From the Cellar: Unibroue 16

Here’s a real gem: one of Quebec brewery Unibroue’s Anniversary series; No.16 from 2007.

Purchased in 2008, and opened in August 2011.

 

In the glass, it displays a handsome dark cloudy apricot-copper colour. The foam is antique white, ample at first before settling down to a 2mm ring with largeish bubbles and nice lacing. 4.5/5

The aroma is predominately sweet: dessert-bread, raisins, apricots, clementines, caramel, rhubarb, and a faint hint  of licorice. The ghost of a hop aroma lies buried in the midst of the fruit. 4/5

The taste is quite nice. The fruit-tart dessert trope remains, but a nice tart-bitter snap at the end ties it together. I can only imagine that three years ago this brew possessed more hop bitterness as well as more prominent alcohol heat.  Even as time in the cellar has mellowed it out, the 10% ABV is still letting is presence be known. 4/5

The mouthfeel is slightly sweet and packs a punch; this will surely flex its muscles if you’re not careful.  The time in the cellar has not done harm to a wonderful scrubbing-bubbles carbonation.  3.5/5

Overall, this is an excellent cellarer and a noble brew. Fantastic on its own, if a bit daunting; it would also serve admirably as a champagne substitute, or with dessert — either cream-and-fruit based, or cheeses.  4.5/5