A pleasant surprise at the local government store at just $3.10 for 330 ml of 9% goodness. On the front it says "Grand Cru" but on the back "Belgian Special Brown Ale". Argue amongst yourselves on the fine points.

I do like those brown ales from Belgian with a certain special something. Nostradamus. Moinette. Brune Tradition. They taste like I want beer to taste and make me feel like I want a beer to make me feel. The one gives off a plummy, rum, hard seedy spice, brown sugar thing that I want in coffee cake. Steak sauce could take a hint, too. Mahogany ale under a foam and frothy mocha rim. On the schwizzle, the effect is soft. Milky even. Low acid. A bit of burn from the strength. Prune chocolate treats that you can find in health food sections in mid-range US grocery stores. Vanilla. Maybe even mintiness but mainly the good old brownness. Sweet brown. Maritime brown breadiness brown. Comfort beer. Cassoulet beer? Maybe. It would probably make a swell ice cream.

BAers have the love.