Fantôme Chocolat
Brasserie Fantôme
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- Farmhouse Ale - Saison
Ranked #1,436 - ABV:
- 8%
- Score:
- 86
Ranked #24,922 - Avg:
- 3.81 | pDev: 14.7%
- Reviews:
- 237
- Ratings:
- From:
- Brasserie Fantôme
- Belgium
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 36
- Gots
- 31
SCORE
86
Very Good
86
Very Good
Notes:
A Belgian ’saison-style’ ale brewed with cocoa powder and chili pepper? Ay, Caramba! Score another first for the unpredictable brewery that was the first -- and so far the only - brewery to make ales out of dandelions and mushrooms, among other things.
Reviews: 237
| Ratings: 365
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Snowcrash000 from Germany
4.35/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours an almost clear, deep, dark amber coloration with a large, quite fluffy head and visible carbonation. Smells of doughy, biscuity malt, estery fruit and spice notes of green apple and clove, as well as just a hint of chocolate. Taste is an excellent balance of light, doughy, biscuity malt, fruity and slightly spicy estery yeast notes of tart green apple, pear and clove, some quite light, earthy funk and just a hint of chocolate and chili, with the chili being especially subtle. Finishes with a light tartness and bitterness, as well as some estery fruit, spice and chocolate lingering in the aftertaste. Fluffy, effervescent moiuthfeel with a medium body and strong carbonation.
The chocolate and chili are quite subtle here, but they are supposed to be, this is a Saison after all, not an Imperial Stout, although the chocolate is quite a bit more distinct than the chili, which is only faintly noticeable in the aftertaste, sort of combining with the estery clove to lend a very mildly hot kick to this. The main body of this is made up from the typical flavor profile that you would expect from a Saison: doughy malt, estery fruit/spice and some light tartness and funk, with a very nice overall balance, the subtle chocolate and chili lending an interesting, exotic side to this without overlaying or taking away from the main Saison character. I actually feel like the chocolate and chili are both coming out a bit more this warms and a little chili heat starts to build up on the tongue.
Dec 08, 2019
4.35/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours an almost clear, deep, dark amber coloration with a large, quite fluffy head and visible carbonation. Smells of doughy, biscuity malt, estery fruit and spice notes of green apple and clove, as well as just a hint of chocolate. Taste is an excellent balance of light, doughy, biscuity malt, fruity and slightly spicy estery yeast notes of tart green apple, pear and clove, some quite light, earthy funk and just a hint of chocolate and chili, with the chili being especially subtle. Finishes with a light tartness and bitterness, as well as some estery fruit, spice and chocolate lingering in the aftertaste. Fluffy, effervescent moiuthfeel with a medium body and strong carbonation.
The chocolate and chili are quite subtle here, but they are supposed to be, this is a Saison after all, not an Imperial Stout, although the chocolate is quite a bit more distinct than the chili, which is only faintly noticeable in the aftertaste, sort of combining with the estery clove to lend a very mildly hot kick to this. The main body of this is made up from the typical flavor profile that you would expect from a Saison: doughy malt, estery fruit/spice and some light tartness and funk, with a very nice overall balance, the subtle chocolate and chili lending an interesting, exotic side to this without overlaying or taking away from the main Saison character. I actually feel like the chocolate and chili are both coming out a bit more this warms and a little chili heat starts to build up on the tongue.
Dec 08, 2019
janubio from Spain
3.74/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Served at home in a Fantome tulip glass. Pours a hazy golden colour, big head with medium retention, good lacing.
Aroma of citrics. Then some notes of spices, bretts and a very faint hint of chocolate.
Medium body, oily texture, good carbonation. Citric finish.
Taste of citrics, spices, and again faint notes of chocolate. I can't feel the chili anywhere.
Very good, but not really much chocolate.
Feb 21, 2019
3.74/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Served at home in a Fantome tulip glass. Pours a hazy golden colour, big head with medium retention, good lacing.
Aroma of citrics. Then some notes of spices, bretts and a very faint hint of chocolate.
Medium body, oily texture, good carbonation. Citric finish.
Taste of citrics, spices, and again faint notes of chocolate. I can't feel the chili anywhere.
Very good, but not really much chocolate.
Feb 21, 2019
SHODriver from North Carolina
3.75/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A: Poured into a Duvel tulip to a dark golden orange which is topped by a dense two finger white head which retains well but fades slowly while leaving decent lacing
S: Smells of light chocolate and orchard fruits slight grassy/hay note with a little citrus in there as well.
