By Jeff Evans

Nose

Creamy, biscuity, smooth dark malt laced with juicy berries, leather and a little chocolate.

Palate

Astonishingly light and airy, but hugely complex at the same time, with sweet spices, leather, citrus and orchard fruits, liquorice and tangy hops all in the smoky mix. Bittersweet and drying.

Finish

Dry, thick, bitter and rather hoppy, with fruit cake, sweet spices and chocolate notes from the malt.

Comment

A bittersweet, remarkable beer, an imperial stout with a Belgian twist – in fact they call it a ‘Belgian Royal Stout'.

By Robert Millichamp

Nose

Sharp but controlled esters present tart fruity notes. Floral marzipan and cinnamon hints with chocolate, liquorice and coffee.

Palate

Rounded, medium bodied and warming. Bold alcoholic notes are controlled to perfectly balance tart fruits over a soft mouth feel.

Finish

More red fruits intertwined with lingering dark chocolate, espresso coffee and bitter hop resins that help bring a firm but balanced bitterness to the finish.

Comment

Uniquely Belgian in character with a very complex palate that hides the 13% alcohol.