93 Maudite, Unibroue (Canada). 8% ABV (5/10)
Pale copper color. Dried fruit, caramel, spice bread and citrus marmalade aromas follow through on a round, bold entry to a fruity medium-full body with great depth and a tangy mineral, earthy hop and candied peach fade. Delicious, balanced and bold.
92 Matilda, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL) 2010. 7% ABV (5/10)
Deep amber color. Aromas of honey buttered pumpernickel toast, molasses-drizzled nuts and mashed dates follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with great grainy depth and balance. Finishes with a long, dried citrus and delicate spice accents. A wonderful food beer. Try with Moroccan cuisine.
85 Royal Grolsch Amber Ale, Grolsch Bierbrouwerij (Holland). 5.3% ABV (4/08)
Deep tan to light rust in color. Nice woody and sweet nose with hints of caramel, apple wood and marshmallow. Nice wisps of lace left on glass. Soft entry on the palate delivering an apple-like fruitiness with nice touches of caramel and burnt sugar. Lingering notes of raw sugar are replaced by striking hints of bitterness that are a tad cloying and a bit out of balance. Starts out as a session beer and ends a touch bitter—would work well with an aged gouda perhaps.
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