Some beers you just don’t drink. Some beers you have a relationship with, like a life-long friend that you only see once every year or so. You randomly run into them and spend the evening talking as if no time has passed at all.
For me, the Rochefort ales from Abbaye Notre-Dame de St-Rémy are just such beers. Certified Trappist products, these Belgian imports are indisputably some of the greatest beers ever to grace local store shelves. These are not beers that are in my everyday drinking rotation but are enjoyed only occasionally lest they become too familiar and I tire of them.
Brewing for the past three centuries, Rochefort beers first appeared in North Texas around 2005 and didn’t last long before being yanked from distribution. The problem was not poor public reception but quite the opposite: The demand of the Texas craft beer consumer was so great that we were pulling supply away from other markets, and distributors feared this state alone would drink them dry.
Fortunately, Rochefort has returned to Texas and in sufficient quantities that they need not be fought over or hoarded. We are lucky to get all three beers (and only three) Rochefort produces, known simply as the “6,” “8” and “10.” Some refer to them by cap color (red, green and blue, respectively) with each of increasing flavor complexity and alcohol content.
All the Rochefort beers are relatively dark Belgian brown ales and have a depth of flavor almost unrivaled by brewers outside Europe. Elements of the palate range almost the entire spectrum of what yeast and malt can produce: caramel, dark chocolate, pumpernickel, cola, light coffee or espresso; figs, raisins, pear, earthy hints of banana and clove; turbinado sugar, honey, dilute molasses, musty bubble gum.
I like these beers because one doesn’t have to “work hard” at enjoying them. They don’t have aromas to be studied intently, flavors to be dissected and analyzed and recorded for fear of missing some aspect of the beer, and can just be adored for the small masterpieces they are. Although the recipes are static, each bottle plays just a little differently on my palate each time I drink one of them.
These beers would pair well with just about any meal but enjoy them on their own for the full flavor experience. Try all three for a small, inexpensive luxury.
Availability: Sold only in 330-ml bottles most any place that has a decent craft beer selection. Bottle conditioned, suitable for years of aging. Avoid bottles that look like the sediment is caked on the bottom, as these have likely been mishandled.
Cheers!
paul@scientist.com
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