T: Taste is lightly tart before some chili heat comes in along with a slight cocoa powder note. Nice orchard fruits come in as well along with a slight lemon zest note. On the finish this beer is more orchard fruits with a little more chili heat, light chocolate, and lingering lemon zest.
M: This beer is on the lighter side of medium in body with a somewhat slick feel on the palate. Carbonation is effervescent and slightly prickly while the beer has a drying finish which is expected for the style.
O: Overall this is a really interesting beer. It isn't as chocolate forward as the name would suggest. What it is though is a nice twist on a Saison that still has plenty of those standard saison notes plus a little extra. It's worth a try if you don't mind things that color outside of the lines a little.
Nov 04, 2018
3.75/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A: Poured into a Duvel tulip to a dark golden orange which is topped by a dense two finger white head which retains well but fades slowly while leaving decent lacing
S: Smells of light chocolate and orchard fruits slight grassy/hay note with a little citrus in there as well.
T: Taste is lightly tart before some chili heat comes in along with a slight cocoa powder note. Nice orchard fruits come in as well along with a slight lemon zest note. On the finish this beer is more orchard fruits with a little more chili heat, light chocolate, and lingering lemon zest.
M: This beer is on the lighter side of medium in body with a somewhat slick feel on the palate. Carbonation is effervescent and slightly prickly while the beer has a drying finish which is expected for the style.
O: Overall this is a really interesting beer. It isn't as chocolate forward as the name would suggest. What it is though is a nice twist on a Saison that still has plenty of those standard saison notes plus a little extra. It's worth a try if you don't mind things that color outside of the lines a little.
Nov 04, 2018
VABA from Virginia
3.75/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A-Pours a hazy amber color with a slight head and lacing
A-Aroma has cocoa and chili pepper hints
T-The taste is snivel balanced but somewhat subdued cocoa and chili pepper flavor
M-A light bodied moderately carbonated beer
O-A decent cocoa and chili pepper beer
Oct 28, 2018
3.75/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A-Pours a hazy amber color with a slight head and lacing
A-Aroma has cocoa and chili pepper hints
T-The taste is snivel balanced but somewhat subdued cocoa and chili pepper flavor
M-A light bodied moderately carbonated beer
O-A decent cocoa and chili pepper beer
Oct 28, 2018
pat61 from Minnesota
4.5/5 rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I have a 7 year old bottle from my cellar
L: It pours bright copper amber blanketed by a 1" ecru foam cap with fair to good retention
S: big funky smell emerges as soon as you pop the cork and a little concentration picks out wet horse blanket, cocoa, fruit, a hint of pepper and some vegetable
T: Fruit dominates the flavors lightly seasoned with cocoa, a hint of butter, mild pepper heat, pepper flavor, and mild funk
F: High levels of carbonation give the beer a very creamy feel packed into a medium light body
O: Very elegant, well made and a delight to drink.
Mar 10, 2018
4.5/5 rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I have a 7 year old bottle from my cellar
L: It pours bright copper amber blanketed by a 1" ecru foam cap with fair to good retention
S: big funky smell emerges as soon as you pop the cork and a little concentration picks out wet horse blanket, cocoa, fruit, a hint of pepper and some vegetable
T: Fruit dominates the flavors lightly seasoned with cocoa, a hint of butter, mild pepper heat, pepper flavor, and mild funk
F: High levels of carbonation give the beer a very creamy feel packed into a medium light body
O: Very elegant, well made and a delight to drink.
Mar 10, 2018
FLima from Brazil
3.79/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Slightly hazy nice amber orange color with a thick beige head with great retention. I guess I did it right not to disturb the sediments.
Aroma with predominant notes of pine, pepper, wet tobacco and tangerine. Hints of lemongrass, spices, leather and aromatic herbs. I didn’t notice the cocoa.
Flavor with notes of pepper, cocoa powder, lots of white wine, wood, tangerine drops and Cointreau citrusy, a bit of leather and horse blanket, green apples, lemon, yellow fruits, caramel and a handful of condiments. Dry aftertaste with a medium bitterness and mild sourness that lingers.
Medium body with appropriate carbonation. Alcohol of 8% is felt only with a flavoring feature.
Unusual and interesting combination that worked well in my opinion. Funky notes were barking but under the leash, giving space to other nuances creating a Saison with excellent complexity.
Jan 25, 2017
3.79/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Slightly hazy nice amber orange color with a thick beige head with great retention. I guess I did it right not to disturb the sediments.
