Ellezelloise Hercule (Imperial Stouts Part 4)

Originally published in BEER December 2003.

NOTE This review forms part of what was originally published as a single longer article. See  previous posts for an introduction to Imperial stouts and some other reviews. See the next post to continue reading about further Imperial stouts.
See all parts of this article: http://desdemoor.co.uk/?tag=imperial-stouts-beer-2003

Origin: Ellezelles, Hainaut, Belgium
ABV: 8.4%

Ellezelloise Hercule

Ellezelloise Hercule (8.4%), from a micro in what counts locally as hilly country in the north of Hainaut, Belgium, is slightly lighter, weaker and less leathery than it used to be but still clearly inspired by British strong stouts. It’s a lighter colour — a dark ruby brown — and rather fruitier, with blackcurrant and tar on the aroma and a loganberry touch to the sharpish palate. However the slow developing flavours of roasted coffee, ashy bitter chocolate and tongue-furring hops on the finish are authentically stoutish. The name refers to Agatha Christie’s character Poirot: I guess a Wallonian take on an historic English beer style is an appropriate return compliment for a Wallonian character invented by an historic Englishwoman.

See the next post to read about more Imperial stouts.
See all parts of this article: http://desdemoor.co.uk/?tag=imperial-stouts-beer-2003

Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/ellezelloise-hercule-stout/6701/