Val-Dieu Grand Cru

Brewed by Brasserie de l’Abbaye du Val-Dieu
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Aubel, Belgium

From a 750 ml bottle. This poured a very dark brown with a hint of garnet at the edges when hedl to light. There is a thin light khaki colored head. The aroma is lightly roasted with some apples and peanuts. The taste is fairly sweet with lots of caramel and some black walnuts. There is also a little anise and some watermelon. The mouthfeel is a little sharp on the carbonation while being really thin for the alcohol content. This would definitely benefit from some aging.

well my beer seems to be a bit different than everyone elses. 750 cork and wire, with label design just as similar as the other bottles in the series except the bottom part is black and states Grand Cru. 10.5% as well and the cork is dated 09/08. First of all the major difference is my beer pours black, Small grey head. Aroma is very present, woodsy, spiced with some candi sweetness. Its a real specific aroma but I cant fully describe it. Its still definitely young and I would follow the brewmasters advice. By the way this bottle doesnt have this description. Taste is pruney Belgian sweetness. Nice sweet and tasty. The body is a bit thin for this style. Low bitterness and a slightly undercarbonated mouthfeel. But still nice even for a young brew, so I could only imagine it getting better.

[Draft @ Pianeta Birra 2006] My favourite beer of the Val Dieu range: sweet, spicy with good body but not cloying

A bitter woody nose, ripe red plums and chocolate, deep garnet, pours a tiny firm toffee head. Faint pit fruit flavour, almonds also, quite nutty too, bitter and dry. Very good.

Draft from Paradise Beer Weekend. Great looking beer! Deep ruby in colour with large off white head. Hoppy nose with raisin and rum to compliment. Thin body, deeeeeeeep flavour - sweet berries and spice; an odd contrast that works wonders. Nutty finish that ends all too abrubtly. Apparently this beer is better appreciated from the bottle, so will try to seek one out for a second rate.

Draft at the Belgian Beer Weekend, Brussels: Poured a muddy brown with a thick beige head. Little aroma but maybe slight dark fruits. Flavor is dark fruits like plums and prunes. Mild bitterness in the finish. Light carbonation. Good if a bit underwhelming.

Bottle@Københavnske Øldage. Lots of sweet sugary candy sugar flavours in here, too much, caramel, candy sugar and yeast. Yipes. Overly sweet.

Vinous aroma. Dark brown colour. The flavour is also quite vinous, alcoholic and peppery with an acidic touch. 6 3 7 3 13

Bottle, 10.5% at Frederikshavn øl- og vinfestival 07. Dark brown colour, small floaties. Very malty flavour, nicely sweet. Lots of dried fruit. Very good mouthfeel. 8 4 9 4 19