Aroma with predominant notes of pine, pepper, wet tobacco and tangerine. Hints of lemongrass, spices, leather and aromatic herbs. I didn’t notice the cocoa.
Flavor with notes of pepper, cocoa powder, lots of white wine, wood, tangerine drops and Cointreau citrusy, a bit of leather and horse blanket, green apples, lemon, yellow fruits, caramel and a handful of condiments. Dry aftertaste with a medium bitterness and mild sourness that lingers.
Medium body with appropriate carbonation. Alcohol of 8% is felt only with a flavoring feature.
Unusual and interesting combination that worked well in my opinion. Funky notes were barking but under the leash, giving space to other nuances creating a Saison with excellent complexity.
Jan 25, 2017
StonedTrippin from Colorado
3.5/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
i always want so badly to like the fantome stuff because a few of them were so special, but often the bottles are old, denatured too far by green glass, and entirely unimpressive. this is another one of those, but the one thing i always like about them is that they are different. none of these beers are like anything else in the market, and so even when i am not that into one, i always find a way to overrate it and appreciate it. this is no exception, a much older bottle, maybe 2013, and not much cocoa remains here. its a little chalky in texture and with some bitterness, but this does not really scream chocolate to me in any meaningful way. similarly, the peppers have likely faded as well, although i am not sure this was ever hot. a little tickle of that i still here, but even fresh i bet this was kind of mild. being older, it is not nearly as sweet as others have mentioned here, instead its more yeasty than anything, a little oxidation and a little bandaid, its not way medical and weird, but there is a definite astringency to it that is quite pronounced. the thing is, as weird and minimal as the cocoa and the chilies are, i really dont wish there were more of either in this beer. this odd thick rust colored freakshow needs nothing. in another context this might have actually gotten a drainpour from me, but i liked it somewhat better as it warmed, and the yeast grew on me especially, still belgian, saisony, and funky. proceed with caution though, this was far from impressive.
Jun 21, 2016
3.5/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
i always want so badly to like the fantome stuff because a few of them were so special, but often the bottles are old, denatured too far by green glass, and entirely unimpressive. this is another one of those, but the one thing i always like about them is that they are different. none of these beers are like anything else in the market, and so even when i am not that into one, i always find a way to overrate it and appreciate it. this is no exception, a much older bottle, maybe 2013, and not much cocoa remains here. its a little chalky in texture and with some bitterness, but this does not really scream chocolate to me in any meaningful way. similarly, the peppers have likely faded as well, although i am not sure this was ever hot. a little tickle of that i still here, but even fresh i bet this was kind of mild. being older, it is not nearly as sweet as others have mentioned here, instead its more yeasty than anything, a little oxidation and a little bandaid, its not way medical and weird, but there is a definite astringency to it that is quite pronounced. the thing is, as weird and minimal as the cocoa and the chilies are, i really dont wish there were more of either in this beer. this odd thick rust colored freakshow needs nothing. in another context this might have actually gotten a drainpour from me, but i liked it somewhat better as it warmed, and the yeast grew on me especially, still belgian, saisony, and funky. proceed with caution though, this was far from impressive.
Jun 21, 2016
jrenihan from Canada
3.76/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Pours with almost no head, an almost opaque murky golden. Nose is fairly nice, light fruits with a tart funky scent. No sign of the cocoa or chili. Flavour is less appealing. The chili provides a slight heat and the cocoa is slightly present. There is a funky flavour and some light fruits. It is a strange package and the funk is a bit offputting. Medium bodied and moderately carbonated, more than expected from the lack of head. Overall, not something I would look for again, but better than it could have been given the unusual combo and the variable consistency from Fantome.
Jan 05, 2016
3.76/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Pours with almost no head, an almost opaque murky golden. Nose is fairly nice, light fruits with a tart funky scent. No sign of the cocoa or chili. Flavour is less appealing. The chili provides a slight heat and the cocoa is slightly present. There is a funky flavour and some light fruits. It is a strange package and the funk is a bit offputting. Medium bodied and moderately carbonated, more than expected from the lack of head. Overall, not something I would look for again, but better than it could have been given the unusual combo and the variable consistency from Fantome.
Jan 05, 2016
hophugger from Virginia
3.53/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Nice saison that drinks like a Belgian. Golden in color with decent head and lacing. Aroma is light but at first sip, hints of cocoa and chili come forth. Those flavors mellow and the rest of the indulgence is a nice Belgian style ale. Mouthfeel is refreshing and finish is very clean.....
