Unibroue Maudite Belgian Style Double Ale

I only had two other beers from these guys before, and both of them got four out of five. Anyone who knows anything about my rating system knows that it is incredibly difficult to get a four or above. Heck, anything above a three is a definite recommend. I wonder if these guys can get another four (or maybe even higher).

The very dishwater brown beer has a full head and piles high quickly. I don't expect any lacing from these big, lazy bubbles, and it turns out that I'm right; no lacing for me. The aroma of sweet malt and Belgian yeast is a delicious mix that immediately puts me in mind of the tremendous brews from Chimay, and I hope this works out as well.

First sip is full bodied, sweet malt, crisp yeast, and it's got all the raisins and plums that you would expect from a beer like this. The sip is good. Indeed, it's very good, but it's not enough to judge the beer on.

Tip-in is light carbonation tingle, spices, brown sugar, and a bit tart. The middle spreads its wings and soars on the wind of dark fruits, earth, more spices, and that full Belgian yeast. The finish is a smattering of spice topping all the others off with the yeast really asserting itself for the trail-off.

Bottom Line: It is a little too heavy on the spices, but it's a great base.

3.5/5