Bush Ambrée | Brasserie Dubuisson Frères sprl
Brewed by:
Brasserie Dubuisson Frères sprl
Belgium | website
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by Bierman9 on 09-25-2001
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 415 | Ratings: 657
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3.77/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Now there are two types of bush in this world: One that produces delicious berries, and George W Bush. Hopefully Bush Ambrée is good Bush. TBH, this one caught me by surprise, I thought I had reviewed some pretty big Belgian beers in the past but Bush claims to be “THE STRONGEST BELGIAN BEER” quite prominently on the back label. I had to check back over all the Belgian beers I’ve reviewed and the only thing that comes close to 12% ABV is Trappistes Rochefort 10 at 11.3%... so I guess Bush is the strongest then.
Poured from a 330ml bottle into a Chimay chalice.
A: Yee HAW! We got us a heap o’ them yeast particles floating around up in them there glass *best Yosemite Sam impression*. Along with a typical amber body and thin white lace I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much yeast floating in a glass, it’s a massive yeast party [insert highly (in)appropriate yeast infection joke here]... a little off-settling actually. 6/10.
S: Over ripe apples and pear, hints of dark fruit and quite a big boozy note, hope it’s not a half glass of beer with Grandmas brandy making up the rest, fingers crossed. Add a truckload of sugar, and you’ll be spot on the aroma of Bush. 7/10.
T: Yep. Sugar. Truckloads. But we expected that from the Belgians who famously use truckloads of sugar in their brews, and this is THE strongest Belgian beer one can buy, so yeah, obvious really. Once you get past the overbearing sweetness though there are some nice flavours at play with the over ripe apples, pears providing some acidity to cut through the sweetness, along with notes of plum with bready yeast, and a medicinal bitter finish. 8/10.
M: Medium to heavy body with a dense, excitable carbonation. 7/10.
D: Good? Yes. I can however feel a headache coming on like a swarm of sharks smelling blood in the water. Better pop a couple Aspirin with this brew. I do appreciate that my face is warm now, living in Canberra (which is the Australian word for “cold winters”). Overall though this beer is competing in the best stable in the world - the pedigree of Belgian Strong Ales, and there are many other great options: Duvel (of course!), La Chouffe, Piraat and Delirium Tremens. That said it is cheaper than all of those... this is then, I do declare, the best cheapest Belgian Strong Ale you can get, yay! 8/10.
Food match: Ibuprofen, Panadol and Aspirin - pick your poison. Or cheese platter.
★ 2,414 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Now there are two types of bush in this world: One that produces delicious berries, and George W Bush. Hopefully Bush Ambrée is good Bush. TBH, this one caught me by surprise, I thought I had reviewed some pretty big Belgian beers in the past but Bush claims to be “THE STRONGEST BELGIAN BEER” quite prominently on the back label. I had to check back over all the Belgian beers I’ve reviewed and the only thing that comes close to 12% ABV is Trappistes Rochefort 10 at 11.3%... so I guess Bush is the strongest then.
Poured from a 330ml bottle into a Chimay chalice.
A: Yee HAW! We got us a heap o’ them yeast particles floating around up in them there glass *best Yosemite Sam impression*. Along with a typical amber body and thin white lace I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much yeast floating in a glass, it’s a massive yeast party [insert highly (in)appropriate yeast infection joke here]... a little off-settling actually. 6/10.
S: Over ripe apples and pear, hints of dark fruit and quite a big boozy note, hope it’s not a half glass of beer with Grandmas brandy making up the rest, fingers crossed. Add a truckload of sugar, and you’ll be spot on the aroma of Bush. 7/10.
T: Yep. Sugar. Truckloads. But we expected that from the Belgians who famously use truckloads of sugar in their brews, and this is THE strongest Belgian beer one can buy, so yeah, obvious really. Once you get past the overbearing sweetness though there are some nice flavours at play with the over ripe apples, pears providing some acidity to cut through the sweetness, along with notes of plum with bready yeast, and a medicinal bitter finish. 8/10.
M: Medium to heavy body with a dense, excitable carbonation. 7/10.
