Red dark chestnut ale under a rich frothy tan head. In the nasally regions, very Christmas cake with particular candied cherry note and maybe even cocoa. Swishing around the cheeks and gums, rich but not overly sweet date and plum with some gently spiced burlappy yeast, allspice. Plenty of cream in the yeast and a texture of very fine powder.

Made by the makers of Duvel under a deal with the Benedictine abbey of Maredsous since...the year...of my birth - which also makes it a cousin to Ommegang, my second nearest example of the style. Freaky - it's like they are working just for me - and also therefore an Abbey beer but not a Trappist.

All 213 BAer's who tried it share the love. Fabulous practice for the big show on Friday.