Esther
Platform Beer Co.

 

Couple of 12 ounce cans from Trader Joe’s in Cleveland. A near clear amber to copper pour with 1 finger cream caramel coloured head that quickly dissipates. There is a nice caramel malt aroma with cinnamon, cloves, plum and vanilla. Tastes is malt forward - caramel/toffee with spices and Belgian yeast - notes of raisin, plum - bread pudding.
Slightly thin bodied for the 9.5%, somewhat under carbonated but smooth to the finish. Nice.

somewhat translucent brown color, not too strong of a belgian yeast flavor. takes one or two sips to taste beyond that, solid christmas ale flavor. mouthfeel has some carbonation that fades quickly. a flat syrupy feel after.

 

I am pretty sure my ratings are all low, but maybe it is the incredible balance that this brew has that is hard to explain, but this is definitively my favorite holiday brew this year.

It pours brown, with thin head. The aroma is an amalgamation of yeast and all those other amazing ingredients, again, well balanced. The rest of the experience follows suit, with a first rate big Belgian experience that is festive and easy to drink (dangerous as it is boozy).

Highly recommended. But don't go to the store and buy any - that will leave more for me.

 

 

This beer was poured from a 12 oz. can. It poured a very dark amber with afoamy off-white Head that disapated quickly. There was a little lacing.

The aroma was a bit yeasty with a hint of honey.

The initial taste was very mellow and subtly sweet. It is a bit smoky in the middle, but very subtle. The complexity is found at the finish here... the honey comes through slowly as the beer warms on the tongue.

The mouthfeel is between crisp and dry.

Overall, this was a very drinkable beer. It seems as though there is a lot going on, but it is all very subtle. You aren’t hit over the head with the different spices like other craft interpretations of the style. This is a really good craft Belgian Christmas Ale.

I got a 6pck of this from my local meijer. It poured a clear dark amber with thin white head that is not leaving any lace. The scent had dark fruit and Belgian flare. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with dark fruit mixed with Belgian sugar. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall its a good beer.

 

On-tap at Mugs Alehouse, Brooklyn, NY

A: The beer is nearly jet black in color—when held up to a bright light it is very dark red. It poured with a collar of off white bubbles around the edge of the glass and a patch of bubbles on the surface.
S: Light to moderate aromas of plums are present in the nose.
T: Lots of flavors of dark fruits—plums and raisins seem to stand out in particular—are present in the taste.
M: It feels medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer tastes a little more like a quadrupel than a Belgian Strong Dark Ale.

Serving type: on-tap

 

 

 

 

 

Poured from a can into a tulip glass. Clear,dark brown with a decent head and lacing. Smell of dates and dark raisin. These carries over to the taste along with warm spices and a bit of cola. Enjoyable winter warmer.

1/6/18 draft @ The Brew Kettle Hudson

Nice roasted malt combo in this sweet Belgian. Chocolate plum and spice notes. Head vanishes with a soda-like appearance. Lots of carbonation. Finishes bitter chocolate, a little sassafras with thick body.