D: Good? Yes. I can however feel a headache coming on like a swarm of sharks smelling blood in the water. Better pop a couple Aspirin with this brew. I do appreciate that my face is warm now, living in Canberra (which is the Australian word for “cold winters”). Overall though this beer is competing in the best stable in the world - the pedigree of Belgian Strong Ales, and there are many other great options: Duvel (of course!), La Chouffe, Piraat and Delirium Tremens. That said it is cheaper than all of those... this is then, I do declare, the best cheapest Belgian Strong Ale you can get, yay! 8/10.
Food match: Ibuprofen, Panadol and Aspirin - pick your poison. Or cheese platter.
★ 2,414 characters
3.87/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a deep orange with lighter head than expected,aroma was rich and nutty with some concentrated orange aromas as well.Flavors are sweet and orange liquore tasting pretty syrupy with some light nutty flavors that linger in the finish.The alcohol is very prevelant even more as it warms.I think this would be a nice nightcap,would make ya sleep well Iam sure.
★ 361 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a deep orange with lighter head than expected,aroma was rich and nutty with some concentrated orange aromas as well.Flavors are sweet and orange liquore tasting pretty syrupy with some light nutty flavors that linger in the finish.The alcohol is very prevelant even more as it warms.I think this would be a nice nightcap,would make ya sleep well Iam sure.
★ 361 characters
4.09/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance Bright orange in color with a tight, foamy head.
Smell Light yeast aroma with a strong spiciness typical of the style. The coriander especially is very strong. The nose finishes with a lovely fruitiness consisting of big Florida oranges, cranberries, some cherry, and maybe raspberries.
Taste Beautiful dough and orange flavors come out in the tongue. The alcohol also is much more prominent than in the nose. The strong fruity finish is consistent with the nose, yet not as complex.
Mouthfeel Nearly full in the mouth with a strong alcohol sensation and well carbonated.
Drinkability The alcohol notes will make or break your opinion of this ale. If its too much for you, you wont be able to enjoy it. If youre used to drinking hard liquor and the sting of 100 proof booze isnt offending, youll be able to appreciate this ale.
★ 875 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance Bright orange in color with a tight, foamy head.
Smell Light yeast aroma with a strong spiciness typical of the style. The coriander especially is very strong. The nose finishes with a lovely fruitiness consisting of big Florida oranges, cranberries, some cherry, and maybe raspberries.
Taste Beautiful dough and orange flavors come out in the tongue. The alcohol also is much more prominent than in the nose. The strong fruity finish is consistent with the nose, yet not as complex.
Mouthfeel Nearly full in the mouth with a strong alcohol sensation and well carbonated.
Drinkability The alcohol notes will make or break your opinion of this ale. If its too much for you, you wont be able to enjoy it. If youre used to drinking hard liquor and the sting of 100 proof booze isnt offending, youll be able to appreciate this ale.
★ 875 characters
3.86/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
LOOK (3/5) Pours a light copper to amber with a lot of orange - nice color. It was very opaque, about as much as a witbier. Some particles are held in suspension, which I don't like. It produces very little head and falls to nothing very quickly and leaves no lacing.
SMELL (4.5/5) Malty with a decent helping of the munich/vienna mailard notes (prune/plum/dates). The main twist here is a lot more sour tartness that I'd expect from this style (though much less than a Flanders Red or a Gueuze) there is also a tinge of brunky earthiness that may be brett. This switches the balance from sweet to more tart and reminiscent of figs and dried berries. No real hops, pepper, or alcohol (at 12%!).
TASTE (4.5/5) The flavour is really similar to the nose and all the same characters are present. The rich mailard malt is played up by a yeast character that's tart and sour as well as earth and brunky - the result is a complex fig, dried grape/berry/cherry flavor. Very smooth! The finish is good - balance is acheived with the malt and the tart. A bit of pepper and alcohol warmth on the finish.
FEEL (4/5) Carbonation is pretty weak & the body is medium-light, it would be velvety. That being said, the flavor is strong enough that if there more body it would have been too much. Tartness tickles the mouth on the finish and some lasting syrupy sweetness.
DRINK (3.5/5) Very flavorful and so tasty! It has a kinda port. More of a sipper, not a session.
★ 1,454 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
LOOK (3/5) Pours a light copper to amber with a lot of orange - nice color. It was very opaque, about as much as a witbier. Some particles are held in suspension, which I don't like. It produces very little head and falls to nothing very quickly and leaves no lacing.
