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N'Ice Chouffe
Brasserie d'Achouffe


Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Brasserie d'Achouffe
- Belgium
- Style:
- Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Ranked #42 - ABV:
- 10%
- Score:
- 91
Ranked #7,100 - Avg:
- 4.08 | pDev: 9.56%
- Reviews:
- 626
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 13, 2023
- Added:
- Dec 14, 2001
- Wants:
- 69
- Gots:
- 260
SCORE
91
Outstanding
91
Outstanding


Notes:
When the little animals in Fairyland hibernate, the Achouffe gnomes love to gather in their cottage. By the gentle firelight, they spend long evenings telling the best Ardennes stories while enjoying a delicious N’Ice CHOUFFE. Smooth and strong, with spicy notes of thyme and Curacao, this dark beer warms both hearts and atmospheres, making even the coldest winters joyful.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by CAMRAhardliner from Canada (ON)
4.15/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.15/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours dark, clear mahogany with a compact off white head. Head retention is good with lots of lace clinging to the glass. The aroma is of stewed fruit, , raisins, caramel cake and roasty malts. The taste follows suit with huge walls of fruity, toasty malts, butterscotch notes and vinous port-like elements. The mouthfeel is full bodied with light, creamy carbonation. Dry finish for such a big malty beer.
This is a complex and quaffable example of the style. Approachable and highly recommended.
Apr 09, 2023This is a complex and quaffable example of the style. Approachable and highly recommended.
Reviewed by DMFF from New York
4.52/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.52/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Was gifted one of these beer from a friend. Looks interesting, so I am going to try it!
A: Pours a deep, clear brown. A 3 finger, thick tan head forms that lasts a long time and leaves thick, sticky lacing behind.
S: Strong aromas of dark candi sugar and dark bread malts at the begining that ends off with orange, curacao, floral hops, and thyme.
T: Follows the nose with more dark bread, caramel and dark candi sugar notes upfront. Deep, rich flavor that quickly begins to incorporate orange, curacao and Belgian spices. Finally, the light floral hops and the thyme play together in an incredibly interesting way that ultimately does a pretty good job of cleansing the palate.
F: Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. Soft and smooth, yet finishes dry.
O: This was an incredibly fun beer to drink, just as most Belgian beers are. This one is incredibly easy to drink, even at the high ABV, so be careful not to put too many away to quickly. The thyme and curacao were playful additions that normally aren't found in the style and I welcome that. Very well thought out beer with unique character.
Mar 16, 2023A: Pours a deep, clear brown. A 3 finger, thick tan head forms that lasts a long time and leaves thick, sticky lacing behind.
S: Strong aromas of dark candi sugar and dark bread malts at the begining that ends off with orange, curacao, floral hops, and thyme.
T: Follows the nose with more dark bread, caramel and dark candi sugar notes upfront. Deep, rich flavor that quickly begins to incorporate orange, curacao and Belgian spices. Finally, the light floral hops and the thyme play together in an incredibly interesting way that ultimately does a pretty good job of cleansing the palate.
F: Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. Soft and smooth, yet finishes dry.
O: This was an incredibly fun beer to drink, just as most Belgian beers are. This one is incredibly easy to drink, even at the high ABV, so be careful not to put too many away to quickly. The thyme and curacao were playful additions that normally aren't found in the style and I welcome that. Very well thought out beer with unique character.
Reviewed by defunksta from Wisconsin
4.27/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.27/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Pours a clear, dark brown, color that hits the center between amber and black. A massive light tan head that lingers for a long time. (4.50)
Aroma: Moderate aromas of deep caramel and bread malts upfront that soon lends toward a spice orange citrus, curacao, and some floral, thyme and mint off the finish.
Flavor: Strong flavors follow with more bread and caramel notes upfront. Rich and dark. This quickly turns into an orange citrus, curacao, banana bread and Belgian spice flavor in the middle. Finishes with some light floral, thyme, and mint notes to somewhat clean the palate. Not overly sweet.
Feel: Medium-bodied, strong carbonation. Soft, smooth mouthfeel with a light drying floral bite.
