Cardinal Syn

◎ Appearance

Cardinal Syn presents a deep mahogany to dark brown colour, consistent with its 14 SRM rating and generous use of dark malts. The beer displays excellent clarity with a dense, tan head that clings persistently to the glass walls, demonstrating strong lacing retention. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, creating a composed, abbey-like presentation.

◌ Aroma

Dark dried fruits dominate the nose—plum, raisin, and fig—layered beneath rich notes of treacle and molasses. Belgian abbey yeast contributes subtle spice and soft phenolic character, while the dark malts add gentle toasted grain depth. Brown sugar sweetness threads through without cloying, supported by a whisper of candied complexity.

◐ Taste

The palate enters full and velvety, with pronounced dark fruit character balancing a restrained but clean bitterness (25 IBU). Mid-palate develops layers of malty richness, brown sugar sweetness, and subtle spice warmth, while maintaining good balance and complexity. The modest hop bitterness acts as a structural foil to the sweetness rather than dominating, allowing the interplay of Malz and yeast to shine.

◑ Finish

The finish is medium-long, drying gradually as residual sweetness recedes and gentle spice lingers on the palate. A subtle boozy warmth from the 7.8% ABV becomes apparent without harshness, leaving a faintly dry, malty afterglow.