Nov 05, 2015
3.53/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Nice saison that drinks like a Belgian. Golden in color with decent head and lacing. Aroma is light but at first sip, hints of cocoa and chili come forth. Those flavors mellow and the rest of the indulgence is a nice Belgian style ale. Mouthfeel is refreshing and finish is very clean.....
Nov 05, 2015
nickfl from Florida
3.32/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
WTF? Fantome is hit and miss, and this is largely a miss. Bordering on cloyingly sweet and mostly dominated by the flavor and aroma of wet cigarets. Not undrinkable, but it makes me question the fact that I will certainly still buy the next new Fantome I see.
Sep 29, 2015
3.32/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
WTF? Fantome is hit and miss, and this is largely a miss. Bordering on cloyingly sweet and mostly dominated by the flavor and aroma of wet cigarets. Not undrinkable, but it makes me question the fact that I will certainly still buy the next new Fantome I see.
Sep 29, 2015
Roguer from Georgia
3.78/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
A really unattractive brew in the glass. Dark orange, cloudy and murky, like dirty pond water. No real head to speak of.
Aroma is very inviting: tart and lightly funky, spicy, with the yeast coming through quite well. It's a very rustic saison, with the spices muddling together in a tough to identify, but definitely enjoyable, blend.
Flavor follows. The cocoa and chile are both tough to nail down, yet both make themselves known beneath a more traditional, rustic Belgian saison base. Chocolate and chile build throughout the experience.
Feel is excellent; slightly tart and puckering, lively, smooth, with a wet, cloying finish. Absolutely no hint that this clocks in at 8%.
A fantastically interesting, and overall quite nice, saison.
Aug 26, 2015
3.78/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
A really unattractive brew in the glass. Dark orange, cloudy and murky, like dirty pond water. No real head to speak of.
Aroma is very inviting: tart and lightly funky, spicy, with the yeast coming through quite well. It's a very rustic saison, with the spices muddling together in a tough to identify, but definitely enjoyable, blend.
Flavor follows. The cocoa and chile are both tough to nail down, yet both make themselves known beneath a more traditional, rustic Belgian saison base. Chocolate and chile build throughout the experience.
Feel is excellent; slightly tart and puckering, lively, smooth, with a wet, cloying finish. Absolutely no hint that this clocks in at 8%.
A fantastically interesting, and overall quite nice, saison.
Aug 26, 2015
safaricook from Netherlands
4.63/5 rDev +21.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
murky orange with fine bubbles, some suspended yeast, dense off-white foam
Smell is a very rusty earthy saison character, with a hint of cocoa powder and hintof spice; furthermore sweet and bready malts, peppery phenols. Fantastic character. Reminds you of a metal box that used to be filled with cocoa powder.
Taste follows the aroma. The chilli spice is more prevalent than in the aroma without giving real heat. The cocoa powder forms a backbone with the sweetnes from the malts. thereis furthermore a bitterness and a tartness even that rounds out the experience
Refreshing very fine and and well integrated carbonation cuts through the 8% ABV. There is just the right medium body to make it chewy without taking away its refreshing character.
This is simply a fantastic sturdy saison that does not overwhelm you with the added chilli and cocoa but rather accentuates certain characters that are already present in the beer.
Aug 09, 2015
4.63/5 rDev +21.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
murky orange with fine bubbles, some suspended yeast, dense off-white foam
Smell is a very rusty earthy saison character, with a hint of cocoa powder and hintof spice; furthermore sweet and bready malts, peppery phenols. Fantastic character. Reminds you of a metal box that used to be filled with cocoa powder.
Taste follows the aroma. The chilli spice is more prevalent than in the aroma without giving real heat. The cocoa powder forms a backbone with the sweetnes from the malts. thereis furthermore a bitterness and a tartness even that rounds out the experience
Refreshing very fine and and well integrated carbonation cuts through the 8% ABV. There is just the right medium body to make it chewy without taking away its refreshing character.
This is simply a fantastic sturdy saison that does not overwhelm you with the added chilli and cocoa but rather accentuates certain characters that are already present in the beer.
Aug 09, 2015
Zach136 from Georgia
3.85/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Hazy orange-yellow no head.
Aroma: Funk that legit reminds me of my grandparent's goat barn. Goat blanket is what i'll call it. Cocoa and maybe a hint of pepper also come out.
Flavor: Oh God. It actually tastes like spicy goat funk.
