Our Score: 90/100
Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12
With a score of 90/100, Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 definitely impresses. The brewers describe this tempting concoction as being dark with a full, ivory-colored head, and a fruity aroma that supports complex flavors, rounded off by a long bittersweet finish with a welcome hoppy bite. Reflecting a sense of balance across the malty, bitter, and sweet profiles, it’s safe to say this is a beer that knows what it is doing.
Aroma
Our panel noted the toasty caramel malt sweetness that combines intriguingly with low spicy phenolics, akin to a saison. The subtly fruity ester profile conjures images of fresh dates, ripe cherries, and succulent plums. Interestingly, a low note of green pepper sneaks in there, along with a mild, earthy, spicy Noble hops aroma. The aroma score of 11 signifies a fascinatingly complex and rich bouquet that sets the stage for what’s to come.
Appearance
Grading at 3 for appearance, this lavish beer presents itself with an inviting shadowy hue contrasted by a full, ivory-colored head. This appealing visual speaks to the remarkable standards of brewing sophistication upheld by Brouwerij St. Bernardus.
Flavor
The pleasure of tasting begins with an embrace of fruity richness, a carnival of plum, cherry, and raisin flavors. It then introduces slight phenolics harmonizing perfectly with the fruits. The aftertaste leaves your mouth tingling with a slightly fruity and alcoholic note, in addition to a toasty and biscuity malt sweetness. The Noble hops contribute a dash of bitterness and earthiness that perfectly balance the sweetness. In fact, the robust Noble hops flavor and bitterness feature so prominently in the mix, you could be forgiven for thinking that it’s overshadowing the subtle malt sweetness and light fruity character. The intense fruity richness married with the earthy element conjures an overall flavor score of 18.
Mouthfeel
The beer engagingly lures your palate with a pleasant smoothness. This, coupled with high carbonation and a delightful warming sensation, achieves a remarkable equilibrium in the brew, contributing to a pleasing mouthfeel rating of 4.
Conclusion
At its heart, Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 establishes itself as a beautifully balanced beer. Its complex flavor blending, enthralling aroma, alluring appearance, and particularly detectable hop-to-malt ratio, make it a commendable choice. This exquisite beer showcases an enjoyable abundance of Noble hops character almost as enthusiastically as it does malt and fruit. Given these attributes, it’s easy to see why the Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 earns a well-deserved place in the ranks of great quads.
Adding a unique twist to the overall aroma.
Taste
The taste of Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 lives up to its promising aroma. The complex flavors meld together seamlessly, with rich caramel and dark malt notes taking the forefront. The fruity esters mentioned earlier are also present in the taste, bringing about a pleasant sweetness reminiscent of the aforementioned ripe cherries and plums. The flavors are well-balanced, with a hint of bitterness and a touch of hoppy goodness that adds a refreshing bite to the overall experience.
Finish
The finish of this beer is where it truly shines. The long bittersweet finish is a delight to the taste buds, leaving a desire for another sip. The hoppy bite in the finish ties everything together, making for a memorable and satisfying end to each sip.
Overall Impression
Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a beer that deserves its high score of 90/100. From the enticing aroma to the complex flavors and satisfying finish, it showcases the craftsmanship and expertise of the brewers. It is a beer that can be savored and appreciated by both casual beer drinkers and connoisseurs alike. If you have the opportunity to try it, don’t hesitate. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Adding a unique touch to the aroma.
Appearance
The beer pours a deep, dark brown, almost black, with a thick, creamy ivory-colored head that lingers for a while. The carbonation is moderate, creating a lively and inviting appearance in the glass.
Taste
Upon sipping, the complex flavors of Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 unfold on the palate. The rich maltiness brings forward delicious notes of caramel, toffee, and chocolate. The fruity esters come through, with hints of dark fruits like raisins and figs. The bitterness is present but well-balanced, providing a pleasant contrast to the sweetness. The finish is long and bittersweet, with a subtle hoppy bite that lingers on the tongue.
Overall
Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a beer that deserves its high score of 90/100. It showcases a perfect harmony of flavors and aromas, offering a delightful drinking experience. Whether you’re a fan of Belgian-style beers or looking to expand your horizons, this brew is definitely worth a try.
Adding a unique twist to the aroma.
Appearance
The deep, dark color of Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 is truly captivating. Its mahogany hue with hints of ruby red shines beautifully when held up to the light. Topped with a creamy, ivory-colored head that lingers, this beer is visually stunning.
Taste
The taste of Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 lives up to its promising aroma. The rich caramel and malt flavors blend harmoniously with the fruity esters, creating a complex taste sensation. The bittersweet finish is long-lasting, while a touch of hoppy bitterness adds a refreshing kick. Overall, this beer is a true delight for the taste buds.
Overall Impression
With a score of 90/100, Brouwerij St. Bernardus Abt 12 is clearly a top-notch beer. Its careful balance of flavors, enticing aroma, and visually appealing appearance make it a standout choice. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just discovering the world of craft brews, this beer is definitely worth trying.