Epic Trappist brew

Westvleteren 8 is a nuttier tasting step son of the 12. Not a bad beer but not nearly as the perfect mix of a rich dark beer with a Carmel hint at the end.

A creamy, thick, porous off-white head of good retention and thick, clingy, sticky lace wafted a complex aroma of plums, raisins, licorice, brown sugar, and a hint of boozy warmth. To the tongue, it was similar with dark fruits and some chocolate more discernible here than in the nose, though with a touch of anise and a faint hint of tobacco. There is a fair warmth and a smooth creaminess to the tongue despite its strong carbonation that smooths it out nicely. Like the famed Westy 12, however, I think Rochefort 8 tops this, as I feel the 10 trumps the 12. This isn't to say this isn't a fine beer - it is indeed worthy of its praise - but rather for two reasons: 1) The Westys are both a bit boozier on the nose and tongue to me; and 2) The Westy's offer more anise notes - which is fine, but for my personal preference isn't as desirable as some of the other notes I love in a good dubbel

Dark and malty, crisp mouthfeel with perky carbonation, fruity, light molasses, caramel, slight alcohol with a clean citrus hop backbone. Aged for 3.5 years, just past the best by date. Almost a lighter, cleaner version of the 12.

Dark brown with a finger of creamy head. Smells like it looks- very malty. Sweet malty start with a hint of bitter aftertaste, very favorably balanced toward the malt, and a smooth, not very crisp mouthfeel. Overall 4.5, would definitely have another