Feb 13, 2015
3.85/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Hazy orange-yellow no head.
Aroma: Funk that legit reminds me of my grandparent's goat barn. Goat blanket is what i'll call it. Cocoa and maybe a hint of pepper also come out.
Flavor: Oh God. It actually tastes like spicy goat funk.
Feb 13, 2015
heygeebee from Australia
3.87/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Was expecting a saison with chocolate chilli flavours. I got a saison!!!
Really quite unusual.... Merest hint of chocolate and likewise with chilli if you thought reeeealy hard about the flavours, otherwise quite a standard saison, not so much earthiness, and a little mid palate hollowness and lightness in mouthfeel.
Otherwise quite solid, tho at 8% there maybe could be a bit more overall flavour.
Jan 02, 2015
3.87/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Was expecting a saison with chocolate chilli flavours. I got a saison!!!
Really quite unusual.... Merest hint of chocolate and likewise with chilli if you thought reeeealy hard about the flavours, otherwise quite a standard saison, not so much earthiness, and a little mid palate hollowness and lightness in mouthfeel.
Otherwise quite solid, tho at 8% there maybe could be a bit more overall flavour.
Jan 02, 2015
Pete_IV from New York
4.23/5 rDev +11%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A 2008 bottle poured into a fantome tulip.
This beer pours a hazy orange/amber color with a bubbly head that dissipates immediately. Smells funky, a nice cheesy funky. The taste follows the smell a tart funk acidy beer. peach? Despite no carbonation in the glass there is a bubbly tinge on the tongue. All around I enjoy this beer, nice and tart with the odd cheesy funk flavor that is just not to strong.
Dec 26, 2014
4.23/5 rDev +11%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A 2008 bottle poured into a fantome tulip.
This beer pours a hazy orange/amber color with a bubbly head that dissipates immediately. Smells funky, a nice cheesy funky. The taste follows the smell a tart funk acidy beer. peach? Despite no carbonation in the glass there is a bubbly tinge on the tongue. All around I enjoy this beer, nice and tart with the odd cheesy funk flavor that is just not to strong.
Dec 26, 2014
Alieniloquium from Florida
3/5 rDev -21.3%
750 mL bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Deep hazy orange with a bit of a white head. Thick collar.
Smell - A little acidic. Chocolate. A bit of pepper. Smoked aroma. Very odd.
Taste - Kinda tart. Burnt, smoky flavor. Citrus. Light pepper. Caramel malt.
Mouthfeel - High carbonation. Medium body.
Overall - What a strange beer. Not a very pleasant one, either.
Aug 16, 2014
3/5 rDev -21.3%
750 mL bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Deep hazy orange with a bit of a white head. Thick collar.
Smell - A little acidic. Chocolate. A bit of pepper. Smoked aroma. Very odd.
Taste - Kinda tart. Burnt, smoky flavor. Citrus. Light pepper. Caramel malt.
Mouthfeel - High carbonation. Medium body.
Overall - What a strange beer. Not a very pleasant one, either.
Aug 16, 2014
ADZA from Australia
4.1/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
Big thanks to MrKennedy for this one and pours a murky golden yellow hue with a massive three finger bubble laden dimply head and lacing everywhere,the smell is very unique I get chilli,chocolate and lemons with a background of Belgian yeast,the mouthfeel is medium bodied with above moderate carbonation and the tastes are toffee,light chocolate,a touch of farmhouse funk,lemons and the finish is a little tart with a sharp quick hit of chilli and overall theses guys are really the masters of saisons and I would definately buy this again such a unique collab of ingredients that all have their place and work cheers.
Jun 18, 2014
4.1/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
Big thanks to MrKennedy for this one and pours a murky golden yellow hue with a massive three finger bubble laden dimply head and lacing everywhere,the smell is very unique I get chilli,chocolate and lemons with a background of Belgian yeast,the mouthfeel is medium bodied with above moderate carbonation and the tastes are toffee,light chocolate,a touch of farmhouse funk,lemons and the finish is a little tart with a sharp quick hit of chilli and overall theses guys are really the masters of saisons and I would definately buy this again such a unique collab of ingredients that all have their place and work cheers.
Jun 18, 2014
PerHops from California
4.26/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
S- 2008 bottle to snifter
A- Darker than many of his beers, however, not as dark as I expected. It is a pretty brilliant amber that practically glows. Medium sized head with noticeably soapy bubbles.
