Rochefort Trappistes 6

Very light Dubbel!! That does not, however, mean that this beer is not extraordinary. By lightening the traditional Dubbel, Rochefort has created it’s own niche somewhere between a double/triple fermentation ale. I feel this beer has created a superior taste keeping the depth of a typical dubbel while mating it with the light notes of the best tripel’s.

Poured into a chimay chalice. Pours dark murky brown with one finger beige head. Aromas of raisin, plum, apricot, sweet molasses, and clove. Lots of dimensions to its aromas- almost too many to pick out. Flavor is sweet and fruity- dark fruits such as plum and apricot are powerful. Clove and ginger poke their way through as does a nice yeast component. Palate is full but not overly so, with some prickling carbonation and a sweet, though dry and coating finish.

Bottle from my trusty (but posh and snotty depending on who you get) bottle shop. A little unfair rating wise because I had it next to the 8 and 10 which are two of my favourite ’go to beers’. A good dubbel. Figs, prunes, even though I’ve never had either in my life, raisin, and some sweetness. Not bad but over shadowed by it’s bigger brothers. Still good tho.

Appearance is a murky brown amber almost like an apple cider. Bready aroma with hints of caramel and malt. Crisp start on the body followed by richer notes of caramel and chocolate. Malty overall without any overpowering hop. Finishes with nice warming alcohol. I expected a little more body to this but perhaps thats where the 8 and 10 differ.

Stately brown amber, with a great 1/3 inch Brussels lace filled head. Smell at first disappointing with oxidated, dank cardboard notes and some alcohol. Body starts similarly disappointing, though it improves. Body has light alcohol mixed with sweet caramel and malt. No noticeable hops. Perhaps this will require a second tasting as I think this is rather lackluster and definitely short of the spectacular ratings it has garnered.