Overall: An excellent Belgian Strong Dark Ale. Dangerously drinkable for 10%. Show cases all the Belgian components well with the malts upfront. followed by some orange citrus and Belgian spices that leave a floral note to dry the palate off the end a bit. Sort of reminds me of a mix between a Winter Warmer and a Caribbean Pirate Ale with the curacao spice. Dynamic. Rounded. Very well-made. (Rating: 4.27)
Mar 08, 2023Aroma: Moderate aromas of deep caramel and bread malts upfront that soon lends toward a spice orange citrus, curacao, and some floral, thyme and mint off the finish.
Flavor: Strong flavors follow with more bread and caramel notes upfront. Rich and dark. This quickly turns into an orange citrus, curacao, banana bread and Belgian spice flavor in the middle. Finishes with some light floral, thyme, and mint notes to somewhat clean the palate. Not overly sweet.
Feel: Medium-bodied, strong carbonation. Soft, smooth mouthfeel with a light drying floral bite.
Overall: An excellent Belgian Strong Dark Ale. Dangerously drinkable for 10%. Show cases all the Belgian components well with the malts upfront. followed by some orange citrus and Belgian spices that leave a floral note to dry the palate off the end a bit. Sort of reminds me of a mix between a Winter Warmer and a Caribbean Pirate Ale with the curacao spice. Dynamic. Rounded. Very well-made. (Rating: 4.27)
Reviewed by scott451 from Canada (ON)
4.14/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.14/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured a 330ml stubby bottle into a chalice. A thin tan head on a very dark brown. The head diminishes to a ring. Patchy lacing.
Cocoa in the nose.
Chocolate and dark fruit taste. A mild hop finish.
Medium body and low carbonation.
A fine strong dark overall.
Jan 26, 2023Cocoa in the nose.
Chocolate and dark fruit taste. A mild hop finish.
Medium body and low carbonation.
A fine strong dark overall.
Reviewed by BitteNochEinWeissbier from Pennsylvania
3.97/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.97/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
333 ml bottle
Bottle Date: 05.2024
Glass: tulip snifter
ABV: 10%
Look:
Slightly cloudy chestnut brown with mahogany highlights. The beige head starts as 2 fingers of creamy foam that slowly dissipates to 1 finger, leaving excellent lacing.
Aroma:
Fruity, yeasty, and spicy. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and some pepper.
Taste:
Candi sugar, fruits, yeast, and spice. The spice is sharper here than in the nose. Notes of orange peel. An earthy note shows up later in the sip and a light dryness occurs. The sip finishes spicy, earthy, and just dry.
Feel:
Smooth but more than a tad tingly which makes is seem almost crisp. Well carbonated. Warmth can be felt from the alcohol. The body is medium.
Overall:
An interesting specimen of a Belgian Dark Strong Ale. Surprisingly easy to drink and not a sweet fruit bomb (which would not be up my alley). Quite spicy. I can see how the spices would be matched to thyme.
Jan 16, 2023Bottle Date: 05.2024
Glass: tulip snifter
ABV: 10%
Look:
Slightly cloudy chestnut brown with mahogany highlights. The beige head starts as 2 fingers of creamy foam that slowly dissipates to 1 finger, leaving excellent lacing.
Aroma:
Fruity, yeasty, and spicy. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and some pepper.
Taste:
Candi sugar, fruits, yeast, and spice. The spice is sharper here than in the nose. Notes of orange peel. An earthy note shows up later in the sip and a light dryness occurs. The sip finishes spicy, earthy, and just dry.
Feel:
Smooth but more than a tad tingly which makes is seem almost crisp. Well carbonated. Warmth can be felt from the alcohol. The body is medium.
Overall:
An interesting specimen of a Belgian Dark Strong Ale. Surprisingly easy to drink and not a sweet fruit bomb (which would not be up my alley). Quite spicy. I can see how the spices would be matched to thyme.
Reviewed by schoolboy from Ohio
4.18/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.18/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I've been a fan of this brewer from the first. It was widely available wherever we were in France, so I developed a liking.