S- The first thing I notice is basement funk and a lot of it. This is followed by some signs of oxidation, with a toffee aroma. Perhaps the cocoa is at work here too? There is a bit of tartness here, as well.
T- This is way different from what I expected. And really, really good. Super tart, classic fantome green apple and funk with some citrus notes too. A nice sweetness to balance it, and a little bit of chile on the finish.
M- The carbonation is medium to high, and very pleasant.
O- This was really enjoyable. Thanks Dany!
Jun 10, 2014
4.26/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
S- 2008 bottle to snifter
A- Darker than many of his beers, however, not as dark as I expected. It is a pretty brilliant amber that practically glows. Medium sized head with noticeably soapy bubbles.
S- The first thing I notice is basement funk and a lot of it. This is followed by some signs of oxidation, with a toffee aroma. Perhaps the cocoa is at work here too? There is a bit of tartness here, as well.
T- This is way different from what I expected. And really, really good. Super tart, classic fantome green apple and funk with some citrus notes too. A nice sweetness to balance it, and a little bit of chile on the finish.
M- The carbonation is medium to high, and very pleasant.
O- This was really enjoyable. Thanks Dany!
Jun 10, 2014
babaracas from Florida
4.03/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a translucent brown tinted dark orange... coarse carbonation seems to struggle to get to the surface, where it has no change of sticking around. Looks great in its own way. Smell: lemon peel, sweet orange, mildly lactic, whiff of fresh green pepper (bell, not chili), spice. Interesting. Taste: when cool it's straight sour peach and orange peel - lots of acid. Warmer, a bready backing emerges along with oily tongue coating (but mild) pepper.. still a huge sour peach aspect. Very small goat cheese note in the finish. Hmm, the cocoa... there's just a tiny bit of cocoa midsip after the last pour (however the thick layer of sediment still in the bottle smells distinctly of cocoa...should have swirled this one I guess), but this is delicious. Full bodied, doesn't look terribly carbonated but it is, just right.
Jun 03, 2014
4.03/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a translucent brown tinted dark orange... coarse carbonation seems to struggle to get to the surface, where it has no change of sticking around. Looks great in its own way. Smell: lemon peel, sweet orange, mildly lactic, whiff of fresh green pepper (bell, not chili), spice. Interesting. Taste: when cool it's straight sour peach and orange peel - lots of acid. Warmer, a bready backing emerges along with oily tongue coating (but mild) pepper.. still a huge sour peach aspect. Very small goat cheese note in the finish. Hmm, the cocoa... there's just a tiny bit of cocoa midsip after the last pour (however the thick layer of sediment still in the bottle smells distinctly of cocoa...should have swirled this one I guess), but this is delicious. Full bodied, doesn't look terribly carbonated but it is, just right.
Jun 03, 2014
dcmchew from Romania
4.34/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours thick, hazy orange in color, one finger fluffy head with big bubbles rising up at first. Settles to a thin lace rather fast, moderately sticky.
Barnyard funk in the smell, hay, green grass, but heavier spicy yeasts too. Citrus peel and zest, hint of chocolate, a bit of boiled veggies.
Taste is citrusy at first, with a bit of orange sweetness and some sour lemons (lots of peel), some apples too, keeping it fresh afterwards with the expected green farmhouse funk, not really that strong tho. It's also mixed with doughier yeasts that give off quite a decent amount of clove and peppercorn. Finish is dry, with some unexpected (but not bad) hints of smoked malts and a touch of hops.
Mouthfeel is full, oily, extremely thick and chewy, but it doesn't really feel heavy, it's weird. The beer coats the whole mouth and somehow gives the (untraceable) chocolate enough time to finally show its face in the back, lingering in the aftertaste. Chilli peppers are absent, maybe they enhance the prickle of the carbonation, but it's hard to tell.
Wasn't sure what to expect from this one. The "weird" components aren't that obvious, but the end result is a nice tasty complex beer, with some pretty unique notes.
Apr 21, 2014
4.34/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours thick, hazy orange in color, one finger fluffy head with big bubbles rising up at first. Settles to a thin lace rather fast, moderately sticky.
Barnyard funk in the smell, hay, green grass, but heavier spicy yeasts too. Citrus peel and zest, hint of chocolate, a bit of boiled veggies.
Taste is citrusy at first, with a bit of orange sweetness and some sour lemons (lots of peel), some apples too, keeping it fresh afterwards with the expected green farmhouse funk, not really that strong tho. It's also mixed with doughier yeasts that give off quite a decent amount of clove and peppercorn. Finish is dry, with some unexpected (but not bad) hints of smoked malts and a touch of hops.
