I've mentioned before how much I love Belgian ale, right?  Well, the various Trappist ales, brewed (or at least overseen) by monks in Trappist monasteries, are unique, complex, and almost universally delicious.  The Trappistes Rochefort beers are brewed at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy in Rochefort, Belgium.  They release a 6, 8, and 10, which are primarily told apart by the color of their bottle caps.  The 8 has a green cap, and I wish I'd had a chance to compare it to the 6 and 10 for this review, but I didn't.  Maybe next time.

Anyhow, this beer is quite remarkable.  It is a big, meaty beer and pours a dark brown.  This beer is 9% ABV, and it comes through in the nose, along with various dark fruits, figs, and spices.  It has a sturdy, thick mouth feel and a strong, roasted, malty heat.  The alcohol is certainly potent, and the richness of the flavor makes one drink rather slowly.  Though it is available primarily in 335mL (11.2 oz) bottles, it might be a good idea to split one with a buddy, because this can take a while to drink.

While enjoyable, I would classify this beer as something that should perhaps be accompanied by food.  Heavy, rich dishes such as duck or lamb, strong cheese, or something similar would hold up well to this beer.  Indeed, it's not really an after work refreshing beverage, but more of the sort of beer you'd sip while pondering a three-pipe problem.