Trappistes Rochefort 8
Brasserie de Rochefort

Trappistes Rochefort 8Trappistes Rochefort 8
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From:
Brasserie de Rochefort
 
Belgium
Style:
Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Ranked #1
ABV:
9.2%
Score:
96
Ranked #931
Avg:
4.33 | pDev: 9.7%
Reviews:
2,053
Ratings:
5,707
Status:
Active
Rated:
Sunday at 05:51 AM
Added:
Oct 12, 2001
Wants:
  467
Gots:
  1,211
No description / notes.
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Ratings by Newsman:
Photo of Newsman
Reviewed by Newsman from New Jersey

4.41/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Given the reviews here, I'm wondering if I ended up with an older bottle. Plus, I'm new to the hardcore Trappist brews, so I may be missing some of the nuance with said beers. Nonetheless, here goes.

Served in a 330ml bottle, cap already opened by the waitstaff. Poured into a red wine glass (shame on them for not having a proper goblet).

Decent tan head, but I immediately noticed both a dark sediment poured into the bottom of the glass and lighter sediment floating through the beer itself. A second look at the bottle showed some discoloration on the label. I didn't think to look at the expiry/bottling date, but the appearance struck me that this one was sitting around for some time. A dark sediment remained at the bottom of the bottle, and the homebrewer in me thought for a moment of trying to scrape it out and use the yeast in another beer. But that's too much damn work.

The appearance was mitigated by the beer's amazing smell. Sweet bread, some fruit and spice notes, absolutely enticing. I let the beer settle down a bit before sipping, hoping the sediments would fall to the bottom.

At least to my untrained tastebuds, the beer was fabulous. Warm, malty flavors with hints of banana and clove, followed by a warming alcohol that wasn't overpowering but rather complimentary. Coated the mouth perfectly and was eminently drinkable, though I took my time to let the sediment settle after each sip.

So...again, I don't think the sediment was indicative of the style (I've had American-made Belgian dubbles, tripels and others before), and I definitely plan to get another fresher bottle as soon as possible. But that said, I'm quite impressed regardless. And it went amazingly well with the tender roast beef au jus I had for lunch. I imagine it would go down well with just about any decadent meal.
Jun 17, 2008
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.03 by Aitor from Spain

Sunday at 05:51 AM
 
Rated: 4.41 by cabsandking from Ohio

Mar 12, 2024
 
Rated: 4 by jx07 from Puerto Rico

Mar 03, 2024
Photo of dhebert87
Reviewed by dhebert87 from Texas

4/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a Chimay chalice. Medium copper color with an initial high carbonation and a two-finger cream-colored head. Smooth malts with hints of dried fruit and banana. Exceptional for my first try from this brewery.
Feb 25, 2024
 
Rated: 4.89 by mushycake from Connecticut

Jan 31, 2024
 
Rated: 4.53 by Supper1

Jan 30, 2024
 
Rated: 4.5 by arjanm from Netherlands

Jan 27, 2024
Photo of BJB13
Reviewed by BJB13 from Maryland

4.42/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
L: Clear medium brown, 2 finger foamy off-white head, foam has good retention and leaves good lace.
S: Rich malt and candied sugars, notes of banana.
T: Rich and malty with some spicy hops and alcohol lending a bit of sharpness, dark sugars and dried fruit but fairly well attenuated, more Belgian yeast than in the nose
F: Medium body with high carbonation, crisp and frothy but it becomes more creamy as the carbonation off-gases.
O: Great Strong Ale.
Jan 22, 2024
 
Rated: 4.83 by RockyM72 from Florida

Jan 15, 2024
 
Rated: 4.4 by SeanP99 from North Carolina

Jan 11, 2024
Photo of solok
Reviewed by solok from California

4.4/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Gently dark, pecan color. Dubbel-like chestnut smell. Light head. Cocoa bean flavor. Pervasive but light effervescence. Very approachable for a Belgian strong dark.
Jan 03, 2024
 
Photo of evanwoertz
Reviewed by evanwoertz from California

4.89/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
clove and tobacco. richest brown color, opaque, with a touch of micro foam at the rim. bourbon finish on the nose. the feel is perfect. it starts out a little dense and thick, then suds gently and lightens up.
Oct 31, 2023
 
Rated: 4.44 by The_Kriek_Freak from Pennsylvania

Oct 13, 2023
 
Rated: 5 by BrisLoganite from Australia

Oct 08, 2023
Photo of Bluerabbitbell
Reviewed by Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
10/3/23 Poured from a 330ml bottle purchased and drunk at Apothecary Ale House.

Paid a premium price, but have been wanting to try this one!

Oh, sweet Belgian goodness from a hazy golden coppery beauty! Cinnamon, sour, apple cider, and of course the banana!

Smooth with a carbonation bite and sweet enough to be excellent, but not cloying.

Most excellent special treat!
Oct 03, 2023
 
Rated: 4.21 by woemad from Washington

Sep 29, 2023
 
Rated: 4.59 by Tylergodin from Massachusetts

Sep 14, 2023
Photo of DFred
Reviewed by DFred from California

4.5/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Wow--been working my way through Belgian Ales--only drinking 90+ here on Beer Advocate--this one was exceptional--really enjoyed it--excellent Trappist Ale!
Sep 10, 2023
Trappistes Rochefort 8 from Brasserie de Rochefort
Beer rating: 96 out of 100 with 5707 ratings