Grobbendonks 2005 Tientje

Brewed by Brouwerij Kerkom
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Sint-Truiden, Belgium

Dark golden color, foamy head. Citrus and cologne in the aroma. The first impression is some malty sweetness, but then a firm alcoholic touch takes over, overpowering the hop character that is not abundant, but obviously there. Reasonably balanced, in spite of the high ABV.

Typical brandy colour; head gone in seconds. Leafy, grassy, alcohol in the nose. Sweet, malty and alcoholic, though nowhere as high in the mouth as suggested by its looks. Medium to full bodied, slick, nearly oily, alcoholburn. And another arch-dull one. Why?

Thanks for the rarity Lodewijk!!! Light orange color. Nice 1/2 finger head that never resided. Lemony yeasty alcohol hoppy aroma. A little cork in the aroma & flavor too. Bitter palate as this one finishes. Dry palate which is probably due to the high alcohol content. I can’t specifically pick out the flavors but earthy comes to mind. Alcohol was more evident as it warmed up. I get the 10% ABV for the 10 year anniversary but I can’t help but think this one would be a better tripel w/ a lower ABV. I think the alcohol might be covering up some really good flavors in this brew.