A very strong, complex, dark Belgian beer with a delicious blend of malt, black fruit flavors and spicy elements. Dark amber to dark copper brown in color, huge, dense, persistently colored head cream to light tan. Aroma is also complex with the presence of rich and sweet malt, and a point (optional) of moderate spiciness. The malt can have strong notes of toasted bread. Flavor similar to aroma, the alcohol provides some balance to the malt. Authentic versions tend to be drier (Belgians would say more digestible) than Abbey versions, which can be quite sweet and full-bodied.
*Source: Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) - Beer Style Guidelines
