Unibroue La Resolution
Back in October my wife’s parents returned from a Canadian journey with the following gift pack in tow. I’ve mentioned this several times, not to brag, but to give the two travelers their due as being awesome in-laws.
Holy Unibroue, Batman! This awesome selection of brews came courtesy from even more awesome in-laws. pic.twitter.com/4rS75U2viI
— The Barley Blog (@barleyblog) October 19, 2014
Of that batch of brews, I’d already had most of them — Blonde de Chambly being one of the two I hadn’t. The other Unibroue product that I’d never seen, or even heard of, was their limited release La Résolution. This Belgian-style strong dark ale is a big 10% ABV brew that is actually only available within the brewery’s home country.
La Résolution is also unlike many of its peers. According to the company’s website, it’s a spiced ale, but there’s a different sort of spiciness more akin to a rye influence. Full flavored and with a seasonally appropriate flavor, the beer went down nicely this past Thanksgiving weekend.
Appearance
Pouring a murky, dark brown in color the beer sits with a persistent cap of creamy, beige foam.
Aroma
Spicey rye arrives immediately while dark fruits, caramel and yeast join in. It’s quite peppery on the nose as a holiday spice blend sits comfortably in the background.
Taste
It’s not as spicy/peppery as the nose lead it to be, but there is still a solid tingle there on the tongue. Dark fruits, caramel, holiday spices (cinnamon, clove) and yeast combine as a touch of leafy hops fade slowly through the lasting, warming finish. The brew is a bit too carbonated for the style, but doesn’t detract too much from the experience.
Overall
There’s a definite fruitcake-like character to La Résolution. I don’t believe it to be the best beer that Unibroue make, but being able to enjoy something that isn’t supposed to be available in the U.S. makes up for it. It’s certainly got that holiday flavor that a seasonal release like this should have. I should have held onto the second bottle and set it aside for a bit — I’m curious how this one would have done with some cellaring.
Rating: 4/5
