St Bernardus Abt 12

The king of beers! This one easily made it to my favorites list within my first sip. I purchased a Belgian Beer flight at the Bruery Provisions room in Orange, CA, and needless to say I left with 2 bottles of this stuff. What a delight!

The deep reddish brown color compliments the nice creamy head and overall taste of the beer. It is sweet and spicy with well developed, complex flavors; however, the look and smell  are the greatest indicators that this beer is a quadrupel with a 10.5% abv. The rich taste includes strong notes of clove, yeast and maltiness at the front. Caramelized brown sugar/rich molasses and subtle chocolate flavors begin to stand out as the flavor develops on your pallet, yet they are not overbearing. The dark fruit flavors of cherries, plums and figs in accordance with softer fruit flavors of crisp apple and pear are ever present and lighten the richness of the beer, giving it that highly pleasant sippable quality.

Abt 12 is perfectly balanced and best enjoyed alone or with a mild cheese and cracker plate.

10/10

EDIT: This beer is even better on tap!!! If you EVER get the opportunity! It is creamier and chocolatier! You cannot go wrong! This may just be my favorite beer.. ever! (so far anyway)