Unibroue 17

Caged corked 750 ml. bottle, the date (December, 2010) along the right side of the bottle, on the cork is (REF 0706), sampled in a tulip glass. L: Opaque reddish brown with some copper highlights near the stem of the glass, a tight creamy tan colored head that receded into a sudsy ring. Swirling the glass a few times causes the head to rise again. Splotchy layers of swiss cheese-like lace spirals around the brim of the tulip glass. 17 is quite attractive, an appealing, taste inducing appearance. S: Sweetly lush aroma that opens up the nostrils. Smells of dark cherries, bubble gum, brown sugar and roasted pecans. Further whiffs brings out light touches of peppery spices. The alcohol has a rubber glue solvent scent. The nose is delectable enough to encourage me to have a taste. F: Airy and moderate bodied, 17 has a smooth and rounded feel in the palate, the kind of quality mouthfeel one expects from Unibroue. The carbonation is active while being softly spry. T: The taste, thankfully, is not as sweet as the nose portends, that is a mild sour acidity to it. Once again, dried dark sour cherries, spicy dark malts, chocolate nougat and brown sugar crystals. The alcohol is well hidden behind a warming peppery spiciness. A crisp and dry long lasting finish of sour cherries, nougat and roasted pecans, the nutty flavor really lingers in the mouth. 17 just screams dessert beer. D: I’m not sure if Seventeenth Anniversary ale will age as well as Fifteen or Sixteen, I think it is pretty close to ready right now. 17 is a nice departure from the other Unibroue Anniversary ales, unique and delicious tasting. I have no problem with recommending to anyone who likes Belgian Dark Strong Ales to pick up a few bottles, one to try now and a couple to store.

Pours a dark reddish color with a moderate beige head. Good retention and lacing. Aroma is mild, with notes of yeast, sweet fruits and raisins. Taste is sweet up front with caramel malts, but then some spice kicks in. Dry, fizzy mouthfeel. Does a good job of disguising the alchol, with a warming sensation only coming a few drinks in. I agree with the below posters that it will be better with some more time, but it’s still a very nice beer.

Thanks to Rogueone for sharing a bottle. Typical duck and cover uncorking. The beer is a ruby brown color with a medium thin light tan head that diminishes quickly. Thin rings of lacing on the glass. Aroma of spices and yeast as well as some woody and tobacco notes. Medium-bodied and moderately spicy, with clove dominating. Flavors of yeast, dark fruits and malt are present too. The finish is sweet and spiced with a lingering yeast aftertaste. Despite maybe needing some more time to settle via cellaring, this is pretty enjoyable.

Pours dark mahogany with a fizzy beige head. Chocolate and cherry come through in the spicy nose. High carbonation and lively fizzy palate like most Unibroue beers. Delicious, slightly sweeter then the other anniversary offerings, but the carbonation dries it out in the finish. Still a touch boozy, but these anniversary beers seem to really shine after a few years.

deee-liscious!! pours dark amber with a pillowy off white head that has a lot of staying power, leaves great lacing, too. aroma of yeast, ?cherries?, some dark fruit, and a small note of burbon. flavor similar, slightly sour cherry finish. light caramel sweetness and maybe a little apple in the background. thankfully, this beer lacks the trademark belgain overcarbonation, which is usually a turn off for me. very full body, nice alcohol warmth.