Unibroue - Don-De-Dieu (2009)

Bottle conditioned.
Don de Dieu (Gift of God) was the name of the ship that Samuel de Champlain sailed on his mission to “explore and discover the vast and perilous land of America” in the name of the King of France. His travels led to the founding of Quebec City in 1608 (a modification of the Algonquin word “kebec” which means “where the river narrows”). Inspired by this great adventure, Unibroue created Don de Dieu an abbey-style triple wheat ale refermented in the bottle.

Like good wine, Unibroue’s fine beers have flavors that develop with age. Over time they become smoother, sometimes revealing notes of honey and candied fruit and developing a more assertive and lasting flavor. This phenomenon is known as “maderization” and is similar to the aging process of dessert wines like port.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is 10
Style - Tripel Wheat Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for 2 to 3 years, under the proper condition.  Best at two years.

The Pour - A cloudy orange color with white head that vanishes to a small ring around the glass.  Good lacing.
Aroma - Citrus fruit mostly orange, spices and yeasty.
Taste - Sweet, malty, dark fruit, dark chocolate and some spice.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body, crisp and refreshing.
Overall - This one does not have the distinctive unique yeast taste of the other brews. Aged very well like the other three brews from this variety case I purchased three years ago.  The taste just gets better with age.  This was a fast drink (goes down quick), the alcohol is well hidden.

Goes great with sharp cheese, salads and grilled meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A
BeerAdvocate Rating = 92
Ratebeer Rating = 97

Unibroue - Trois Pistoles (2009)

Bottle conditioned.
Trois Pistoles (Three Coins) is named after a small village of Quebec. Founded over 300 years ago, Trois Pistoles gave birth to several legends, including one about the Black Horse. It involved a local bishop who conjured up a good devil (appearing in the form of bridled black steed) to haul large brick stones to construct a new church. When someone accidentally removed the bridle, the black horse suddenly vanished just as the last remaining stone was to be set. This stone is still missing, as can be seen when visiting the local church.

Like good wine, Unibroue’s fine beers have flavors that develop with age. Over time they become smoother, sometimes revealing notes of honey and candied fruit and developing a more assertive and lasting flavor. This phenomenon is known as “maderization” and is similar to the aging process of dessert wines like port. The dark color and smooth taste of Trois Pistoles reveals a ripe fruity aroma and lasting flavor reminiscent of aged port.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is 16
Style - Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for 5 to 8 years, under the proper condition.  Best at five years.

The Pour - A dark brown color with tan head that vanishes to a small ring around the glass.  Good lacing.
Aroma - A very distinct Unibroue smell from their unique yeast, dark fruit, cocoa and molasses.
Taste - Sweet, malty, dark fruit, dark chocolate and some spice.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body, a bit fuzzy but not bad.
Overall - Like the other brews from Unibroue this has a distinctive and complex taste due to it's unique yeast. Aged very well like the other three brews from this variety case I purchased three years ago.  The taste just gets better with age.  I will purchase this case again and push the aging to fives year next time around.

Goes great with blue or strong cheese and chocolate and other desserts. Try it as an aperitif or a digestif.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A
BeerAdvocate Rating = 94
Ratebeer Rating = 100

Unibroue - La Fin Du Monde (2010)

Bottle conditioned.
La Fin Du Monde - The end of the world. The excellence of triple fermentation through a blend of special yeasts gives this malt beverage an exquisitely robust flavor of exceptional refinement.

Updated Feb 2013

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is 19
Style - Triple
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for 3 to 5 years, under the proper condition.  Best at three years.

The Pour - A cloudy straw color with creamy white head.  Good lacing.
Aroma - A very distinct smell including fruit like apples and banana, and hints spice.
Taste - Sweet, malty, some spices and fruity.
Mouth Feel - High carbonation and full body, smooth but fuzzy with a dry finish.
Overall - Like the other brews from Unibroue this has a distinctive and complex taste due to it's unique yeast. Has a nice warm finish, I need to age a few for a few years.  This bottle was a year old.

Update - Opened my last bottle in 2013 (aged 3 years).  The carbination has dropped, no fuzzy mouth-feel.  Very pleasant and smooth.  Still has the apple aroma and taste with the hint of spices.  I really like how this brew aged!  I have two more from the sample case; Trois Pistoles (Strong Dark) and Don-De-Dieu Tripel Wheat which I will review very soon.   Cheers!

Goes good with seafood dishes and blue cheese.  I had it with a home made salad with sharp cheese and dried fruit.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-
BeerAdvocate Rating =A
Ratebeer Rating =99

Unibroue - Maudite

In November 1992 Maudite (the damned one), was the first strong beer to be distributed in Quebec grocery stores. Because of the warmth it releases, this strong character beer must be served cool but not cold. Perfect as an aperitif and after-dinner drink.  Maudite has a typically Quebecois name that is reminiscent of the legend of the Chasse-Galerie (the legend of the Flying Canoe). Legend has it that a group of lumberjacks struck a deal with the devil to fly home in their canoes, guided by Satan himself, to make it home in time for Christmas.
Gold medal winner in 1995 and 1996 and the Chicago Beverage Tasting Institute.  La Fin Du Monte use to be my favorite from Unibourne but Maudite has taken that title.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is 22
Style - Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper condition.

The Pour - Mahogany in color with a nice thick head.
Aroma - A very distinct smell including hints fruit and spice.
Taste - Malty, vanilla, caramel and hint of orange.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is a little high for this style, very smooth, full bodied beer.
Drinkable - Like the other brews from Unibroue this has a distinctive and complex taste due to it's unique yeast. Goes down very nice,  I need to age a few for a year or two. Goes good with pasta, red meats, stews and spicy dishes. And of course cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =99

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