If you enjoy a good Tripel, or beers in the Duvel line (Strong Goldens and Strong Pales), this one is sure to please.

Even before getting it in the glass, I predicted that I was in for a treat: the ceramic bottle with the swivel Grolsch-styletop is an eye pleaser and a souvenir keeper as well.

In the glass, it's sheer beauty: rich golden colour and hazy, it pours like liquid pirate treasure.

On the nose, it's a melange of Belgian goodness: coriander, vanilla, maple, nutmeg, hay, chamomile, and biscuit.

The flavor is seamless from the nose and picks up where the aroma leaves off: smooth, rich, and creamy, belying the 10% tag it carries. Honestly, it could be a little richer and I wouldn't complain.

The mouthfeel is the definition of smooth. There's always the risk of a beer of this profile having a too-sweet finish, but this one is meticulously balanced.

Overall, a capital winner. Especially for the price of the bottle, I'm wishing I had bought a case of this stuff. It's great on its own, and a perfect complement to everything from rich cheeses to pancakes with maple syrup.