The Smallest Rochefort Still Strides Like a Giant

Rochefort 6
Abbey St. Remy, Rochefort, Belgium
333 mL
Sampled: April 23, 2008

The most rarely-seen brew in the Rochefort triumpherate is also the lightest.

However, light in this family of ales is a relative term – it weighs in at 7.5 percent ABV, more than enough to kick the ass of most mass-market beer drinkers.

Of course, compared it its brethren, the 8 and 10, that practically makes it a session ale.

The Rochefort 6 pours less deeply brown, although its initial foamy head condenses nicely with the wispy lace.

Slightly effervescent, the nose is loaded with cherries, oak and dark chocolate (in that order). A blunted molasses covers the pepperiness of the alcohol that really wants to break out, but fortunately, fails to. Raisins and prunes make their presence known with the chocolate. Don’t expect the taste of a double chocolate stout – it’s more a mix of baker’s chocolate and the dark, flavanoid rich types. Those dark fruit and dessert flavors dominate right up to the finish, when the chocolate comes back into the picture, albeit with an amped up bitterness.

Since all the Rochefort ales are variations of the same recipe, this doesn’t drastically differ from the others. Given their track record, that’s a plus.

The Rochefort 8 will produce a warm belly and decent buzz on eight ounces. Rochefort 10 contain enough alcohol to tranquilize an agitated rhino. Rochefort 6 makes a fine nightcap. While lighter than the others, its nose is much more fragrant and aggressive.

Even with a 6, you can’t go wrong with Rochefort.

Rating: 9/10