Our Score: 91/100
Review of pFriem Family Brewers Belgian-Style Dark Ale
Pulling inspiration from both the old and new beer worlds, pFriem Family Brewers have crafted an ale that elegantly brings forth the traditional art of Belgian brewing. Their Belgian-Style Dark Ale boasts an impressive overall score of 91 out of a possible 100 from our discerning beer coupe. The ale stands out on multiple fronts with scores of 12/max15 in Aroma, 3/max5 in Appearance, 17/max20 in Flavor, and 5/max10 in Mouthfeel contributing to its outstanding stature.
Aroma
This Belgian-style Dark Ale greets you immediately with a layered, complex aromatic score of 12. The dominant aroma is reminiscent of a decedent fig dipped in sultry dark chocolate. The underlying notes of ripe fruit and toffee are not too faint, conniving to create an olfactory experience that is intriguing and inviting, awakening your senses to the treat they’re about to embark on. Rich notes of nutty breadcrust nose with a hint of mild phenol set the stage of the aromatic profile, while the subtle touch of American hop resin lends itself to the olfactory charm of the ale.
Appearance
Let’s talk about the visual appeal. Boasting a full score of 3, the ale imparts a confident and alluring appearance. The texture of the effervescent bubbles and the deep chestnut hue of the ale not only mesmerize your eyes but also prepares your palate for the ebullience and unapologetic boldness of flavors soon to be encountered.
Flavor
Now for the main act, the flavor. The taste is not just a mere afterthought with this ale, it is a transcendental journey through gustatory delight scoring a stellar 17. It rewards you instantly with a rich base of toffee, fig, and sweet-roll malt flavor. Feel your palate ricochet between the soft whispers of clove and a modest punching of pepper phenol for the bolder among us. In essence, the flavor profile of this beer is a symphony, with the individually distinguishable notes coming together to make a cohesive, heavenly whole.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel rounds up the full experience with a wholesome score of 5. Subtle hints of toasted hazelnut offer a suggestion of sweetness that teases the periphery of the palate. Concurrently, a clinical floral note admonishes any false impression of over-indulgence. The leathery bitterness of the ale brings balance and offsets the sweetness, while the alcohol level allows for a warming comfort that is satisfying and welcoming.
The Final Verdict
All in all, the pFriem Family Brewers Belgian-Style Dark Ale is an exemplary demonstration of Belgium’s rich brewing heritage, adapted and nuanced to the modern-day beer lover’s palate. Its complex bouquet of aromas, visually enticing appearance, and deeply satisfying flavor married with an exceptional mouthfeel make for a remarkable beer-experience. A must-try for any discerning ale aficionado.
Ts and spices add depth and complexity to the aroma, making it a truly delightful experience for any beer enthusiast.
Appearance
With a score of 3 in Appearance, pFriem’s Belgian-Style Dark Ale may not be the most visually striking beer, but it holds its own. The ale pours a deep mahogany color with a thick, creamy head that lingers for an impressive amount of time. While it may not have the vibrant hues or mesmerizing clarity of other beers, its understated elegance is appealing in its own right.
Flavor
The flavor profile of pFriem’s Belgian-Style Dark Ale is both bold and balanced, earning it a remarkable score of 17. It starts with a malty sweetness that quickly gives way to complex notes of dark fruit, caramel, and roastiness. There is a subtle spiciness that adds a welcomed kick to each sip. The finish is smooth and slightly dry, leaving you craving another sip.
Mouthfeel
With a score of 5 in Mouthfeel, the Belgian-Style Dark Ale from pFriem showcases a medium-bodied mouthfeel that is smooth and velvety on the palate. It has a moderate carbonation that enhances the overall drinking experience without overpowering the flavors. The beer glides effortlessly across the tongue, leaving a pleasant and satisfying feeling with each sip.
In conclusion, pFriem Family Brewers’ Belgian-Style Dark Ale is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of Belgian brewing. With its impressive scores in aroma, appearance, flavor, and mouthfeel, it’s no wonder this beer has earned an overall score of 91 out of 100. It is a must-try for any beer lover looking to explore the world of Belgian ales.
T and caramel also come through, adding depth and complexity to the aroma.
Appearance
The beer pours a dark, mahogany color with a slight ruby tint when held up to the light. It forms a thick, creamy tan head that lingers throughout the drinking experience. The clarity is impressive, allowing the deep, enticing color to shine through. The appearance of this Belgian-Style Dark Ale earns a solid 3 out of 5.
Flavor
In terms of flavor, this ale truly shines. The rich, malty backbone is paired perfectly with notes of dried dark fruits, such as raisins and plums. The chocolate flavors are prominent, but not overwhelming, providing a harmonious balance. The sweetness is well-balanced with a touch of bitterness, creating a satisfying and lingering finish. With a flavor score of 17 out of 20, this Belgian-Style Dark Ale showcases the mastery of pFriem Family Brewers.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is smooth and medium-bodied, with a moderate carbonation that contributes to a pleasant drinking experience. It has a slight creaminess that coats the palate, further enhancing the flavors. The mouthfeel score of 5 out of 10 is respectable and aligns with the overall quality of this ale.
In conclusion, pFriem Family Brewers Belgian-Style Dark Ale is a truly exceptional beer that deserves its impressive score of 91. It showcases the craftsmanship and passion of the brewery, and is a must-try for any beer enthusiast.
Ts, spices, and a hint of yeast add depth and complexity to the aroma, making it a truly delightful sensory experience.
Appearance
With a score of 3 in Appearance, pFriem’s Belgian-Style Dark Ale showcases a deep, mahogany color that is almost mesmerizing. The beer pours with a thick, tan head that dissipates slowly, leaving behind a beautiful lacing on the glass. Its clarity is remarkable, allowing the drinker to appreciate the rich hues of the ale. Overall, it presents itself as a visually appealing and enticing beverage.
Flavor
Where this ale truly shines is in its flavor profile, earning an impressive score of 17. The taste is a harmonious blend of dark fruit, roasted malt, and chocolate, with subtle notes of caramel and molasses adding a touch of sweetness. A mild bitterness lingers in the background, balancing out the richness of the malt and fruit flavors. It has a smooth finish that leaves you craving for more, making it a true pleasure to savor.
Mouthfeel
The Mouthfeel of pFriem’s Belgian-Style Dark Ale is rich and velvety, with a score of 5. It has a medium body and a gentle carbonation that enhances the beer’s smoothness. The texture is luxurious, coating the palate with its flavors and leaving a lasting impression. It goes down easily and leaves a satisfying warmth with each sip.
Overall, pFriem Family Brewers have created a Belgian-Style Dark Ale that is deserving of its impressive score. From the inviting aroma to the delightful flavor and luxurious mouthfeel, this beer showcases the mastery of Belgian brewing techniques. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Belgian ales or simply looking to explore new flavors, pFriem’s Belgian-Style Dark Ale is a must-try.
Score: 91/100
Note: This review is based on our personal taste and preferences and may vary for others.
My Thoughts: This review highlights the exceptional qualities of pFriem Family Brewers’ Belgian-Style Dark Ale, making it an enticing choice for beer enthusiasts. With high scores in aroma, appearance, flavor, and mouthfeel, this ale promises a sensory experience like no other. The detailed descriptions of its attributes leave the reader craving for a taste, making it a compelling recommendation. The reviewer’s note on personal taste and preferences adds transparency to the review, allowing readers to form their own opinions. Overall, this review successfully showcases the beer’s strengths and piques curiosity to try it.