It pours brown and crisp with biggish bubbles. The aroma is exotic - yeast is in there, of course. It has a very authentic Belgian feel, with an astringent bite right where it should be, hitting your taste buds with a blast.
Recommended. It's nice that we can get these pretty readily here in the US.
Dec 19, 2022It pours brown and crisp with biggish bubbles. The aroma is exotic - yeast is in there, of course. It has a very authentic Belgian feel, with an astringent bite right where it should be, hitting your taste buds with a blast.
Recommended. It's nice that we can get these pretty readily here in the US.
Reviewed by augustgarage from California
3.94/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.94/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Best before May, 2024 - enjoyed December, 2022. Poured at 43F from a 330mL bottle into my Trappist Westvleteren goblet.
Cloudy sienna/chestnut with a small lasting almond head. Fine, sandy, sticky lacing; very good retention.
Deep, spicy aromatics suggesting cinnamon, black bread, candied ginger and orange. Nice yeast character for balance.
Flavors follow the nose, growing in intensity. Dark (candi?) sugar accentuates low sweet-ish herbal notes as the thyme and hops combine forces. Low even bitterness throughout. Rich malt and overt phenolic yeast flavors in the medium-dry finish.
Medium-bodied, full carbonation, ABV creeps up on you.
Perhaps a little over-spiced, though I'm impressed with the brewer's deft use of thyme.
Pairs well with cheese (enjoying this with an English coastal cheddar).
Dec 18, 2022Cloudy sienna/chestnut with a small lasting almond head. Fine, sandy, sticky lacing; very good retention.
Deep, spicy aromatics suggesting cinnamon, black bread, candied ginger and orange. Nice yeast character for balance.
Flavors follow the nose, growing in intensity. Dark (candi?) sugar accentuates low sweet-ish herbal notes as the thyme and hops combine forces. Low even bitterness throughout. Rich malt and overt phenolic yeast flavors in the medium-dry finish.
Medium-bodied, full carbonation, ABV creeps up on you.
Perhaps a little over-spiced, though I'm impressed with the brewer's deft use of thyme.
Pairs well with cheese (enjoying this with an English coastal cheddar).
Reviewed by zac16125 from South Carolina
3.99/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.99/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Pours slightly hazy, dark mahogany, dense appearing light khaki colored head with good retention, some lacing. 4.5
S: Dark fruits, tons of spice both baking spices and a slightly biting white pepper and clove, surprisingly floral. Very nice nose that’s pretty unique with its spice profile. 4.25
T: Taste follows with huge spice, not much sweetness for the style, moderate bitterness is also high for the style. 3.75
M/D: Lighter side of medium bodied, big carbonation, ABV completely unnoticeable, good drinkability. 4
O: Good beer, but far from my favorite christmasy BSDA. 4
Dec 17, 2022S: Dark fruits, tons of spice both baking spices and a slightly biting white pepper and clove, surprisingly floral. Very nice nose that’s pretty unique with its spice profile. 4.25
T: Taste follows with huge spice, not much sweetness for the style, moderate bitterness is also high for the style. 3.75
M/D: Lighter side of medium bodied, big carbonation, ABV completely unnoticeable, good drinkability. 4
O: Good beer, but far from my favorite christmasy BSDA. 4
Reviewed by ATL6245 from Georgia
5/5 rDev +22.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +22.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Appearance: Clear dark brown with ruby/garnet highlights. Pours to a frothy off-white head with great retention.
Aroma: Yeasty and malty. Dark fruit, herbs and hint of bubble gum.
Flavor: Malty with dark fruit, toast and caramel on the front end quickly followed by herbs, spiciness and mint. Semi-sweet malt backbone drying at the finish. Low bitterness. Notable alcohol warming at the end.
Mouthfeel: Full bodied. Highly carbonated. Medium length finish that is dry with herbal spiciness trailing.
