10 Commandments

Image courtesy of lostabbey.com

10 Commandments Ale is a “naturally flavored” Belgian-style strong dark ale from The Lost Abbey, San Marcos, CA, a side project of the owners of Port Brewing Company.  The natural flavors referred to are raisins (Mmm!), honey (Mmm!) and rosemary (Hmm?).  The raisiny notes definitely come through in this deep brown brew, in a concentrated, sweet, cognac-like note.  The persistent beige head leaves a good deal of Brussels lace, and caps a brew that holds some spicey notes in its bouquet.  10 Commandments Ale is sweet on the tongue with a drying quality that is resultant from the rosemary as well as the hops.  I’m not particularly a fan of herbs in my beer, and admittedly the rosemary note was not overly strong, but the sweetness and overall strength (10% ABV) of 10 Commandments Ale kept me on board for the whole ride.

80/100