Brune
Brasserie Aliénor

 

Pours a dark, blackish-brown, with very little light at all seeping through. Mildly cloudy where the light hits it. Plush head settles down into top lacing and a few small marbles of gas.

Aroma is large on sugary nuts -- mosly brazil nuts, with pralined pecans close behind. A bit of carob at well. The only hint of dark fruit is a hint of gritty prunes at the back. An unusual nose for the style, but within parameters, and I like it.

Taste is light on its feet, revealing clean water, pipe tobacco, custard, and unroasted walnuts. Enjoying the restraint; this is on the drier side. For the alcohol percentage, could have a bit more weight behind it, but not shabby. Still missing the characteristic dried fruit flavors, however.

Mouthfeel comes correct, with silky bubbles, and appropriate thickness. Again, ever so slightly on the thin side, but forgivable.

Overall, it's hard to know what to do with this one. If you told me this was an American Nut Brown, I'd believe you, and I would score it high as well. As a "brune," perhaps it is leaning in that direction? Most likely not, considering the brewery's other offerings are based on a Belgian palate. Out of the box for the style, but it really strikes my fancy.

Pick this up if you see it; it is a fun spin around the block, and certainly worth your Euros.