Verzet are the funky (relatively) new brewers from Brussels, and they collaborated with Burial Beer Co. from the USA to create the original version of this beer back in 2017. It has been rebrewed a few times since, usually seasonally toward the end of each calendar year when the European brewers all start showcasing their dark winter beers.
This beer stylistically probably sits somewhere between a Belgian Strong Dark Ale and a Belgian Quadrupel, with the addition of some smoked malts and grilled cherries.
The aroma hints at what is to come, with a solid hit of smoky malt, chocolate, coffee, dark stone fruits and an earthy note.
It is probably a little lighter in taste than the aroma suggests. The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts with the sweetness of some dark fruits. The smoked malt also comes through in a balanced way. Sat in behind everything is a little hint of sour cherries that impart just the slightest flavour.
The brewery reference slightly burnt cookies as the descriptor for this beer. Smoked beers are often a love or hate thing, but I think this beer does a great job of balancing all the flavours and not overwhelming things with smoke.
Allow this beer to warm up to get the most out of the flavours. A good 10-15 minutes out of the fridge will let it open up nicely.
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