Eighteen

◎ Appearance

Eighteen presents a light golden-orange hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent head that leaves delicate lacing on the glass. The carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, creating a refined visual presentation befitting its Belgian strong ale character. The color intensity suggests a restrained Malz bill balanced with a clean fermentation.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with aged oak and vanilla notes, underscored by honeyed sweetness and subtle berry aromatics. A distinctive funky, farmhouse character emerges from the Brettanomyces fermentation, layered with white wine-like esters and a whisper of leather. Saaz dry-hopping contributes a restrained spice and herbal complexity without dominating the overall bouquet.

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and full-bodied with honey and stone fruit flavors grounded by the oak integration. Mid-palate reveals the funky, slightly leathery funk characteristic of Brettanomyces, balanced against dry, warming alcohol that never becomes harsh. Bitterness remains low and restrained, allowing the wine-like and spicy undertones to shine through to a clean, dry finish.

◑ Finish

The finish is long and increasingly dry, with lingering oak, honey, and a subtle spicy-funky dryness that persists cleanly on the palate. Alcohol warmth adds structure without becoming aggressive, leaving a sophisticated aftertaste reminiscent of white wine and aged leather.