Mouthfeel is full, oily, extremely thick and chewy, but it doesn't really feel heavy, it's weird. The beer coats the whole mouth and somehow gives the (untraceable) chocolate enough time to finally show its face in the back, lingering in the aftertaste. Chilli peppers are absent, maybe they enhance the prickle of the carbonation, but it's hard to tell.
Wasn't sure what to expect from this one. The "weird" components aren't that obvious, but the end result is a nice tasty complex beer, with some pretty unique notes.
Apr 21, 2014
Misanthropy_Sipping from Nebraska
4.72/5 rDev +23.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
On a visit to Colorado, a good friend and I stopped at a liquor store and inquired about Fantome after spotting the Christmas. They brought this out, making a mention that this was one of a managers "white whales" of beers. I love Fantome, so it didn't make much of a difference.
I was going to buy it.
Pours from the bottle a rich honey, to light amber. Wasn't really sure what to expect. The head fizzes up but dissipates down rather quickly and remains as a thin off white, creamy film over the top. Bubbles lace very inconsistently and most at a great distance to one another. A slight orangey in tone, nothing too unusual for a saison.
The nose is struck very prominently but a green bottle, slightly yeasty, nearly sour ale funk. There is a bit of grass and mingling citrus fruit with grapefruit and orange. But the smell alone worries me a bit with the funk. I'm not getting any chocolate, or any noticeable peppers... It is a tad vegetal. It does change and becomes more complex as it warms.
The taste! What a surprise! This is not funked out by the green bottle exposure at all. Completely recognizable as a Fantome. The Fantome yeast is quite apparent in all it's earthiness and funkiness. There is a pinch of damp woodsy, logs. Like a forest after a gentle rain. I catch a tad amount of cocoa but it is twisted into the earthy yeast and this sort of ashiness. The peppers are not hot but quite vegetal. This beer is also citrusy, lemony and grapefruity and a bit of orange... and... AND it is a tad sour. In a good way! Not a bad, 'oops, messed up and now the beer is sour way'. No this tastes good and comes off as possibly intentional to me. Very complex... very saison... very Fantome. So much nuance it is ridiculous.
Mouthfeel is great, just a pinch dry. A mild, mouthwatering sourness. Foamy, refreshing, and easy to drink. Just as a saison should be. It is a tad sweet but it is not sticky or offending. It is just really clean cut and nice.
In the end... another magnificent Fantome saison. All the little things happening in this beer make it a great choice and a must try... even a beer at $15 that I would not hesitate to buy again if I have the chance. Who cares if the appearance is profound and the smell isn't clear or telling. The taste is mind-blowing.
Mar 06, 2014
4.72/5 rDev +23.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
On a visit to Colorado, a good friend and I stopped at a liquor store and inquired about Fantome after spotting the Christmas. They brought this out, making a mention that this was one of a managers "white whales" of beers. I love Fantome, so it didn't make much of a difference.
I was going to buy it.
Pours from the bottle a rich honey, to light amber. Wasn't really sure what to expect. The head fizzes up but dissipates down rather quickly and remains as a thin off white, creamy film over the top. Bubbles lace very inconsistently and most at a great distance to one another. A slight orangey in tone, nothing too unusual for a saison.
The nose is struck very prominently but a green bottle, slightly yeasty, nearly sour ale funk. There is a bit of grass and mingling citrus fruit with grapefruit and orange. But the smell alone worries me a bit with the funk. I'm not getting any chocolate, or any noticeable peppers... It is a tad vegetal. It does change and becomes more complex as it warms.
The taste! What a surprise! This is not funked out by the green bottle exposure at all. Completely recognizable as a Fantome. The Fantome yeast is quite apparent in all it's earthiness and funkiness. There is a pinch of damp woodsy, logs. Like a forest after a gentle rain. I catch a tad amount of cocoa but it is twisted into the earthy yeast and this sort of ashiness. The peppers are not hot but quite vegetal. This beer is also citrusy, lemony and grapefruity and a bit of orange... and... AND it is a tad sour. In a good way! Not a bad, 'oops, messed up and now the beer is sour way'. No this tastes good and comes off as possibly intentional to me. Very complex... very saison... very Fantome. So much nuance it is ridiculous.
Mouthfeel is great, just a pinch dry. A mild, mouthwatering sourness. Foamy, refreshing, and easy to drink. Just as a saison should be. It is a tad sweet but it is not sticky or offending. It is just really clean cut and nice.