Overall: I can see why this is a winter/holiday favorite. It has just about everything you want in a winter warmer. Pours to nice big frothy off-white head holding nice retention to the end of the glass. Starts somewhat sweet but quickly transitions to herbs and spices with a minty accent. You'll note the prickly carbonation start to finish. Quite try at the end for a malt forward beer with spiciness trailing and a notable warming from the 10% abv. Excellent, well crafted Belgian Dark ale. One of the best. Not sure what else they could do to be better in this style.
Dec 10, 2022Aroma: Yeasty and malty. Dark fruit, herbs and hint of bubble gum.
Flavor: Malty with dark fruit, toast and caramel on the front end quickly followed by herbs, spiciness and mint. Semi-sweet malt backbone drying at the finish. Low bitterness. Notable alcohol warming at the end.
Mouthfeel: Full bodied. Highly carbonated. Medium length finish that is dry with herbal spiciness trailing.
Overall: I can see why this is a winter/holiday favorite. It has just about everything you want in a winter warmer. Pours to nice big frothy off-white head holding nice retention to the end of the glass. Starts somewhat sweet but quickly transitions to herbs and spices with a minty accent. You'll note the prickly carbonation start to finish. Quite try at the end for a malt forward beer with spiciness trailing and a notable warming from the 10% abv. Excellent, well crafted Belgian Dark ale. One of the best. Not sure what else they could do to be better in this style.
Reviewed by MikeWard from Pennsylvania
4.16/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.16/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
330ml bottle into a glass. Best by May 2024.
Looks fantastic in the glass. A lively pour makes for swirling carbonation and a growing off white head. This leaves a sheet of lacing.
The aroma is a little odd. Fruit with a very faint metallic note.
On tasting, no metal. Warming, strong, smooth, slightly sweet with a good amount of dried and fresh dark fruit flavors.
Mouth closer to full than medium. Finish sweet and plummy, strong but not boozy.
Overall, very nice drink, happy to have the rest of the 4 pack in reserve.
Dec 07, 2022Looks fantastic in the glass. A lively pour makes for swirling carbonation and a growing off white head. This leaves a sheet of lacing.
The aroma is a little odd. Fruit with a very faint metallic note.
On tasting, no metal. Warming, strong, smooth, slightly sweet with a good amount of dried and fresh dark fruit flavors.
Mouth closer to full than medium. Finish sweet and plummy, strong but not boozy.
Overall, very nice drink, happy to have the rest of the 4 pack in reserve.
Reviewed by VTbrewfan from New Hampshire
4.1/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.1/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Mahogany in color, off-white (tan-ish) head, lots of lacing and great retention. Sour cherries and red wine on the nose. Very prominent orange peel, baking spices (cinnamon) and thyme on the palate. Some caramel and brown sugar. Definitely has that Belgian bready-yeast character. Can hardly tell it’s 10%. Nice Christmas beer, but think I’ll still vote for St. Benardus as my go-to for the holidays.
Nov 29, 2022Reviewed by minterro from California
4.06/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.06/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
11.2 oz bottle bought at Bottle Craft in San Diego for $4.25. Poured into a snifter. Best by 05/2024, consumed 11/26/22.
A&S: Dark hickory-colored beer, with lively carbonation bubbles rising up. Light yellow/cream-colored head which hangs around in a thin, spotty layer. The aroma contains caramel, earthy hops, and woody tones.
T&M: Malty, figs, and brown sugar tones upfront. Very spicy (nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon) in the finish. Semi-dry. Unsurprisingly, no real hop presence. ABV is incredibly well hidden (probably the most hidden I have ever tasted). The only sign that it was 10% is the buzz, and warmth in my throat. Carbonation is tingly and the feel is medium to full-bodied.
Overall: An above-average, good beer, but a 1 time buy for me.
Nov 27, 2022A&S: Dark hickory-colored beer, with lively carbonation bubbles rising up. Light yellow/cream-colored head which hangs around in a thin, spotty layer. The aroma contains caramel, earthy hops, and woody tones.
T&M: Malty, figs, and brown sugar tones upfront. Very spicy (nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon) in the finish. Semi-dry. Unsurprisingly, no real hop presence. ABV is incredibly well hidden (probably the most hidden I have ever tasted). The only sign that it was 10% is the buzz, and warmth in my throat. Carbonation is tingly and the feel is medium to full-bodied.
