan, especially as this beer is difficult to find in my part of the USA.

Overall this beer was exceptionally good. Maybe one of the best beers from a "macro" producer I've had so far. But then Hoegaarden Grand Cru is pretty good too, both beers are a credit to the brewery.

The beer is copper colored, thin frothy tan wet foam, lots of yeasties floating around. The aroma surprised me in that the malt overpowered the smell, kind of similar to a maibock or doppelbock but with a more fruity ester thing going on. The taste was really complex, there were a lot of flavors with sweet malt being dominant (but you could taste the Belgian style yeast quality). The aftertaste is a little cough-mediciny which knocks the rating a little for me (only 0.5 point).

If you haven't tried this, I recommend you do. I'll grab it without hesitation again.

Serving type: bottle

06-05-2007 19:13:04 | More by TurdFurgison

Stephen63

United Kingdom (Scotland)

3.68/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Dark brown with impressive head, very diffferent from the standard Hoegaarden.

S - Very complex with fruits and toffee/treacle, almost overwhelming.

T - As expected a lot going on, quite hard to get your tastebuds attuned to the flavours. Alcohol not prominent.

M - Very pleasant and silky.

D - Pretty easy to drink but the complexity means that one is probably enough at a time.

Really want to like this one a bit more than I do, a slight disappointment but still a decent beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2007 20:55:53 | More by Stephen63

janubio

Spain

3.98/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Brown cloudy colour, with a very big head that holds for a while. Bready aroma primarily, that developes into fruits, berries, dates,figs, caramel and some coriander.
Fruity taste, spices, candy, hard to discern everything, aromas are more mixed in the mouth. Alcohol is noticeable, creamy palate and sweet fruity astertaste.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2007 21:42:03 | More by janubio

BlackHaddock

United Kingdom (England)

3.33/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This is the beer my wife and I always have when we visit 'The Cirio' in Brussel's, with a cheese platter normally. This review however is from home.

Brown 33cl bottle, best before Oct 2008, drank March 2007.

Poured into the correct 'Forbidden Fruit' chalice, with the sediment getting fully into the glass. The beer was therefore cloudy and darker than if I had allowed just the beer to leave the bottle. This also effects the head, which doesn't stay so long with the 'bits' in the glass.

Dark mahogany wood colour, lace head because of the sediment, it's hazy, also because of my pour.

Typical malty, yeasty, Belgian dark ale type of aroma, the coolness doesn't help the aroma to be overly heavy, but this is as average as you are going to get.

Fairly sweet, caramel and some toffee flavours, but with sour apples thrown in too, add alcohol esters, coffee and grapes into the mix and you are half correct, a very complexed taste indeed.

The mouthfeel and aftertaste introduce hops, which must have been hidden by the alcohol and other flavours earlier. having said that, the mouthfeel is not great for such a strong beer.

My wife loves this beer and as I said earlier, it is now a tradition when we go to Brussel's, to drink it. Try it also, I know who owns the beer etc, but it is good, honest.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2007 22:55:32 | More by BlackHaddock

rec

Australia

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

Sediment and lacing are evident are the copper-brown pour, with a decent head that seems to be lacing well.

Clove, light fruits and candy come through in scent. It's definately an appealing aroma!

A sweet caramel malt hits you up front with the light fruits following and finally; a spicey finish.

Fruit Defendu sports a smooth mouthfeel thanks to fitting carbonation, and is easy to drink considering its high ABV which is barely noticable.

I actually really like it. I tried it almost two years ago out of the bottle and wasn't impressed, but upon this purchase and pour, I must say my mind has changed. Something I'll definately buy again!

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2007 11:25:35 | More by rec

Finite

Australia

3.63/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

P - Brown 330ml Bottle. Gold label of what seems to be adam presenting a tempting beer to Eve

A - Very cloudy dark amber. Some yeast visible even after decanting. big thick 3 inch head. Reduces to a thick creamy white foam leaving moderate lacing on the glass. Very small bubbles visible rising up the side of the glass.

S - Red wine / red grapes aroma. Rasberry. Alcohol. High ester.

T - Sweet berry flavour. cloves. Bready with moderate to high malt sweetness, a little caramel. A little bitterness and flavour of roasted malt. Femented berries. Dry and spicy hop flavours present at the back of the palate along with alcohol Warming as the beer goes down. Earthen yeasty flavours. Alcohol becomes very much more detectable as the beer warms. Aftertaste is of grassy hops and more earthen yeast flavours. Dry on the back of the palate and a little sweet at the front.

M - Soft and fluffy, reasonably thin in the mouth and a little sticky. Sharp atthe back of the palate from the alcohol.


D - Quite a complex beer. Good in small ammounts. Type of beer you would have only 2-3 of a week.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2006 10:36:36 | More by Finite

seanyfo

United Kingdom (Scotland)

3.28/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Dark brown with floaters, looks quite dense, not much light coming thru. , 2 finger tan head

S - Cloves, yeast, very apparent alcohol kick.

T - Not really sure about this one, starts off rather sweet, sugary even, but very abruptly i feel like i am assaulted by the alcohol. Not very smooth or understated. Couldnt find any malt notes either.

M - Medium carbonation, a nice consistency to the mouthfeel, not too thin, feels smooth going down.

D - Imbalance of the alcohol puts me off slightly, must admit i took a while to drink this and didnt seem to improve too much as it warmed through. I feel there are better strong dark belgians out there.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2006 10:12:52 | More by seanyfo