Rochefort 8

Not all Belgians are supposed to have "funk." In fact, I'd argue most aren't. That's primarily limited to soured beers (lambics, some browns) and "farmhouse" styles like saison, although there are exceptions (Orval being a notable one).

With the exception of Orval, I've not found "funk" in any Trappist or abbey-style beer. A wide range of fruity aromas and flavors, yes. But not funk.

Now, if you were getting at the level of fruitiness and the like, I'd disagree that Rochefort is lacking in that compoent. It has one of the most complex aromas of any beer I've ever had.

Rochefort, especially the 8 (which I think is superior to the 10, which is an exercise similar to deciding which sexual position is "superior" to another), is an astoundingly complex beer. The only thing I've had that's more complex is Westvleteren.

I can usually find the 10 around southern California, and I also was able to get it when I was living in Chicago. So your local distributor should be able to track it down if he can get hold of the 8.

-Steve

I have heard this several times over, as well as people taking an oath on the 6, and inevitably, on the 10. It is essentially a matter of personal taste, as in essentio, all three Rochefort beers are brewed to EXACTLY the same recipe, the only difference being the ration ingredients/water. I'm not making this up, they've told me so in all earnesty at the brewery. Taste, OK, but if somebody tries to tell me Rochefort 8 is more complex than Rochefort 10, I can't help guffawing. Cheers, Joris

Maybe the very high alcohol content of the 10 swamps some of the flavours? I too prefer the 8, but must admit I didn't know all 3 beers were gyle brewed.

Best regards, Paul

-- Paul Sherwin Consulting

Beware, this is NOT high-gravity brewing (if that is what you mean by gyle-brewing); all beers are brewed separately. Either they make 8, either

10, either 6 - no watering down. But the recipes stay the same. Cheers, Joris

Ah, right, but that *may* make a real difference to the taste, since the rate of fermentation will be different. Certainly I find the flavours of the 8 more 'obvious' and upfront, whereas the 10 has a much more laid back quality.

Best regards, Paul

-- Paul Sherwin Consulting

Well, I didn't literally say the 8 is more complex than the 10, but I can see how I left that impression with "Rochefort, especially the 8 ...". I find them both amazingly complex. I just happen to prefer the 8, for whatever completely unobjective reason. Maybe I find the somewhat lower alcohol content compared to the 10 to create a more balanced beer. Maybe it's the expression of fermentation and its byproducts that varies between working two different-strength worts. I dunno. And it's not like I'd ever turn away a 10.

-Steve

6, 8 & 10 are all fine beers but in my opinion the 10 far outshines the other two. 10 is the beer equivalent of a very good port !

-- Regards The Ale Fan

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I haven't tried all the Trappist ales yet, but I have got a bit of a "musty" flavor from Chimay (can't recall which one).

I loved the fruitiness in the aroma. I definitely didn't find anything lacking. Good stuff.

----------------------------------------------------- Pete Clouston Lawrence (KS) Brewers Guild