Kasteel Cuvee' des Chateau
brewed to replicate the taste of an aged bottle of Donker (formerly Bruin)…how they do that, I don't know, but that what they accomplish, that's what we want to see.
Plum-brown appearance, firmly opaque, under a slim, cocoa-toned ring of foam.
Aroma: raisins, plum, port, chocolate and spice. Mild molasses, treacle, brown sugar. Big, rich, and ever-flavorful, powerful, yet mellowing.
Hitting the lips, the dark fruit, rich malt, and hugely complex flavors barge on board, with an early trace of the high alcohol content. Magnificent. Not too harsh, not too sweet. Utterly well-rounded, even-handed, with caramel and toffee rising in prominence in the flavor. Lays very softly and elegantly on the palate. One common criticism of Kasteel Donker is an over-sweetness, and this glass has that conquered. What more can I say beyond "very, very mellow."
The plum, the raisin, the toffee and cocoa is all in attendance, but plays it very cool, calm, and coalescent. No cloying sweetness, just extra groovy. Super beautiful. Extra yum. And here and then again, the alcohol sting rises up and coats the brain for a minute. Slicks the tongue, treats the senses.
When I heard of this, that it is brewed to resemble the flavor of an aged Kasteel Donker, I wondered first how you would do that, and then, if you could, why not make that the original beer? I don't have answers for any of those questions, all I can say is that they did it, and it's wonderful. A lovely, spiked plum pudding of a brew, a laced liquid licorice whip, and a toasty, tasty, caramel and toffee confection rolling happily in the mouth, all in one. And all very mellow, very groovy...
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