Katy and Sasha are the contributors for Ottawa Beer Events! They have distinctly different palates and in this segment they go head-to-head tasting Rigor Mortis ABT from Brasserie Dieu du Ciel.
Katy:
Happy New Year! Some of us beer geeks have chosen to take a small break from beer after doing so much holiday celebrating and others (me) have recommitted to their beer "hobby" (obsession?) by promising to start a cellar. If you fall into one of these categories than Rigor Mortis ABT might be for you.
This once a year brew inspired by Belgian Trappist monks pours a deep mahongany red with a quickly vanishing off white head. From the moment the cap is popped there are sweet smells of dates, raisins, prunes, candy sugar and caramelt malt.
The aroma only hints at how sweet this beer is. The dark fruit is very prominent with notes of both molasses and ginger spicing it up. There's a slight alcohol finish, but it isn't harsh or unpleasant, just a subtle reminder you're drinking a 10.5% brew. My only complaint is that this brew seems very light for a Quadrupel, I was expecting something with more body – a weight to it.
For those of us who are starting cellars, this is a great example of a beer that would age well. Try it now and then try it 6 months, taking note of how the flavours change and mature. For those Sober January folk, grab this beer as a special treat knowing that it's best to wait a while to truely enjoy.
Rigor Mortis from Dieu du Ciel is the kind of beer you want to relax with on a Saturday night.
Pouring an amber color with a thin tan-colored head, as soon as you pop this open, the sweet smells of caramel and fruits are present.
The caramel seems to overpower on the first sip, making it almost too sweet, but once it settles, you start to get those great flavours of dried fruits and spices along with just a hint of chocolate.
At 10.5% ABU it's a nice warming choice for this cold winter.
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