A while ago, I went to Roger Wilco in search of Harviestoun and wound up with a mixed six of various Trappistes and Abbey ales. The first bottle that I opened was the Trappistes Rochefort 8. I then moved to the Trappistes Rochefort 10. Finally, I moved on to the Rochefort 6, a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. Having really enjoyed both the Rochefort 8 & 10, I was pretty sure that the Rochefort 6 would finish out my Rochefort experience and leave me further in Merchant du Vin’s debt.

A brief history from the Merchant du Vin site:

The Abbey of St-Remy, in the southern part of Belgium, was founded in 1230, and the monks began to brew beer sometime around 1595. The beautiful small brewery in the abbey, Rochefort Trappistes, is one of only seven Trappist breweries in the world and makes full-bodied, deeply flavored dark ales. They are bottle-conditioned and among the world’s most highly-respected beverages. Only beers made in a Trappist Monastery, under the supervision of the monks, can use the Authentic Trappist Product seal.

Here is what Merchant du Vin has to say about the Rochefort 6:

Rochefort Trappist 6 is named after its original gravity measured in “Belgian degrees” – a brewing scale no longer used today. It was first sold to the public in 1953. Reddish-brown color with amber-gold highlights; soft body leads to earthy flavors and an herbal character. Refined, soft spiciness in the bouquet finishes with a bit caramel. Bottle-conditioned for soft natural carbonation.

I found the Rochefort 6 to have the following characteristics…

Appearance : Dark brown with tan foam and good lacing.

: Dark brown with tan foam and good lacing. Aroma : Sweet malt and dried fruit (currants and raisins) with a hint of hops.

: Sweet malt and dried fruit (currants and raisins) with a hint of hops. Taste : Fizzy with a medium body and an exceptionally well-balanced flavor front-to-back.

: Fizzy with a medium body and an exceptionally well-balanced flavor front-to-back. ABV: 7.5%

This was another exceptional beer. I think I would place the Rochefort 6 between the Rochefort 8 (which might be the best beer I’ve ever had) and the Rochefort 10.