De Proef Cuvee Mystique

Pours ebony into a trappist glass. Off-white pancake head quickly recedes to pock surface. Pit fruit aromas. Sweet prunes and full raisins upfront turning a little sharp to a lasting dry malt finish.

Pours a reddish dark brown with an enormous, lingering, lacy tan head - had to fight my way down to the beer. A bit of malt and dried fruit in the rather faint nose. Full, creamy sweet body with light carbonation. Taste has a malty sweet start with dried cherries, some peaty notes, molasses, peaches, and maybe at hint of chocolate. Cloves on the bittersweet finish.

750 ml bottle, corked & caged. Enjoyed in an Allagash glass. Brown/mahogany color with a multi-finger tan head. Aroma is dark and fruity, it reminds of Westy 8 - who knows. Rather less than medium body with creamy carbonation. Flavor is dark fruit, particularly dried plum, with raisin and dark, near toasted, malt. Now I know. Still it fits the style, and it drinks very well indeed. Finishes balanced, and there is an astringent effect on the rear sides of the tongue. My mouth revels in the flavors. Spice notes go in and out. It’s a great ale, and well worth ten bucks. Get it, if you can.

Caged corked 750 ml. bottle, no bottling/freshness date on the front or back labels, (MY 8) on the cork, sampled in a tulip glass. L: Chestnut brown in color with a tall creamy beige head that slowly sank into a sudsy skim. A good deal of curtain-like lace rings the brim of the tulip glass, giving this a classic Belgian ale look, quite appetizing. S: Dark candied sugars, chopped walnuts, raisins and caramel with a thin layer of chocolate, Mystique has an inviting, taste inducing aroma. Further whiffs brings out touches of clove, dates and a light peppery spice. The alcohol is hardly noticeable, well disguised by the dark fruity esters. F: The mouthfeel is a bit lean for the style, but still very satisfying. Airy, light feeling on the tongue, softly firm and crisp, this is quite the easy sipper, this has the mouthfeel of a well crafted beer. T: Spryly sweet tasting, no out of place, strange tastes, everything is in the right balance. Dates and raisins sprinkled with candied sugars, hints of caramel and chocolate in the middle, with a distinct cocoa nuttiness on the back end. A nicely mild peppery spiciness that blends with the sticky tastes of clove oil and black licorice. Finishes on a dryly crisp note, aided by a arid hop spiciness. The alcohol is concealed behind the flavors of dark fruits and spice, it is impossible to measure it’s true strength until it finally creeps up on you as near the bottom of the bottle, a soft warmth in the back of the palate. D: I have found all the ales from Andelot Cuvee to be highly drinkable. While Mystique doesn’t hold out much of a mystery, it is a properly thought out and brewed dark ale. Mystique would be ideal for introducing the novice to the stronger, Belgian dark ale styles. Smooth and tasty, I don’t see why anyone would complain if you offered them a glass of this, recommended.

Nice spotted brown head on a murky brown body. Sweet earthy cola notes in the aroma also carries into the taste, and brings additional chocolate covered raisin notes. Slight bitter roast in the finish. $8/750