SMELL (4.5/5) Malty with a decent helping of the munich/vienna mailard notes (prune/plum/dates). The main twist here is a lot more sour tartness that I'd expect from this style (though much less than a Flanders Red or a Gueuze) there is also a tinge of brunky earthiness that may be brett. This switches the balance from sweet to more tart and reminiscent of figs and dried berries. No real hops, pepper, or alcohol (at 12%!).
TASTE (4.5/5) The flavour is really similar to the nose and all the same characters are present. The rich mailard malt is played up by a yeast character that's tart and sour as well as earth and brunky - the result is a complex fig, dried grape/berry/cherry flavor. Very smooth! The finish is good - balance is acheived with the malt and the tart. A bit of pepper and alcohol warmth on the finish.
FEEL (4/5) Carbonation is pretty weak & the body is medium-light, it would be velvety. That being said, the flavor is strong enough that if there more body it would have been too much. Tartness tickles the mouth on the finish and some lasting syrupy sweetness.
DRINK (3.5/5) Very flavorful and so tasty! It has a kinda port. More of a sipper, not a session.
★ 1,454 characters
4.03/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
little tiny 8.5 ounce bottle poured into a chalice. gunsmoke greets me and I rejoice.
A: beautiful golden amber body. totally clear with tiny bubbles rising from the depths. Pretty clean white head which disipates quickly, though at 12% ABV not too surprised. agitation easily brings it back, light lacing.
S: rum, moist vanilla cake, alcohol, raisons, ripe green fruit
T/M: Chewy mouthfeel brings with it a lighter than expected body that delivers a lot of what the nose promises. Raisons, sugar, bakers sweets, some subtle green fruit on the finish all on top of simple solid malt. The alcohol is very warming, barely percieved on the tongue but I already feel it in my head after 4 or 5 sips. Finish is dry and slightly astringent with quite a bit of spice on the back of the throat and tongue.
D: um...12% ABV....4 bucks for 8 oz's...hard to find...what do you expect. that being said, its a great nightcap.
this beer is a style unto itself, unlike any other quadrupel I know. presents a lot of barley wine qualities with a belgian beer mouthfeel. very interesting and enjoyable.
★ 1,098 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
little tiny 8.5 ounce bottle poured into a chalice. gunsmoke greets me and I rejoice.
A: beautiful golden amber body. totally clear with tiny bubbles rising from the depths. Pretty clean white head which disipates quickly, though at 12% ABV not too surprised. agitation easily brings it back, light lacing.
S: rum, moist vanilla cake, alcohol, raisons, ripe green fruit
T/M: Chewy mouthfeel brings with it a lighter than expected body that delivers a lot of what the nose promises. Raisons, sugar, bakers sweets, some subtle green fruit on the finish all on top of simple solid malt. The alcohol is very warming, barely percieved on the tongue but I already feel it in my head after 4 or 5 sips. Finish is dry and slightly astringent with quite a bit of spice on the back of the throat and tongue.
D: um...12% ABV....4 bucks for 8 oz's...hard to find...what do you expect. that being said, its a great nightcap.
this beer is a style unto itself, unlike any other quadrupel I know. presents a lot of barley wine qualities with a belgian beer mouthfeel. very interesting and enjoyable.
★ 1,098 characters
4.82/5 rDev +25.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Enjoyed at Cafe Hollander in Wauwatosa, WI as part of their first Belgian Beer Dinner. This beer was poured into a small wine glass and served close to room temperature. It had a reddish-mahogany body with a little bit of foam around the sides of the glass. Aromas of dried cherries, cinnamon, and oak. Full bodied mouthfeel that coats your tongue in silky sweet malts with a pleasant alcohol warmth. This is the perfect substitute for an after-dinner port.
★ 457 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Enjoyed at Cafe Hollander in Wauwatosa, WI as part of their first Belgian Beer Dinner. This beer was poured into a small wine glass and served close to room temperature. It had a reddish-mahogany body with a little bit of foam around the sides of the glass. Aromas of dried cherries, cinnamon, and oak. Full bodied mouthfeel that coats your tongue in silky sweet malts with a pleasant alcohol warmth. This is the perfect substitute for an after-dinner port.
