April 2003 was that joyful time that I first wrote about a bottle of St. Bernardus Abt. 12. Savored a bottle Tuesday night, the fourth in the sample set. The purchase turned out to be superfluous, as Brad the Beerguy gifted me with a six-pack of those same glasses tonight. Oh, well, we needed them for the bar, anyway.
"The jovial monk on the label seems the perfect host, holding his chalice aloft, and, after drinking down this deliriously delectable ale, who can argue his happiness? Not I, not I!!
Color is a dark russet brown, and head is enormous, majestic, utterly awesome!
Aroma hits you right off: earthy, nutty, and not merely deep, but cavernous. Incredibly complex, and utterly gorgeous: cocoa,plum, port wine, and a very apparent alcoholic character, plus anise, pepper, and more, so much more!
On first sip, I can't help but think that "complexity" is a shallow term with which to circumscribe the many aspects of this amazing brew. So much to contend with, so much going on!
I need to take a breath and reel from the feeling, and seek relief from the rush! Extraordinary!
Was this only 10%? Oh, they must be happy monks, indeed!"
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