St. Bernardus Abt 12 (pack of 4) (33cl, 10%)

A Belgian quadrupel ale from Brouwerij St. Bernardus in Watou, West Flanders. It follows the original 1946 recipe and is top-fermented, bottle conditioned and matured for three months before release, using a proprietary yeast strain descended from the St. Sixtus culture. Serve at cellar temperature in a goblet or chalice, pouring slowly and leaving a little yeast sediment in the bottle. It is best enjoyed on its own, though it also pairs well with food. The aroma offers dried plum, raisin, dark cherry, caramel, fresh bread crust, coffee, banana, pineapple esters and clove. The palate is lush with candy sugar sweetness, substantial malt, ripe stone fruit, coriander spice, tangy apple-like tartness, añejo rum-like warmth and anise, with integrated alcohol. The finish is medium-long and smooth, with lingering dried fruit, gentle malt sweetness and subtle alcoholic warmth.