effervescent refractions

After a consecution of American brews it always seems natural for me to return to Belgian styles, as they are unequivocally closest to my tastes. This occurrence allowed me a first look at the brewery Fantôme, one that has eluded me for some time but always sparked a certain curiosity. The pour produced an eerie swamp-like body, a deep murky red hue topped of a custard colored foam that thins rapidly. A comforting scent of sweet pipe tobacco springs forth immediately and creates a welcoming atmosphere for the bouquet of coffee, black pepper, red wine and slightly green cocoa beans. The nose has an unusual texture, if I may even call it that; a somewhat spongy consistency that reminds of mushrooms and earthy essences. The palate is deep and rich and with a buttery smoothness that coats the mouth in its dense flavors. Some alcohol is present, a spicy vinous tone coupled with the unmistakable flavor of chocolate-covered coffee beans that extends to their distinctive dry aftertaste. A beer simply full of character and an enchanting flair fit for any conversely dull day of the year.