Hercule Stout
Brasserie Ellezelloise

Hercule StoutHercule Stout
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From:
Brasserie Ellezelloise
 
Belgium
Style:
Russian Imperial Stout
Ranked #363
ABV:
9%
Score:
90
Ranked #9,208
Avg:
4.03 | pDev: 12.16%
Reviews:
273
Ratings:
469
Status:
Active
Rated:
Dec 02, 2023
Added:
Oct 12, 2001
Wants:
  29
Gots:
  42
The only self-proclaimed ‘Belgian stout’ – 9% by volume – named after famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirrot and considered a World Classic.

Made in small batches, then lagered for ten days in German oak casks.

The Hercule is considered by many to be a classic – very malty, but dry, with a hint of sweetness in the finish, and perfectly hopped. It has a very distinctive and intoxicating spicy aroma of fresh spruce that suddenly, irresistibly, fills the room when the swing-top is released. This unique house character probably derives from the strains of yeast used by the brewery – and possibly from the fermentation in oak – because the beers are made entirely of malt and hops, without any spices or sugar.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.26 by DylanBrkhff from Netherlands

Dec 02, 2023
 
Rated: 4.04 by Sphagnicola from Belgium

Mar 16, 2023
 
Rated: 3.96 by HopBelT from Belgium

Apr 18, 2021
Photo of REVZEB
Reviewed by REVZEB from Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
Very dark brown, with lighter brown edging, no head after initial salvo. Smells of tons of date with supporting plum, raisin, molasses, and brown sugar, with a roasted malt backing. Taste is so short lived, dark fruit and chocolately malts zip by the palate, like what I got but it turn watery quickly. Which brings us to the feel, watery, thin, yet malty. Like so watery I'm not convinced it isn't flavored water. Give me more body!
Dec 22, 2020
Photo of JonnoWillsteed
Reviewed by JonnoWillsteed from England

3.83/5  rDev -5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The bottle had rested for weeks and been well chilled and handled with care, but man did it want to foam when gently releasing the cap. Tip #1 be prepared to progressively release some gas from the cap but be ready to lock it shut again if it foams, then wait and repeat.
L- In natural light it's black. To a halogen it's ultra dark chestnut/ruby. Sediment in it is just visible and pours with a 2mm pale tan head.
S- Prominent coffee, front and centre.
T- Deep roasted, very toasty charred plus pungent coffee. How they get that from just barley/malt/hops+yeast I've no idea.
F- It's solid meaty has depth and a pungent feel - glad to say it never strays anywhere in the direction of having a sweet note. This is primo winter-warmer stuff. Slow-sippin' in front of the log fire.
O- It's lovely, great balance, nothing out of place to note. I'd happily buy and drink this again.
Bought from BelgiumInABox Antwerp/BE for delivery to me in London/UK. 330ml bottle BBE: 04/21
May 24, 2020
 
Rated: 3.99 by arzt from Germany

May 17, 2020
Photo of GuyFawkes
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Black liquid; a dull orange rust appears at the edges when held to the light.

Nice khaki head; a curtain of lace.

Dark fruits & bread in the nose; definitely a Belgian stout.

Medium thick mouthfeel; creamy like a nitro tap.

Cherry, licorice, slight wax & slight chocolate conspire to make a singular, delicious beer.

Truly unique, I've never had a flavor quite like this. More importantly, it's delicious.

More than worth the $7 I paid for 11.2oz. Just...wow.
Apr 04, 2019
 
Rated: 2.59 by jbeerd from Antarctica

Mar 25, 2019
 
Rated: 3.97 by JOBEERFB from Belgium

Jan 14, 2019
 
Rated: 4.19 by robotic_being from Illinois

Aug 29, 2018
 
Rated: 3.99 by TheCrowsEye from California

Dec 14, 2017
 
Rated: 3 by Erik-P from Canada (BC)

Dec 11, 2017
 
Rated: 4.25 by steverx8 from England

Oct 14, 2017
 
Rated: 3.7 by unclekeith from Alaska

Sep 02, 2017
 
Rated: 4.07 by Walnut from Missouri

Aug 24, 2017
 
Rated: 4.1 by shelby415 from Oregon

Jul 28, 2017
 
Rated: 4.21 by Quafftastic from Virginia

May 16, 2017
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Rated by IPA1978 from Missouri

3.49/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Not a typical stout, has some fruity flavors and mild cocoa and roasted malt. Comes across to me like a dark saison, maybe even some brett.
Apr 19, 2017
 
Rated: 3.98 by Casey_L from Texas

Apr 16, 2017
 
Rated: 3.84 by stephenlee from England

Dec 31, 2016
Hercule Stout from Brasserie Ellezelloise
Beer rating: 90 out of 100 with 469 ratings