Judge's Review: 92 Rating - Don de Dieu by Unibroue

Don de Dieu by Unibroue is being evaluated as a Belgian Tripel (2015 BJCP Category 26C). As per the guidelines, it features a deep golden color that borders on amber with high carbonation and an everlasting ivory head.

Don de Dieu presents a rich, complex aroma of doughy bread, banana, pear, clove and allspice. Hints of herbal hops provides a bit of intrigue. As it warms, sweet alcohol and orange marmalade emerges.

The flavor follows the aroma but with even more intensity. The pear esters and clove, allspice phenols dominate over the wheat, grainy, doughy malt. Despite the esters and moderate, sweet alcohol, the beer still finishes semi-dry with lingering fermentation character. Hops are largely absent with only a low level of bitterness to provide a bit of balancing action. The medium-light body feels fuller from a solid creaminess and high carbonation that fill the mouth.

Don de Dieu hits all the marks for style including a colorful Belgian fermentation character of esters, phenols, and a clean finish that easily allows the drinker to go back for another sip. Where it deviates is in the malt category where it provides more depth than typical styles.