In the end... another magnificent Fantome saison. All the little things happening in this beer make it a great choice and a must try... even a beer at $15 that I would not hesitate to buy again if I have the chance. Who cares if the appearance is profound and the smell isn't clear or telling. The taste is mind-blowing.
Mar 06, 2014
BierJager89 from California
4.05/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Hazy honey yellow with a foamy white head.
S: Jalapeño, cardamom, nutmeg and funk in the nose.
T: Chocolate, jalapeño and some Belgian funk. Spices are less present in the taste.
M: Medium bodied and smoothish.
O: I knew what to expect, given the ingredients, but it was a bit disappointing, given the popularity of some of their other beers.
Feb 05, 2014
4.05/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Hazy honey yellow with a foamy white head.
S: Jalapeño, cardamom, nutmeg and funk in the nose.
T: Chocolate, jalapeño and some Belgian funk. Spices are less present in the taste.
M: Medium bodied and smoothish.
O: I knew what to expect, given the ingredients, but it was a bit disappointing, given the popularity of some of their other beers.
Feb 05, 2014
eric5bellies from Australia
3.97/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Drank from my Westvleteren chalice
A - Pours a nice cloudy Straw colour with a one fingered head that reduces to a film quickly.
S - Aromas of Not much chocolate
T - Heavy sherbert and citrus notes up front, with some wheat, the finish has faint chocolate and is slightly bitter.
M - Light to medium body with spritzy fullish carbonation.
O - Disappointed that there was not more chocolate in this, however it still is a great saison in its own right.
Sep 03, 2013
3.97/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Drank from my Westvleteren chalice
A - Pours a nice cloudy Straw colour with a one fingered head that reduces to a film quickly.
S - Aromas of Not much chocolate
T - Heavy sherbert and citrus notes up front, with some wheat, the finish has faint chocolate and is slightly bitter.
M - Light to medium body with spritzy fullish carbonation.
O - Disappointed that there was not more chocolate in this, however it still is a great saison in its own right.
Sep 03, 2013
UCLABrewN84 from California
3.44/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Bottle I brought to share at Wowcoolman's tasting.
Pours a murky orange-brown with a foamy beige head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace slowly drip into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is of malt, grain, smoke, band-aid, and baby wipe aromas. Taste is much the same with slightly sour smoke and fruit flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of smoke bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer with some odd aromas and flavors that may not be intended but somehow aren't all that bad.
Aug 19, 2013
3.44/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Bottle I brought to share at Wowcoolman's tasting.
Pours a murky orange-brown with a foamy beige head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace slowly drip into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is of malt, grain, smoke, band-aid, and baby wipe aromas. Taste is much the same with slightly sour smoke and fruit flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of smoke bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer with some odd aromas and flavors that may not be intended but somehow aren't all that bad.
Aug 19, 2013
BMMillsy from Florida
1.65/5 rDev -56.7%
look: 2.75 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 1.25 | overall: 1.5
Pours a hazy dark orange with massive off white head. Aroma is bandaids, a bit if spice, and lots of musty yeast. Flavor is acetone and bandaids. A bit of pepper heat. I assume this is not what it is supposed to taste like. It is official. I will never buy another Fantome. 2 for 2 with the disgusting bottles. Down the drain along with my $12...
Rerate on 11/2/14. Pours hazy orange with a big fluffy white head that dissipates quickly. Aroma of spice, yeast funk, some light fruits, and still a bit of bandaids like last time but not nearly as harsh. Flavor is still rubber bandaids and spice. Nope. Nope nope.
Aug 09, 2013
1.65/5 rDev -56.7%
look: 2.75 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 1.25 | overall: 1.5
Pours a hazy dark orange with massive off white head. Aroma is bandaids, a bit if spice, and lots of musty yeast. Flavor is acetone and bandaids. A bit of pepper heat. I assume this is not what it is supposed to taste like. It is official. I will never buy another Fantome. 2 for 2 with the disgusting bottles. Down the drain along with my $12...
Rerate on 11/2/14. Pours hazy orange with a big fluffy white head that dissipates quickly. Aroma of spice, yeast funk, some light fruits, and still a bit of bandaids like last time but not nearly as harsh. Flavor is still rubber bandaids and spice. Nope. Nope nope.
Aug 09, 2013
Fantôme Chocolat from Brasserie Fantôme
Beer rating:
86 out of
100 with
365 ratings
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