by Brouwerij der Trappistenabdij de Achelse Kluis

The Achel Bruin 8 as a beer fits somewhere between a balanced fruity dubbel style, and the classic big dark Trappist ale.

The colour is a warm caramel brown, with a thick white head that refuses to disappear.  The intriguing aroma is a mix of rich dark stone fruits, strong Belgian yeast phenolics and earthy hops.

It is in the flavour that this beer really excels; a complex mix of attributes perfectly balanced against each other to form a wonderful combination.  Sweet, rich bready malts with a hint of chocolate, dark stone fruits like raisins and figs.  The richness is offset by a good level of hop bitterness, and a slight roastiness.

As all good beers seem to do, despite the rich flavours, the beer still finishes out dry with a long pleasant aftertaste. 

Brewery Fact: the Achel Trappist monastery produces 6 different beers, but only three of them are available outside of the brewery.  The Achel Bruin 8, Blond 8 and Bruin Extra 9.5 can be enjoyed here.  But to sample the Blond 5, Bruin 5 or the very special Blond Extra 9.5 you'll have to visit the Monastery Cafe!

 

 

Sign up for the monthly six pack »

See all of the November 2013 monthly six pack


Country
Belgium
Alcohol
8.0%
Style
Strong Dark Ale
Size
330ml

More Strong Dark Ales

Abbaye de Rocs Grand Cru Special Belgian Brown

by Brasserie de l'Abbaye des Rocs

A lovely Belgian strong dark ale, balancing sweetness and bitterness so well

Abbaye des Rocs La Montagnarde

by Brasserie de l'Abbaye des Rocs

A strong dark ale full of dark fruits, caramel malts and a gentle hop and yeast spiciness

Adriaen Brouwer Dark Gold

by Brouwerij Roman NV

A typical brown Oudenaard-style slow-drinking beer

Adriaen Brouwer Oaked

by Brouwerij Roman NV

A Belgian Strong Dark Ale aged in both sherry and whiskey barrels

Adriaen Brouwer Winter Wood 2018

by Brouwerij Roman NV

A strong dark winter beer which uses old whiskey barrels to impart an added dimension and depth of flavour

Alvinne Balthazar

by Brouwerij Alvinne

An intriguing dark ale, brewed with spices (ginger, coriander & cardamom)

Brasserie LeFort

by Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste (Bockor)

A rich and malty Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Delirium Nocturnum

by Brouwerij Huyghe

The more obscure dark ale from the renowned Delirium brewers

Floreffe Prima Melior

by Brasserie Lefebvre

A Belgian strong dark ale brewed with star anise and orange peel

Gouden Carolus Classic

by Brouwerij Het Anker

The most well-known of the Golden Carolus beers is the 'Classic' - a beautifully balanced Belgian strong dark ale of 8.5% ABV

Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused

by Brouwerij Het Anker

Gouden Carolus' Cuvee Van De Keizer Imperial Dark Ale infused with Het Anker's single malt whisky

Het Kapittel Prior 9

by Brouwerij Van Eecke

A flavoursome strong dark ale, at the top of the abbey beer hierarchy

Hoegaarden Verboden Vrucht

by Brouwerij Hoegaarden (AB-InBev)

The 'Forbidden Fruit' is a delicious balance of ripe fruits, sweet malts, earthy hops and gentle spicing

Leute Bokbier

by Brouwerij Van Steenberge

A tasty beer somewhere between a Belgian Dubbel style and a Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Lupulus Bruin Bio

by Brasserie Lupulus

A Belgian Strong Dark Ale with the addition of caramel sugar and orange peel

Lupulus Hibernatus

by Brasserie Lupulus

A dark winter beer that has torrefied barley and a pinch of cinnamon amount the ingredients

McChouffe

by Brasserie d'Achouffe (Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat)

The lesser-known dark beer from Brasserie Achouffe

N'ice Chouffe 2014

by Brasserie d'Achouffe (Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat)

The winter seasonal offering from the Chouffe brewery

Noir De Dottignies

by Brouwerij De Ranke

The best features of a traditional strong ale, and the added earthiness of noble hops used in abundance

Reinaert Grand Cru

by De Proefbrouwerij

A solid malty backbone balanced by a good level of hop bitterness

Rochefort 8

by Brasserie De Rochefort

A classic Trappist strong dark ale

Struise Pannepot 2017

by De Struise Brouwers

The famous Old Fisherman's Ale from Struise is a spiced strong dark ale

Struise Pannepot Reserva 2019 Bourbon BA

by De Struise Brouwers

The 2019 version of Pannepot aged in bourbon barrels

Struise Pannepot Special Reserva 2014

by De Struise Brouwers

Struise's spiced strong dark ale Pannepot, matured in Bordeaux barriques for a full 4 years

Struise Pannepot Special Reserva 2019 Port & Wine BA

by De Struise Brouwers

Struise's famous spiced strong dark ale aged three years in wine and port barrels

Verzet Banjo Funeral

by Brouwers Verzet

A Belgian strong dark ale with smoked malt and grilled cherries

Vicaris Winter 2014

by Brouwerij Dilewyns

The winter seasonal offering from Brouwerij Dilewyns

Zatte Bie

by Brouwerij De Bie

A strong dark Belgian ale created from 6 different malts, slightly spiced and with a little honey

Also from Brouwerij der Trappistenabdij de Achelse Kluis

Achel Blond 8

by Brouwerij der Trappistenabdij de Achelse Kluis

A smooth, full-flavoured classic triple style beer from the Achel Trappist monastery