Unibroue Trois Pistoles

Brewed by Unibroue (Sapporo)
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Chambly, Canada

Original rating April 22, 2004: Color is dark red, almost brown. Very good sized head. The aroma is strong with some spice. Flavor is slightly sweet with a roasted malt tinge as well as fruit and spice. I can see the similarities to Port. 8/5/8/4/17 Re-rating June 26, 2008: Okay, usually I just re-rate the ones that I think I wasn’t prepared for earlier in my beer career. This one... I loved the first time I had it, then the second and third time I thought it was disgusting. So now, my "real" rating. Dark brown color with a large head. Light aroma of coriander and stronger yeast. Dark and sweet malt flavor. The coriander is light and just supports the flavor, not overwhelming it. Some Belgian yeast and some chocolate. I think the main culprit is the coriander. I’m not a huge fan of it, but sometimes this one seems to turn into a coriander smoothie. Other times (like this one), it’s just perfectly balanced out.

Possibly my favorite belgian style ale. What really sets this one apart for me, is the relative lack of astringency in comparison with other belgian strongs (there is still some present though). Granted this is not a triple and should not be that prone, but this beer pours on the flavor all the way through. It has a wonderful mix of raisin and plum and is pleasantly sweet. There are even some woody/grape leafy notes and plenty of spice. Texture is smooth and no hint of a grainy feel. Body is full, which is always a plus, as I would hope one would like to taste their beer. For 9abv, it does not overpower you with alcohol (and I dont see any taste resembling bactine). Pours a deep black and has a yellow/off white head on it. Aroma is a light plum wine, with some malty notes and not as much yeasty smell as I expected. Not as much of a strong yeast presence as I would expect, but I dont see that as a bad thing. Flavor thins out a bit towards the finish, and there is a slight astringency that comes out after the sweet fruit notes in the middle that creates a tiny bit of inconsistency in the overall experience, maybe a touch too sweet. Tough to critique this one though. Rerate Probably a 2004 bottle. Corked 750mL. Upon removing the cork (which was very difficult), there was no pop, no nothing. This beer was dead flat. Now, I’m not saying this beer should be at its best, when drunk uncarbonated, but among the best beers I’ve tried, giving them time to sit out does not ruin the flavor, or body. In fact, I’m actually a fan of uncarbonated, or naturally carbonated (resulting in very low levels) beers. This however was revolting. Cheap, sweet, sugary candy. I will reserve judgement (for the most part) until I can get another bottle that is carbonated, and let it sit out and naturally free itself of carbonation. Will see how that tastes.
Draught at Publick House 3/23/06. Same frothy, well-retained head with lacing. Lightly hazy appearance. Dry, but not overly so, in the aroma and flavor with the dark fruit esters, spices, black pepper and clove. Sweetnes as it warms, with candi-sugar residue on the palate and light vanilla. A light amount of roast gives a little oomph. I think my score is about right.

(33 cl bottle from Systembolaget) Particle filled dark red color with a tan head. Spicy, yeasty sweet alcohol scent. Spritzy, sweet, spicy taste with a metallic aftertaste. Spritzy mouthfeel. Low bittereness.

By far the best belgian strong ale. Full body and flavor, without apparent alcohol, but still has a certain kick to it. My bottle was about 14 months past the best before date- but it still kicks ass. There was nothing bad about it despite the old age- in fact the age may have made the flavors even better. Very smooth and drinkable, with so much complexity. Dark color and nice head. Very spicy, with some coriander, and finishes off with a nice port/wine taste.

Pours a lacy head and a reddish-copper body. Excellent aroma and flavour, hints of fruit and spice and fairly similar to La Maudite. The finish leaves a slight alcohol burn and a lasting Port wine taste. Very nice. God I love being Canadian!

Initially on pouring there’s a sharp woody winey aroma. In the glass it’s a deep reddy brown, quite a fizzy complection. Aroma mellows down to something more raisiny and with perhaps just a hint of chocolate. Lively carbonation, but not aggressive. Old and aromatic in the mouth - wooden casks fresh from being emptied of fortified wines or brandies, and also fruity - raisin, cherry, plum, even some almond. Upon swallowing there’s quite a bite of richly roasted malts, and a tingle of biting noble hops. Some alcohol creeps through, but it’s remarkably light for a 9% beer - not sticky and thick at all. Sherbetty finish, roasted too, more fruits, and long biting hops.

Bottle from BOE This bottle opened with a Krakatoa like urgency and found me desperately wanting in an effort to get some into the glass as a large slick of brown liquid and off white head covered my work top. The remainder of this beer that found its way into my glass was very dark, almost mahogany in colour with an off white head some molasses were present in the aroma as was alcohol. I found the taste to be on the rough side, definate port flavours but alcohol forever evident it mellowed over time but this really wasn’t my thing (Loz loved it) I seem to be going somewhat against the grain here, but I can only be honest, I was a bit disappointed, it’s a rough beer.

Bottle. Brownish colour with a nice off white head. Aroma and taste of malts, fruits, suger and spices. Alcoholic finish.