Unibroue La Fin Du Monde

Brewed by Unibroue (Sapporo)
Style: Abbey Tripel
Chambly, Canada

This is a side by side review of a 750 ml bottle and ratings a 12 ounce bottle to compare differences between the two. Interesting start already. The 12 ounce bottle almost began to foam over the top of the bottle. The 750 ml smoked quite a bit instead. Holy head. Maybe this 12 ounce is over carbonated. But the head poured massive, even though I did my best to pour gently. Head is very white with small bubbles compared to the 750 which poured just a little head with much larger bubbles. Color is a cloudy gold, but the 750 bottle seems to be just a touch darker. Nose on the 12 ounce seems a bit more pronounced with a higher tone towards sweet, though there is a strong yeast presence as well. The 750 ml seems more muted, though I think matured might be a better term for it. I think I actually just got a whiff of strawberry?? Yeah. I think so. Strawberry and strawberry stems, and wet ones at that. I can see the same base for that smell on the 12 ounce, but it just hasn’t "developed" to that point yet I think. Taste. The real test. The 12 ounce is smooth and yeasty with a touch of sweetness. Damn that is good. The 750 is muted. I am wondering if this is a bad bottle. Between the two, the 12 ounce seems to have a stronger flavor. The first thing that comes to mind is a 16 year old driving his first car (12 ounce bottle) and a 30 year old driving the love of his life to the place he is going to propose to her (750 ml bottle). Yeah. The 12 ounce is the hyper active kid, and the 750 is the more mature of the two. Mouthfeel on the 12 ounce is thick with carbonation and the 750 seems to be just a touch thinner. Drinkability. I think they are both on the same level. Overall this was an interesting expirement. I do however have to wonder if my 12 ounce bottle was overcarbonated and if that would effect this kind of "test". As the 750 bottle warmed, I have to say the flavors became more pronounced and overshadowed the 12 ounce bottle. Bottom line though - still a damn good beer.

Lots of head, smells of malt and hops, creamy head. Pale cloudy golden appearance. Tastes heavily of malts with an aftertaste of hops. Very smooth and rich, I highly recommend it. An excellent tripel.

12 oz bottle. Wow. Body is hazy, cloudy orange with stuff floating around. The aroma is minimal. The taste is great, so smooth considering the 9%. Unreal. Hid it really well.

Rated 10/8/06: Was able to pick up a four pack instead of the bombers which are typically offered. Sampled this on a few separate nights and had a couple tonight before, during, and after dinner. I’m a fan of Unibroue’s darker Belgian Styles but this is an excellent Tripel and quite possibly my new favorite of their brews. Strong malty aroma with a nice earthiness and spicy accents. Great pour, orange-yellow dark in the middle and lighter around the edges with a monster of a head. This beer couldn’t be smoother and a pleasant finish with a slight alcohol burn is perfect for me. Hearty flavor huge malt presence with some spicy goodness. Slight citrus tops off a marvelous brew. Overall this is near the top on my list.

Golden with big white head / Full bodied / Flavors of sour yeast, banana, orange, and coriander /. Body and hop holds up well to alcohol kick. Near perfect.

(Bottle poured into Trappist glass) Poured a beautiful golden color with small creamy head that faded fast. Aroma provided a good deal of sweet notes, most notable a strong fruit and flowery hint. Full bodied, the drink was very smooth with a very average carbonation -- there was just enough here! Overall the flavor did not disappoint in the sweet department, but it was not overly sweet. A great compliment to the hearty stew I had it with! This is one to go back to over and over again!

Lighter color, not clear. Light amber. Not very hoppy, nutty. Has the aftertaste I am looking for.