Belgian Beer Night: Trappistes Rochefort 10, Malheur 12, Trappist Westvleteren 8

Very special nights deserve very special beer. For the last week or so, each night has deserved to be honored. In two days we're leaving Seattle for the mugginess of North Carolina, and we've been able to celebrate twice so far: yesterday we had steak at El Gaucho, and tonight we're drinking three renowned Belgian beers. Guest commenter Jason brought these back from his trip to Belgium and Amsterdam in June.

Trappistes Rochefort 10:

Jason: It's very strong. It's not very bitter. 8.5/10

Claudia: A deep sweetness, like melted toffee and wine. A round aftertaste lingers, and sits on your tongue well after the sip. I see long mahogany halls and dimly lit rooms. 7.5/10

Jay: Tastes like raisins and molasses; it's syrupy, thick, and very carbonated. You can definitely taste the alcohol at the end. The aftertaste reminds me of walking through a library. 8/10

Malheur 12:

Jason: It tastes more like sweet and alcohol, with a lot less going on than the Rochefort. That being said, it's still pretty good. 7/10

Claudia: Tastes like Coke with alcohol in it: it's sweet and light but still syrupy. 7/10

Jay: Smells great. Fizzy and wine-y with a molasses, burnt sugar aftertaste. Less complex than the Rochefort 10. I thought I liked this better than the Rochefort at first, but by the end of the glass, I realized I didn't. 7/10

Trappist Westvleteren 8:

Jason: I really like this one. Yeasty. Sweet maltiness with a good deal of astringency gives way to a bitter finish on the back of the tongue. 9/10

Claudia: Charred grapes. 7.5/10

Jay: Initial mustiness gives way to yeasty, figgy, nutty taste. (I'm not sure I know what yeast tastes like, but I mentioned the word 'yeasty' before Jason did.) Bitter finish. 8.5/10