What a nice weekend. I even tried a new beer with friends that I didn't review, not as much as a jot. I took a picture of it then took it to a dinner party throwing your interests in the matter to the four winds. Amazement abounded. If I find another, I'll tell you about it.

Similarly La Binchoise's Brune Tradition was also pleasantly amazing. It's like a Newcastle brown meeting canny Belgians craftsfolk. The beer pours ruddy mahogany with off-white foam and rim. Earthy turfy malt on the nose. There is a marked fruitiness that is hard to pin down: either apricot-cherry or strawberry...or is it green apple juice. Plus a nice funk of burlap and sweet caramel. Some small heat which is well hidden for an 8.2% brew but that is what happens with a beer this malty rich and mellow. Slight notes of tobacco and black pepper all with a cream yeast smoothness.

Really lovely and most BAers agree. The brewery says this about their Brun:

8,2% v/v - 25, 33 and 75 cl bottles. 10% of production. Very dark brown colour due to roasted malt, abundant slightly ambered foam. This easy to digest beer derives its malted flavour from three varieties of malt. Long persistence and final taste on the back of the tongue are reminiscent of the aromatic character of hops.