Fantôme Hiver (Winter)

Brewed by Brasserie Fantôme
Style: Saison
Soy-Erezée, Belgium

2001: (same as label shown) Unbelievable and most unique aroma of clove, tangerine, freshly picked mint, floral bouquet, ginger, and subtle toasty base. Fresh mint leaf grabs the palate before the acidic and dryish edge take place. Following orgasmic flavors include tea, clove (nearly mouth numbing), lemon zest, 'juicy fruit', pickle, leather, and geuze-like iron hits the back of the throat, almost astringently, yet in a great way. The sourish/acidic interplay is absolutely remarkable, and, by far, the best I have encountered. Finishes appetizingly dry with the faintest touch of vanilla. Leafy/herbal burps are also welcome. Reminds me of a soft and toasty ESB and typically assertive Geuze hybrid. Belgian lovers must seek this gem. Thanks, Jayme_9874!

Vintage 2003,Very ultra sweet brew and i'm not talking flavor.Cloudy orange color,decent off white head that lasted for a nice amount of time.the aroma is fruity as hell Citrus,berries and it almost has a lambicish side to it with a slight sourish tone to it.the flavor comes of as fruity and sour with a light spicey side to it and an almost horsey barnyard side as well.As far as alcohol goes it is very well hidden almost non existent.The after taste comes off as fruity and sour with a nice finish.The feel is light and highly drinkable but i believe the alcohol will finally catch up with you.I have to give Nexxus a big thanks for getting me 4 of these brews with one of these being a 2000 vintage.which i will be saving for some time until it is deemed worthy of being tried.

Pours a brown cloudy color. Sour funky aroma, bretty, musty, and inviting. Fruity sour flavors, oak grapes, apple, earthy hops, and alcohol warmth that’s glowing inside me. Drying finish, excellent beer

22oz bottle from the Solan’s Mom throwdown courtesy of mcbackus. 2002!!! Let me say up front that if this is how Fantome’s age I am gonna start cellaring the damn things right now. Pours a hazy straw color with a tiny white head that hangs around. Aroma is Mint, Pepper, spice and some sour tartness. The taste is just incredible, in the realm of tastiness this is probably one of the best beers I’ve had. Sour apple and cherry seem to be the main players here but alot of black pepper as the beer warms. A touch of caramel, vanilla, and corainder. I detect some clove in there as well. This is just crazy complex, wish there had been more of this to go around. Was my favorite of the throwdown.

Large frothy head that toned down quickly. Honey color and fair laceing. Velvety strawberry cream in the nose. Starts with a grapeskin tartness and a crisp eferesence. Stawberries, cream, a little barn yard, VENOM called it with the uric acid and a dry finish. Slight green olive in the back half with a little alcohol. rerateStrawberry cream invades all, from the nose to the mouth, this brew turns into dessert, thick wontderfull cream has edged out the tartness and carbonation has become a lot finer.

This is my favorite of all the Fantome ales.Strong wonderfull flavors of candied oranges,allspice and spiced apples.A must try if you can find it.

(750ml bottle) Bieropholie/SAQ Imports and brought to my door by Lubiere. I had always thought that I had review this beer? I’ve passed it over numerous times only to find that I haven’t... or at least not reviewed it. And I am ashamed as this is unbelievable! Pours a large frothy lasting white head and a cloudy light amber body with floaties. Nose of marshmallows, vanilla, wild yeast, citrus and coriander. The flavour echos the nose yet with a herbal tongue, Fluff spread and vanilla soy milk mixed with rosemary. The guy may be a crazy brewer but its incredibly enjoyable beer!

beer pours a murky amber. very fizzy with a huge, fluffy head that quickly descends to form a thick lace. nose is huge and complex: clovey phenols, some spice (coriander?), fruity esters, and a little malt toast. nice balanced flavor: malt and spice notes up front with a finish balnced with some bitterness, a light acid tang, a good CO2 bight, and warming alcohol notes. great balance for its size. it goes down really easy, too. I really like this beer.