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Atomium Grand Cru
Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
- From:
- Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
- Belgium
- Style:
- Belgian Pale Strong Ale
- ABV:
- 8%
- Score:
- 86
- Avg:
- 3.84 | pDev: 12.24%
- Reviews:
- 87
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Apr 12, 2020
- Added:
- Mar 14, 2003
- Wants:
- 12
- Gots:
- 16
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by connecticutpoet:
Reviewed by connecticutpoet from Connecticut
3.03/5 rDev -21.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
3.03/5 rDev -21.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This beer was difficult to review, as it's nowhere near my favorite style, and it's hard to keep in mind that I'm reviewing it versus others of the style.
On the pour into my pint glass, this beer produced a prodigious, six finger head, nearly filling the glass with foam. As it subsided, it got somewhat rocky, and it was a while before I was able to get the whole 11.2 bottle into my pint glass. The body was a deep yellow, with a slight haze.
Aroma was primarily doughy and yeasty, with a bit of spiciness prominent as well. As it warmed, I was able to pick up notes of fresh white bread.
Taste was spicy and peppery at first, with hints of esteriness. The yeast was profoundly noticeable.
Mouthfeel was highly carbonated, with an average body to it. However, the flavors sort of faded quickly on the aftertaste, which left me with an impression of it having been thin, even though I know it was not.
Drinkability is staggeringly average. I was not impressed enough to have it again, and I agree with the impression some people gave that this is a watered down tripel. Not quite sweet enough for that, in my opinion, but the other qualities were right in line. Didn't give me the slightest hint of a buzz, either, and I drank it rather quickly. I do believe that my next beer tonight will have to be a darker one to make up for it. That leaves Fruli and Cerise out of the running.
May 31, 2009On the pour into my pint glass, this beer produced a prodigious, six finger head, nearly filling the glass with foam. As it subsided, it got somewhat rocky, and it was a while before I was able to get the whole 11.2 bottle into my pint glass. The body was a deep yellow, with a slight haze.
Aroma was primarily doughy and yeasty, with a bit of spiciness prominent as well. As it warmed, I was able to pick up notes of fresh white bread.
Taste was spicy and peppery at first, with hints of esteriness. The yeast was profoundly noticeable.
Mouthfeel was highly carbonated, with an average body to it. However, the flavors sort of faded quickly on the aftertaste, which left me with an impression of it having been thin, even though I know it was not.
Drinkability is staggeringly average. I was not impressed enough to have it again, and I agree with the impression some people gave that this is a watered down tripel. Not quite sweet enough for that, in my opinion, but the other qualities were right in line. Didn't give me the slightest hint of a buzz, either, and I drank it rather quickly. I do believe that my next beer tonight will have to be a darker one to make up for it. That leaves Fruli and Cerise out of the running.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by StonedTrippin from Colorado
3.94/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.94/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
a unique beer as grand cru goes, flavorful and different, never seen this one around before now. its a weird pick for an italian restaurant to have on their menu, but im not complaining, peroni wasnt going to cut it! this is hazy amber colored with a nice off white belgian looking head on it and only a little bit of sediment as the very bottom of the stubby little bottle, looks pretty good, even in a pint glass, which is definitely wrong for this, but came to the table already poured, too late to ask for a wine glass or anything. strong spice notes in nose and taste, this one apparently uses quite a few different malts, and i wouldnt be surprised if rye and/or triticale were among them, as this has a definite spice to it, earthy, dry, harvest timey, and quite pungent through the sweeter, more traditional grains. the yeast shows some banana and clove and even a pear ester, but its also relatively clean as these go, and doesnt overtake the drink at all. some clove in the taste, earthy grains, toffee, brown sugar, clove, plantain, almond, fig, golden raisin, rock candy, honey, mace, astringency, its odd, but its good, and it warms up really well, opening up more and more on the fermentation side but never getting sweet or strong, and holding its bubbles really well. maybe not a perfect accompaniment to a heavy pasta dish, but a fine bottle of beer that i feel fortunate to have found. unique malt profile, classic belgian yeast, old worldy and fun. very enjoyable, even if possibly dated.
Sep 26, 2019Reviewed by Smakawhat from Maryland
4.02/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.02/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from the bottle into a tulip glass.
Golden orange bodied, with light touches of off white colored creamy head goodness on top. A dolloped easily two fingers, settles to a nice icing like top. Nice middle column of carbonation rising through the centre to, excellent looking Belgian.
Solid estery touches on the nose. Sweet sensing fruit, almost orange like with touches of light cream. Hints a slight bit fussel but no terribly, mixing with a good fruity basket of peach and citrus.
Real nice palate. Slightly light bodied for a strong ale, but creamy flavors of light vanilla mixing with a nice sucrose of orange and peaches. Honey like finish with even less boozy flavors than expected from the nose too makes for a good feeling. Slightly prickly mouthfeel on the first tip of the tongue as well, making for a little bit of play in drinking.
Very nice easy going well rounded large Belgian golden ale.
Aug 25, 2018Golden orange bodied, with light touches of off white colored creamy head goodness on top. A dolloped easily two fingers, settles to a nice icing like top. Nice middle column of carbonation rising through the centre to, excellent looking Belgian.
Solid estery touches on the nose. Sweet sensing fruit, almost orange like with touches of light cream. Hints a slight bit fussel but no terribly, mixing with a good fruity basket of peach and citrus.