★ 457 characters
4.25/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Served in a goblet, the beer was a clear golden color with a small head. A decent amount of lacing. The aroma was sweet fruit with a little malt. More fruit in the taste, as well as some spice. Warmth from the alcohol also apparent. Pretty full-bodied, and a bit of a handful. One of these was enough.
★ 301 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Served in a goblet, the beer was a clear golden color with a small head. A decent amount of lacing. The aroma was sweet fruit with a little malt. More fruit in the taste, as well as some spice. Warmth from the alcohol also apparent. Pretty full-bodied, and a bit of a handful. One of these was enough.
★ 301 characters
4.8/5 rDev +25%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
This is one superb beer I just found it today.
Pours very well. Leaves a small amount of head. Poured into tulip glass. Smells great.
It has a great smooth sweet taste thats not too heavy with a nice sweet aftertaste. Not too sweet and not too much alcohol taste considering 12% abv.
This has just hit the list of one of my favorite beers. I have nothing negative to say about this beer. I will buy again!
★ 411 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
This is one superb beer I just found it today.
Pours very well. Leaves a small amount of head. Poured into tulip glass. Smells great.
It has a great smooth sweet taste thats not too heavy with a nice sweet aftertaste. Not too sweet and not too much alcohol taste considering 12% abv.
This has just hit the list of one of my favorite beers. I have nothing negative to say about this beer. I will buy again!
★ 411 characters
3.47/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
First I must say Belgian Strong Pale is a stupid categorical name. While it is belgian, strong it is more certainly not pale.
This beer was served in a Scaldis tulip glass. As part of my Uprising at Novare Res.
The bee is amber almost the dark side of amber. A thick head forms and dissipates to the glasses edge, surprising amount of head at 12%. The head is dense and sticky.
The nose is pale malts hints of a mattalic not but faint figs and other berry notes come across no alcohol.
Unlike the nose the taste is more in your face, bigger fig and prune notes. The maltyness is prominent with a slight and I mean slight alcohol in the back.
★ 647 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
First I must say Belgian Strong Pale is a stupid categorical name. While it is belgian, strong it is more certainly not pale.
This beer was served in a Scaldis tulip glass. As part of my Uprising at Novare Res.
The bee is amber almost the dark side of amber. A thick head forms and dissipates to the glasses edge, surprising amount of head at 12%. The head is dense and sticky.
The nose is pale malts hints of a mattalic not but faint figs and other berry notes come across no alcohol.
Unlike the nose the taste is more in your face, bigger fig and prune notes. The maltyness is prominent with a slight and I mean slight alcohol in the back.
★ 647 characters
3.55/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Pours a clear amber body with a small beige head. Some delicate curtains of lace decorate the goblet. Aroma is very fruity with melon and ripe banana. Medium body with subdued carbonation. Taste is sweet with fruity melon. Some noble hops bitterness and alcohol warmth. Too sweet to be very drinkable.
★ 301 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Pours a clear amber body with a small beige head. Some delicate curtains of lace decorate the goblet. Aroma is very fruity with melon and ripe banana. Medium body with subdued carbonation. Taste is sweet with fruity melon. Some noble hops bitterness and alcohol warmth. Too sweet to be very drinkable.
★ 301 characters
3.85/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Tap @ O'Brien's. Pours hazy amber with a thick, rocky off-white head. Funky sweet aroma, lots of caramel and sugar, bubblegum, red apple, bread, and maple syrup. Strong flavor. Yeast ester bubblegum with nougat, but blended with a sourness and oak. More flavor comes out as it warms. Sherry, cherry, butterscotch, orange candy, and brown sugar blend with the early tastes. Somewhat heavy, and the alcohol is very warm.
★ 418 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Tap @ O'Brien's. Pours hazy amber with a thick, rocky off-white head. Funky sweet aroma, lots of caramel and sugar, bubblegum, red apple, bread, and maple syrup. Strong flavor. Yeast ester bubblegum with nougat, but blended with a sourness and oak. More flavor comes out as it warms. Sherry, cherry, butterscotch, orange candy, and brown sugar blend with the early tastes. Somewhat heavy, and the alcohol is very warm.
★ 418 characters
3.18/5 rDev -17.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
Purchased a can of Bush Amber at a market in Brussels.
