St Bernardus "ABT 12" is a Belgian quadrupel brewed in Belgium, dark, rich and sitting at a serious 10% ABV. It's the strongest beer the brewery makes, and it shows.

The nose carries dark fruit, raisin and a touch of chocolate, with warm spice sitting underneath. Malt dominates throughout, hops are there only to keep things balanced, and bitterness is low considering the strength. The body is full and the finish long, with a gentle warmth from the alcohol lingering after each sip.

Serve it a little below room temperature in a wide glass, on its own after dinner. This is a beer built to cellar - put a few bottles away and they'll only get better with a year or two.