 FatPhil (2102), Espoo, Finland
May 14, 2007 750ml bottle (One Pint, Helsinki, after Belgian Beer Weeks 2007). (a different bottle from both the previous reviewers!)
Richly ruddy colour, expecting sweetness, and the aroma indeed is that - toffee, with a hint of light spicing. Very refreshing in the mouth - surprising for its strength. Strong punch of pepper accompanies a decent maltiness.
TBone (4975), Pori, Finland
Feb 25, 2007 Bottled 0.75l @One Pint Pub
Normal Noël-label, but a different recipe and ABV. Hazy brown color, small off-white head. Strong diacetylic aroma in the otherwise hayish nose. Spicey, earthy, some buttery hints also in the flavor. Light alcoholic punch and spices in the aftertaste. Note: different bottle than Seppo sampled.
sayravai (3048), Helsinki, Finland
Jan 31, 2007 (Bottled, 0.75l) Hazy darkish amber color with a small, quite lasting head. Toffee-malty, candi-sugary, but neutral aroma with ginseng hints. Very clean for a Fantome. Somewhat grainy and yeasty flavor with slightly roasted malt and some acidity. Medium-bodied, acidic palate with medium carbonation. A strange Fantome brew, way too clean and not very interesting. Yeast changes the things a bit, bringing in a more earthy, peppery and tart character. I’m not sure if this really is a new brew, but that’s what Markku Korhonen from One Pint Pub told us. At least the ABV is different, and the flavor is definitely cleaner than in the original...
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