Trois Pistoles

Unibroue, Chambly, Quebec, Canada

ABV: 9.0% (Alcohol By Volume)
IBU: N/A (International Bitterness Unit)

I have a love/hate relationship with The Gingerman in Dallas, TX. So much to try, TOO much to try. This should give you a little bit of insight into my first experience drinking Trois Pistoles. I pretty much threw a dart at the menu during last call at 1:30am. Yeah I had a few good brews that night but as a night cap this beer blew my mind. The next day I waited until noon (Texas State law prohibits sale of alcoholic beverages prior to 12:00pm) and then I hopped in the car to pick up my own four pack from The Central Market. I had been wanting to sample the Unibroue product line because they have very provocative artwork and some intimidating nomers for their brew, but Canada??? Well let me tell you this beer is as good is I "kinda" remember it from the night.
Trois Pistoles is a dark strong ale. It is named after a small port/town in Canada, and the artwork I am assuming is a depiction of the Trios skyline with a dark sky and a winged firey stallion kissing the rooftops. At 9.0% Abv. it is definitely strong with a dark nearly opaque black/brown color. To achieve the high alcohol content this brew is refermented in the bottle so be sure and let this bottle settle before pouring unless you like a slightly nuttier yeast taste. I enjoy it so I have no doubt that you will too. Either way this beer is delicious.
Warming in the glass it gives of the strong odors of the malt and grains that were used to embody this beverage. If you dig your nose into the glass you will get notes of sweet fruits like raspberries and cherries. It has a light aroma of alcohol buried within the grains.
This strong ale looks intimidating in the glass. It is black and dark chocolaty looking. Light is only visible at the top of the glass where the glass taper inward. It is powerful looking and the site makes you anxious to taste it. Letting it warm for a few minutes if torture.
For a strong belgian style beer it is amazing how the malty body and fruity finish masks any alcohol taste. This beer is excellent! It is hearty and smooth in texture, sweet and bready in flavor, and refreshing to the throat with a delightful finish. The sweet fruits, possibly raisins and plumbs, are quite nice and prep your palate for the next sip.
I would recommend this beer for a before or after dinner drink. With dessert it would complement a very rich chocolate dish. I'm so glad I found this beer because I will have fun drinking it, recommending it, and watching first timers eye light up with their first sip. Bravo, Unibroue! You're restored my faith, dashed by Molson and LaBatt, in the rich tradition of Canadian Brewing!

DRU: 97/100 (Dan's Rating Unit)