Kasteelbier Donker

Brewed by Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Ingelmunster, Belgium

Bottled 01/2004. Best by 05/2009. Yeah, indeed this is one to quench a sweet tooth, but still a unique, well crafted Belgian Ale. Pours a fairly clear maroonish-brown hue displaying a thin, patchy head with spotty lacing. Complex, but somewhat reserved aromas of brandy-soaked plums, figs, black cherries and orange slices with some caramel and malt lingering in the background. A quite intense sweetness is the initial impression on the first sip; almost reminiscent of Myer’s Dark Rum. Body is full and chewy. Dark, ripe fruit flavors nicely mimic the aromas, but much more rich and muscular. The 11% alcohol is definitely a necessity here to cut through the sugary sweetness and it comes real close to doing its job and rendering some respectable balance here. This baby would certainly make an excellent dessert after a hearty dinner.

Bottle. Pours brown with a thin beige head. Aroma of citrus, belgian spices, sugar, fruit, and caramel. Flavor is sweet, fruit, citrus, spices, carbonated moderately, alcohol is present (but not overwhelming, pretty well masked for 11%) Good body, good brew.

Pours dark brown with no head. EXTREMELY sweet. Strong aromas of marzipan and sugars. Full bodied and breadlike. Warming alcohol in the finish with more marzipan. Way too sweet. We tried to mix it with a kriek... it got slightly better. (14/04-07) 2002 vintage The beer is not so sweet anymore. I has a bit more earthy and dusty flavors. The beers has certainly gained from the lagering.

Clear dark brown ale with a thin moka head. Aroma of brown sugar, coriander, orange peels, alcohol, and wood. In mouth, sweet candy sugar, spices like orange peels, cherries, aniseed, and leathery notes in finish. Medium to rich body. Alcohol warmth soothing the palate. Rated at room temperature, in 750 ml.

Very dark brown color, thin foamy head, Very compex aroma, very sweet, to much alcohol, it took more than the whole day to do thise one.

this came highly recommended when i was in the store talking to a guy who tours the breweries in belgium every year. sweet aromas of plum and caramel, flavor of spice with some alcohol warming. if you’re a belgium fan, this brown beauty will definitely rate up there with the finest.

dark brown color and a small creamy off white head that strangely coats the outside of the glass as you drink it. caramel, toffee malt aroma. really sweet. the sweetest belgian i’ve tried. caramel, plum, raisins, other dark fruits, candy. tons of sugar. this stuff must rot your teeth faster than cola. WAY too sweet but the alcohol is completely covered up.

Bottle. Pours with a look not unlike cola. Aroma is practically non-existent. Taste is of alcohol (pretty well hidden for the 11%, though) and sugar/caramel. Nothing exciting at all about this beer, went in the sink after three sips.