Grimbergen Optimo Bruno

Brewed by Brasserie Union (Alken-Maes / Heineken)
Style: Abt/Quadrupel
Jumet, Belgium

Flaske.Knap så flot øl, men virkelig god duft af stærk øl, ikke alkohol men krydret stærk øl. Godt bid i smagen som ikke kommer fra humlen men fra karboneringen, hvilket er en god modvægt til sødmen. Rigtig god øl.

I have been a fan of Grimbergen since I sampled my first double so many years ago, and I still seek them out when possible. A pretty cherry red to almost copper as it sets in the glass, the head modest in size, frothy in its consistency, and the color off white, but it does evanesce quite quickly leaving a very thin veil of lace. Nose is a bit vinous, tart and crisp, the malts play a big role. Start is quite tart, lots of malt, the top is middling in feel, with the finish bitingly acidic, the hops are perky in their spicy bite. Dry long lasting aftertaste and a decent beer, not a great beer, but well worth the sample and the 10% ABV does warm the “tummy” if not the cockles of your heart.

Bottled. Deep amber/chestnut colour, head that forms with much noise and effort but evaporates almost instantly. Moderate condition. Caramel, toffee, licorice and burnt brown sugar in the nose, with a suggestion of raspberry as it warms (Like a Liefmans Frambozen). Quite thin in the mouth, you seem to drink it by osmosis rather than swallowing. Hints of malt whisky, raisins and caramel but all quite delicate and flleeting. More whisky malt in the finish with alcohol coming to the fore and a hint of bitterness towards the end.

Dark amber colour. Nice head. Somewhat sourish malt aroma. Mouth-filling sweet, malty flavour. The alcohol gives it warmth and bitterness.

Bottle brought back from Belgium. In a Duvel glass. Deep chesnut colour, fluffy white head. Aroma is full of caramel, malt, fruit and some smokiness with only a hint of alcohol in the background. The flavour is big, sweet and malty with a load of caramel and fruit, alcohol is evident as well as a bit of spiciness. Suprisingly found here is a touch of acidity. Quite highly carbonated. I guess it’s lacking in the true complexity of some other strong Belgians - but it sure has a lot of big, bold flavours and fairly well masked alcohol character. A beer you couldn’t hate.

Very nice dark brown color, with a foam that doesnt last that long. Sweet smell. Sweet taste with nice compliments of bitterness and malt. Hints of fruit along the finish. This beer was made as an easter ale but is available all year round. Good for me: i like it :-)

Bottle (deGarre, Brugge): Brown with a tan head. Nice malty start with raisins and prunes following. Mild yeasty spice. Nice.

A great goodnight beer with a long time to be sampled. Darkbrown look with a big foamy beige head. Lots of notes such as alcohol, raisins, Grimbergen yeast, sugar, dried fruits, smoothyness, spices and more. Has the elements to be a great beer, but lacks a little, I don’t know what, but maybe some metaldust!!!