La Trappe Bockbier

Brewed by De Koningshoeven (Bavaria - Netherlands)
Style: Dunkler Bock
Tilburg, Netherlands

As the Trappist brewers carefully toil amongst vats of fermenting ale, this one seems an oddity amongst the giants and yet is easily a cut above many. This was a fantastic bock, and first of the bottom fermenters, showing a little of the Dutch and, dare I say it, German influence. Honestly had the meaty consistency of a German Doppelbock along the monastic lines of Weltenburger or Andechs. Tasted from the bottle, sadly the only one I had, and poured into a shallow chalice. Deep hazy brown body with a tinge of ruby coming through in the lights. Crowned off by an amazingly dense, creamy lather of tannish foam that left a little legs. Rich and unrelenting, concentrated malt nose; bitingly spicy and reminiscent of fresh baked Xmas pudding with a zest of savoury fruits, doughy yeast and thick layers of chocolaty malts. Chewy, smooth well rounded body in the mouth; lightly spritzy carbonation tickled the front of the tongue whilst the back end had the viscosity of a fine port. A wonderful blend of strong malt and fruitcake flavours, peppery spices and zesty dried fruits and citric peels coat the mouth with a strength that belies its modest ABV. A light, earthy hop note came in late offering a meld of malt and hop bitterness before a long malty rich and lipsmackingly chocolaty swallow. Excellent balance of complex malt flavours have resulted in a wonderful Bock. One to try again. Lovely!!! (30cL, BBE 03/07, Int’l Beer Shop, W. Leederville)

bottled 30 cl, vy nice bok. reddish hazy color, beige head, perfect carbonation, hops in the aroma, taste is well-bodied. flavour has some caramel (what else?) maybe a bit too much that is why less than perfect score here. a lighltly bitter aftertaste. Best bok of the season so far.. brewed in Holland? impossible... just too good for it

Red color with a nice head. Aroma of malt, chocolate, caramel, toasted. Palate with toasted notes, malt, caramel, good bitterness. Great choice!

Wow a very nice trappist. Unique in his sort. Well ballanced and good bitter taste. Had it only on bottle yet. Really good

Bottle at La Trappe in SF. Amber-brown color with a beige head. Aroma of caramel malt, raisins and figs. Flavor is loads of caramel malt, estery dark fruits, brown sugar, and a hint of Belgian yeast. Smooth, syrupy, and fairly full on the palate.

Clear dark reddish brown beer with a creamy beige head. Looks beautiful in its own glass. Rich aroma of raisins, roasted malts, fruits and alcohol. Flavour is raisins, dark fruits, bitter roasted malts, some sweet alcohol. Vinous and soft creamy mouthfeel. Very rich and tasteful bock.

Bottle from Bottle Barn. Only $8.79 for 750. Brilliant ruby color with a massive finely bubbled tan head. Aroma of roasted caramel with some mild citrus and spice for backing. Medium body with creamy carbonation. It starts fresh mild caramel and goes to a much stronger roast, finished with some coffee? and hot spice bits. Reasonably dry, nigh astringent, ending. It’s a really tasty beer.

On tap @ The Abbott on the Hill, Toronto. Heavenly malt aroma, woody, pit fruit, caramel and treacle, auburn, tiniest toffee head. Flavour is a rich candied malt, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, almonds, raisins and pit fruit. Full bodied, very well balanced, complex, sweet, bitter, silky texture, way too easy to drink. Majestic! Way to go Abbott on the Hill!