We’ve already reviewed Rochefort 10, which many of you (including Nate) couldn’t get because of state alcohol restrictions. 10 is 11.3% ABV, and many states only allow up to 10%, which is ironic given the name of the Rochefort that they can’t get. Anyway, I thought that I’d review the 8 so that some of you can experience a Rochefort product. I’m also planning on posting about the 6 as well. Here is the 8 Trappist Ale.
This beer is not a lightweight by any means; it still comes in at over 9% ABV. When I poured the 8 I could tell that it was a little different in color than the 10, but it still had the stable light brown head that its older brother had.
As far as the aromas go, there were not too many huge differences, but I’ll give what I thought. A metallic note was on the nose along with some sweet vinous notes. Like the 10, I caught raisons on the nose. The alcohol was still punchy but with less gin notes and an earthy woodish smokiness. There was some breadyness from the yeast in the beer. I also caught what I thought was a distinct canned fruit syrup (peaches) quality. Very small chocolate notes could also be caught. There was a lot going on in the beer.
As I said, the alcohol still had a very big punch. I did not catch the gin alcohol notes, as I did in the 10. Again, the bready yeast popped through this one along with the earthy qualities. Of course, those things noted in the nose came into play with the taste. But I also want to emphasize certain other points that I thought were important for this beer as it relates to the 10. The 8 was much more balanced and palatable than the 10. Warm alcohol was still very present and lent to the very dry character of this beer. However, the roastiness of came through a lot more than with the 10. It also seems that this beer had been lagered for a nice period of time; some lager flavor qualities were present.
Overall, I really enjoyed this beer immensely. Don’t expect conventional with any Trappist Ale, but expect this to be more in line with others that you might have tried, the 10 being an exception to the category. The interplay between the various aspects of this beer made it a treat to drink.
Mike’s Rating:
Overall Satisfaction: 
Among other Belgians:
Among other Trappist Ales: 
I love this beer. I need to try some of the other Trappist Ales. Which one has the best rating?
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I personally think that Rochefort 8 is one of the best. I believe that Chimay Blue is probably considered the favorite among the horses in the Trappist race. It’s hard to say for me. For instance, I’ve never had Westvleteren because they only sell it at the brewery when you call ahead. I’ve not been in Belgium for 10 years, but if I go again I’m calling ahead. By the way, beer advocate rates Westvleteren 12 as the best beer in the world. Cheers! The best one will be the one you like the best. Read my article on Trappist in the style series and it will tell you all the Trappist makers.
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Trappist ales are moving their way up on my favorites list too kirk…there are a good deal out there. I actually recently brewed a trappist style beer. If you email me your address I’ll send you a bottle, although it won’t be ready to drink for a little while.
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