Real nice palate. Slightly light bodied for a strong ale, but creamy flavors of light vanilla mixing with a nice sucrose of orange and peaches. Honey like finish with even less boozy flavors than expected from the nose too makes for a good feeling. Slightly prickly mouthfeel on the first tip of the tongue as well, making for a little bit of play in drinking.
Very nice easy going well rounded large Belgian golden ale.
Reviewed by Blackop555 from Michigan
3.79/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.79/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours hazy copper. Fluffy, tall, white head that lasts a while fading to a rocky head.
Smells doughy malt, floral, funk, honey and hints of citrus and spice.
Tastes malty and honey. Floral, fruity, apple, raisin, touch of citrus and spice finish is semi dry with a light floral bitterness and malt. Medium body and fizzy medium carbonation.
May 19, 2017Smells doughy malt, floral, funk, honey and hints of citrus and spice.
Tastes malty and honey. Floral, fruity, apple, raisin, touch of citrus and spice finish is semi dry with a light floral bitterness and malt. Medium body and fizzy medium carbonation.
Reviewed by Bdubz94 from Wisconsin
4.33/5 rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.33/5 rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a medium golden color. A large head leaves nice lacing. The head stays around for quite a while. Smells very malty and bready with hints of banana and possibly other fruits. Tastes similar to the aroma with a hint of crispness. The crispness and carbonation on top of the malt backbone really make this beer. Although there are better Belgian beers out there, this is one I certainly enjoy. Very smooth for 8% ABV with just the right amount of mild fruity tones.
Apr 03, 2017Reviewed by Beginner2 from Illinois
4.11/5 rDev +7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.11/5 rDev +7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
We can argue if Atomium is among the very top BSPAs, but this one is good enough to have again and again. (This review is probably my third tasting; but only because it no longer is common in the Midwest.)
A nice head invites, but is only average. Aromatics are much fuller; Atomium has got the yeasts and grains producing some really interesting fruits and an earthiness so nice that I can stick my snout in this for the better part of the evening. But the bottle goes too quickly because the Taste delivers the nose's sensations as full flavors; fruity malts that become honey-ish in mid-palate and nice spicing that goes beyond just hops. The mouth ends creamy and, for me, satisfyingly balanced.
The OA effect is good, particularly when mide flavorful food is involved. Now based on memory, I suspect this yeast can vary across the years. But that's OK: I look forward to finding it again and, hopefully, again.
Oct 25, 2016A nice head invites, but is only average. Aromatics are much fuller; Atomium has got the yeasts and grains producing some really interesting fruits and an earthiness so nice that I can stick my snout in this for the better part of the evening. But the bottle goes too quickly because the Taste delivers the nose's sensations as full flavors; fruity malts that become honey-ish in mid-palate and nice spicing that goes beyond just hops. The mouth ends creamy and, for me, satisfyingly balanced.
The OA effect is good, particularly when mide flavorful food is involved. Now based on memory, I suspect this yeast can vary across the years. But that's OK: I look forward to finding it again and, hopefully, again.
Reviewed by chinchill from South Carolina
4.09/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.09/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
330 ml bottle in Oregon.
Large tan head over a hazy copper body.
Medium body and carbonation.
Fruity aroma suggests a multitude of both dark dried fruits and soft ripe fruits. plus some spices.
The nicely complex flavor largely follows but with lower spiciness. Date, fig and dried plums are all present.
Jul 24, 2016Large tan head over a hazy copper body.
Medium body and carbonation.
Fruity aroma suggests a multitude of both dark dried fruits and soft ripe fruits. plus some spices.
The nicely complex flavor largely follows but with lower spiciness. Date, fig and dried plums are all present.
Reviewed by Barnoloid from Illinois
4.34/5 rDev +13%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +13%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
There is a dryness to this ale that makes it extremely inviting, yet at the same time some sweet malt, bread and a touch of bitterness on the taste profile that adds a really complex pallette of flavors. A little pepper and spice with a honey note. Really solid, and goes well with food.
Mar 26, 2016Reviewed by jwc215 from Arizona
4.05/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.05/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours hazed medium golden with a tint of orange. A thin, wispy head leaves trailing spotted lace.
The smell is of melon, banana, clove, cotton candy, caramel and lemongrass. Pretty robust.
The taste is of clove honey, melon, banana, bubbelgum, and a touch of lemongrass. Some alcohol shows in a peppery, warming way.
Smooth medium body.
A well-made, enoyable, sweet-leaning Belgian Strong Pale Ale!
Dec 05, 2015The smell is of melon, banana, clove, cotton candy, caramel and lemongrass. Pretty robust.
The taste is of clove honey, melon, banana, bubbelgum, and a touch of lemongrass. Some alcohol shows in a peppery, warming way.
Smooth medium body.
A well-made, enoyable, sweet-leaning Belgian Strong Pale Ale!
Rated by Raynman from California
4.62/5 rDev +20.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.62/5 rDev +20.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Had the beer on tap. Golden color. Nice aroma with hints of orange. Very smooth to drink
Aug 23, 2015Rated by BMBCLT from South Carolina
1.94/5 rDev -49.5%
look: 2 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
1.94/5 rDev -49.5%
look: 2 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
Love Belgians, but this is not good.
Drain-pour!
Jun 23, 2015Drain-pour!
Atomium Grand Cru from Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Beer rating:
86 out of
100 with
167 ratings
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