Appearance-Cloudy, amber color with thick tan off-white head that dissipates after a few drinks
Smell-Heavy on malt aroma with slight fruity, yeasty aroma, with hints of ethanol
Taste-Plenty of hops hold on at end. Alcohol bite is noticeable after a couple drinks but then blends nicely towards bottom. Malt flavor is good but a little light considering heavy alcohol level. Definitely a unique taste.
Mouthfeel-Heavy body, alcohol is noticeable.
Drinkability-Worth 1-3, much past that and it won't matter.
★ 562 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
Purchased a can of Bush Amber at a market in Brussels.
Appearance-Cloudy, amber color with thick tan off-white head that dissipates after a few drinks
Smell-Heavy on malt aroma with slight fruity, yeasty aroma, with hints of ethanol
Taste-Plenty of hops hold on at end. Alcohol bite is noticeable after a couple drinks but then blends nicely towards bottom. Malt flavor is good but a little light considering heavy alcohol level. Definitely a unique taste.
Mouthfeel-Heavy body, alcohol is noticeable.
Drinkability-Worth 1-3, much past that and it won't matter.
★ 562 characters
3.87/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.25
Bright orange color. Light fruity maybe a bit of malt. Banana notes and a lil boozy. Boozy, sweet fruity caramel and balanced. Big and intense.
145 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.25
Bright orange color. Light fruity maybe a bit of malt. Banana notes and a lil boozy. Boozy, sweet fruity caramel and balanced. Big and intense.
145 characters
3.97/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured an amber color with a rusty-golden hue from a 11.2oz bottle. The head was weak and thin, the large bubbles quickly dissipated without leaving any lacing of which to speak.
An aroma of honey, toasty malt, and caramel. The flavor offered just a suggestion of citrus at the edges of the warm malt, honey, caramel, butterscotch, some golden raisin, and substantial alcohol.
Mouthfeel is full and warm, with good action on the palate. It begins with just a flutter of citrus, then the toasty malt, follwed by a sweetness inspired by caramel and butterscotch, then finishing with a jolt of alcohol. A rich, sugary, goodness clings to the lips.
Good drinkability. It's complex, sweet, and alcoholic, yet balanced enough to not be overbearing in any single respect. Very solid indeed. Salud.
★ 802 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured an amber color with a rusty-golden hue from a 11.2oz bottle. The head was weak and thin, the large bubbles quickly dissipated without leaving any lacing of which to speak.
An aroma of honey, toasty malt, and caramel. The flavor offered just a suggestion of citrus at the edges of the warm malt, honey, caramel, butterscotch, some golden raisin, and substantial alcohol.
Mouthfeel is full and warm, with good action on the palate. It begins with just a flutter of citrus, then the toasty malt, follwed by a sweetness inspired by caramel and butterscotch, then finishing with a jolt of alcohol. A rich, sugary, goodness clings to the lips.
Good drinkability. It's complex, sweet, and alcoholic, yet balanced enough to not be overbearing in any single respect. Very solid indeed. Salud.
★ 802 characters
Bush Ambrée from Brasserie Dubuisson Frères sprl
3.84
out of 5
based on 657 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Presentation: Tiny 8.4 oz brown bottle with a dark orange foil over the cap. A lot # or odd freshness date on the side of the label could be deciphered as the month, week of the month and year to drink before.
Appearance: Aggressively carbonated though with the beer being thick it takes its time as it rolls to the top to form a rocky head. Peachy orange colour with small flakes of yeast floating around.
Smell: Peppery sweet alcohol, ripe tropical fruit like pineapple and mango are thrown to the nostrils. Some malt sweetness is the back also.
Taste: Creamy medium body with a thick carbonation, big unwavering alcoholic character is there from start to finish. Peppery and warming with a sweetish sherry like flavour. Nectarine? Fruitiness is there but mixed. Hints of medicinal phenols. Malt flavour is cake like and a bit doughy, it seems uniform all the way through also. Hops a mild and a bit of a veggie flavour peeks in. Finishes with more alcohol and leaves some residual sweetness.
Notes: Impressively strong yet balanced in a way given its strength. Makes a perfect dessert beer or a night cap to sip on. Certainly is close to the barley wine style though still lined with a big Belgian influence.
★ 1,223 characters