Overall: An above-average, good beer, but a 1 time buy for me.
Reviewed by krh from Illinois
4.27/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.27/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Mid 20's here now, so finished the last bottle from the 2021 holiday season. A nicely spiced dark beer that's never harsh, artificial, or too boozy. At 10% abv, this is perfect for settling down with after a long (cold) day.
Nov 19, 2022Reviewed by barnzy78 from Illinois
4.17/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.17/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
11.2oz bottle
best before end 05 2024
thanks to Derek for the bottle - I’ve had this once before and it was at least a decade ago. Definitely time for a re-taste and an actual review.
L: brown body with a creamy off-white head
S: spicy Belgian yeast, dark candi, bread, caramel, brown sugar
T: pumpernickel crust, fruit cake, dark candi sugar, brown sugar, fig, spice, earthy & leafy hops
F: fuller body, effervescent carbonation, dry and balanced finish with alcohol well concealed
O: great Belgian Dark Strong Ale!
Nov 05, 2022best before end 05 2024
thanks to Derek for the bottle - I’ve had this once before and it was at least a decade ago. Definitely time for a re-taste and an actual review.
L: brown body with a creamy off-white head
S: spicy Belgian yeast, dark candi, bread, caramel, brown sugar
T: pumpernickel crust, fruit cake, dark candi sugar, brown sugar, fig, spice, earthy & leafy hops
F: fuller body, effervescent carbonation, dry and balanced finish with alcohol well concealed
O: great Belgian Dark Strong Ale!
Reviewed by KT3418 from Colorado
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Great Belgian Christmas beer, spice flavors are noticeable but not overpowering. It's a very balanced beer where the abv can kinda creep on you a little bit. Definitely would have it again
Aug 25, 2022Reviewed by Rug from Massachusetts
4.07/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.07/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Best by 5/2023
After trying the La Chouffe earlier in the year, I’ve been picking up any Chouffes that I find, as they’re classics that I’ve mostly missed out on so far. This one is their take on a Belgian Dark Strong Ale, let’s see what it’s all about
Pours a murky medium brown with a finger of creamy tan head that slowly fades to a thin cap leaves minimal lacing. Quite a bit of particulate in suspension
This is quite sweet and fruity in the nose, but not in an overdone way. I’m picking up on aromas of golden raisin, fig, brown sugar, dark bread, toffee, herbal hops, and light orange zest
In taste, it’s not quite as cohesive and defined up front, but the swallow makes up for it and it’s still good for what it is. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting raisin, brown bread, burnt sugar, and light caramel. The swallow brings notes of plum, brown sugar, toffee, orange zest, light port wine, caramel, and brown bread
A medium full body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a chewy and slightly boozy beer. Finishes neutral but drinks below its abv
This one is very good. Nicely complex but not overly so and drinks surprisingly easy
Jun 01, 2022After trying the La Chouffe earlier in the year, I’ve been picking up any Chouffes that I find, as they’re classics that I’ve mostly missed out on so far. This one is their take on a Belgian Dark Strong Ale, let’s see what it’s all about
Pours a murky medium brown with a finger of creamy tan head that slowly fades to a thin cap leaves minimal lacing. Quite a bit of particulate in suspension
This is quite sweet and fruity in the nose, but not in an overdone way. I’m picking up on aromas of golden raisin, fig, brown sugar, dark bread, toffee, herbal hops, and light orange zest
In taste, it’s not quite as cohesive and defined up front, but the swallow makes up for it and it’s still good for what it is. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting raisin, brown bread, burnt sugar, and light caramel. The swallow brings notes of plum, brown sugar, toffee, orange zest, light port wine, caramel, and brown bread
A medium full body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a chewy and slightly boozy beer. Finishes neutral but drinks below its abv
This one is very good. Nicely complex but not overly so and drinks surprisingly easy
N'Ice Chouffe from Brasserie d'Achouffe
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
1462 ratings
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