Nothing obscure about Belgian stouts

[Rob DeNunzio]

I just posted a bit of a rant on Belgian stouts - a favorite around this house - under the guise of some tasting notes on Troubadour's take on this unique and blossoming style. Are there any particular incarnations of this roasty Belgian specialty ale that stand out as favorites for all of you? Always looking for more versions to sample...

[Virgil G]

Last night had a De La Senne Stouterik.

Definitely not like american stouts. Not pitch black, not american over the top-ish. It looked more like a german blackbier than a "stout".

If i remember correctly, it had a slight banana bread flavour to it. Other than that, it was just a tasty smooth dark beer.

[Rob DeNunzio]

Excellent! Thanks for the tip, VIrgil. I'll look for it when I head out to my Belgian bottle mecca this weekend.

[Virgil G]

Allagash Black just came out recently and many people seem to like it. I had it on Saturday and it was ok, but not necessarily the stout for me.

Also had Alvinne Podge Belgian Imperial Stout, on Friday, which was ok, but not that great either.

[AndyI]

I have had the Allagash Black and a belgian stout named Buffalo (don't know the maker). I find them between a shwartzbeer and standard stout in that they are not too roasty/bitter which I like alot. Jolly Pumpkin makes an 8% belgian stout caled Madrugada Obscure (Dark Dawn) with Brettanomyces and is oaked. I would love to try it but its hit or miss for me in Maryland.