Mc Chouffe

Brewed by Brasserie d’Achouffe (Moortgat)
Style: Scotch Ale
Achouffe, Belgium

Light brown pour that reddens to the light. Nose is restrained a bit with a general sweetish malt/caramel scent. Palate is soft with a fair amount of carbonation. Flavor improves upon the nose with raisin, plum, caramel and a nice roast/smoke malt finish. Nicely marries Scotch ale flavors with Belgian drinkability. A standard bearer.

On tap. Pours dark brown with a tanned head. Sweet with aromas of prune and raisins Also some yeast aromas. Hoppy bitter finish.

Dark bronw color with spicy flavor. It has a caramel taste. This beer has all the qualities of a true Belgium beer.

A well-balanced, spicy flavor that hints, subtly, of malts. The aftertaste is almost too smooth, indicating to me a lack of complexity. After the first sip, I was surprised at the lack of distinctive qualities, and so I was immediately prompted to have another sip, and another--until I realized I’d gone through a whole chalice simply to get a feel for the overall taste. I definitely recommend this as an introduction to Belgian darks (to Americans), because it’s not threatening in any way. Also, consider paring it with smoked gouda; they’re complementary, according to my palate.

Murky brown body with a moderate head. Lacing was good. Aroma was spices, sugars, and caramel.. to me this was like any other Belgian brown ale. I really didn’t find this that interesting, but it was good for what it was.

Very dark brown/ruby. Large, dense, tan head. Aroma of bready yeast, grainy malt, earth, and subtle spice. For the flavor add some toasty notes. Dry, yeasty finish and aftertaste bring peat and dark fruits, a strange pair to arrive at the same time. Alcohol is evident in the palate, but not the taste. Full body is a little more carbonated than balanced. Let it sit for awhile. Very nice lacing. Definitely more flavor coming out as it approaches room temperature. Why do I even bother chilling them? Most of the good ones are a hell of a lot better at room temp. More peaty malt, dark fruit, and earthy, anise like spice in both flavor and aroma. Great brew. Now I’m looking for the Nice Chouffe, too bad it’s April.

Bottle. Fruity, estery pineapple-banana aroma with just a mild touch of caramel in the aroma. As this warms, a mildly chocolate and anise-like aroma starts to claim a small foothold. Smells very Belgian, but nothing like a scotch ale in my opinion. Mildly hazy amber/garnet body with a frothy off-yellow head and some nice lacing. Fruity pineapple/pear-like start, turning more yeast-like in the middle. I get lost of yeastly flavors, with some earthiness late. Mild woodsiness follows along with some scant roasted coffee flavors. Disappointing if you’re expecting a tradtional scotch ale outta this one...

smells nutty. looks brown with a hint of cherokee red. tastes decent nothin to write home about. smooth and creamy but no real wow factor. still though its good.