Trappistes Rochefort 8
At the store, I mistakenly picked up this bottle thinking that it was the Rochefort 10 — a beer that I have enjoyed in the past on numerous occasions. Upon realizing my mistake, I was mixed with emotions of despair and excitement. The Rochefort 10 is easily one of my favorite beers, and always a fan favorite after a filling meal. I had never had the Rochefort 8 so it’s always a great feeling to try a new beer from an excellent brewery for the first time.
By the time I got around to opening the bottle, the reviews I had read put the Rochefort 8 on par with the Rochefort 10 in terms of overall appeal. Pouring the beer into a Chimay glass, the anticipation was almost too much to handle. Almost.
Aroma
The brew has an earthy, fruity aroma that let’s you know that you are in for something special. There is a hint of caramel and toffee as well, but it doesn’t smell quite as sweet as the Rochefort 10. That could be due to the slightly lower ABV for this glass.
Appearance
The beer pours a deep muddy brown with hints of garnet. The head was toffee colored and thick that faded to a mellow layer with thin lacing.
Taste
Where to start with this one? It’s not at sweet as the Rochefort 10, nor as thick as I remember the 10 being. There is the not-too-sweet caramel and toffee. It’s the most dominating flavor, yet there is so much more going on. There are hints of pear and plum in the beer as well as an earthy finish that has a slight bitterness at the end, like a strong coffee. For a 9.2% ABV, the beer hides it well. There is a slight heat to each swallow, but nothing that diminishes it’s enjoyment.
Overall
The Rochefort 8 is one of those beers that almost has a different and unique flavor on each and every sip. As it warms more fruit and a bit of spice comes out as well. Even though, I enjoy the Rochefort 10 as a great way to finish a meal, I can see myself sipping the Rochefort 8 at any time of the day. Rating: 4.5/5