"Authentic Trappist Produce" is declared on the traditional-looking label. This Dutch ale comes from the Koningshoeven Brewery, which is owned by the global company Royal Swinkels. It has 0.0% alcohol, comes in a 33cl bottle and the ingredients are listed as barley malt, hops and hop extract. When poured into the glass the beer creates a delightfully dense creamy head. On the nose it has a rich caramel aroma. Tastewise the sweetness continues, together with liquorice and dark fruit - think dates and soft figs. The body has a nicely rounded feel to it, whilst the finish manages to have a distinctly bitter edge to it. It has the character one expects of a Trappist beer - for sipping, not quaffing - but for me there is too great a level of sweetness in the taste to be a beer that I'd pray to have another.
3 / 5
