Van Vollenhoven Bokbier

◎ Appearance

Deep mahogany to dark brown hue, translucent when held to light, with excellent clarity. A thick, persistent cream-colored head forms on the pour and clings tenaciously to the glass walls, displaying fine lacing with each sip. Moderate carbonation supports the foam structure without appearing aggressive.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with prominent dark chocolate and roasted grain notes, underpinned by a subtle earthiness. Hints of dark dried fruit—raisin and plum—emerge beneath, while a faint caramel sweetness balances the toasted maltiness. There is no sharp hop character; instead, the bouquet remains warm and malty, with only gentle noble hop aromatics in the background.

◐ Taste

The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with chocolate and roasted grain forming the core flavor profile. A dry character cuts through the Malz sweetness, preventing cloying sensations, while mild dark-fruit undertones add depth. The bitterness remains restrained at 26 IBU, arriving late and lingering gently without dominating; the overall impression is one of balanced, complex malt expression rather than hop-driven intensity.

◑ Finish

The finish is medium-long, drying progressively as chocolate and roasted notes persist on the palate. A subtle boozy warmth from the 6.5% ABV emerges in the final moments, grounding the aftertaste in comfort rather than heat.