There was no way I was going to miss this event. Why? Because for some reason I have an infatuation with the Unibroue brewery that is unexplainable and I had heard that they were going to taste some vintage bottles. I was right, if you were there this is what you tasted. If you weren’t there, this is what you missed.

#1 Blanche de Chambly (5% ABV): pretty available and standard Belgian white ale. I really lost interest when visiting Quebec City and it was served with an orange. I’m glad they didn’t put any fruit in it at the Tap. Aromatic head, light and fruity finish.

#2 Chambly Noir (6.2% ABV): again, pretty available either by 750ml or 4-pks; definitely more of a winter warmer than the Blanche de Chambly. Dark and cloudy with a bit of a sour fruity finish, much lighter ABV than you would think by looking at it; nice contrast to the Blanche de Chambly.

#3 La Fin du Monde (9% ABV): This has been a favorite of mine for some time and is definitely a nice substitute for champagne when the need for a toast arises. This beer should not be disrespected or confused for a session beer at 9% ABV, but the drinkability makes it entirely possible to go a bit overboard. I really noticed the poor choice in glassware when we tasted this beer, the small straight glasses didn’t provide the opportunity for the beer to breathe or head to expand. I believe those trying it for the first time may have lost a bit because of this choice in glassware; either way, very solid tripel with a lively finish that is representative of the Quebec City vibe.

#4 15 (10% ABV): This was a very very special treat and my favorite to date. This bottle conditioned 750ml Belgian strong ale was brewed in 2006 to mark Unibroue’s 15th anniversary. Out of all of the anniversary ales, I enjoyed this one the most. It was reminiscent of a very gentle La Fin du Monde or a Don de Dieu (which we didn’t try). Light in color and clean in the finish with a fantastic aromatic head. I really really want some more of this beer and have been on a mission since having my first taste. If you can get your hands on it and you like this style don’t pass it up.

#5 16 (10% ABV): After the 15 I must admit I was a bit distracted, distracted by trying to find more of the 15 to enjoy. This is Unibroue’s 16th anniversary Belgian strong ale, reminded me of the Maudite. I wonder if this is intentional. Enjoyable, but admittedly I was paying less attention than I should have; darker in color, fruity thicker mouth taste, nice creamy colored head.

#7 17 (10% ABV): While tasting the 17 I’m still thinking “How can I get some more of that 15”, but this 17th anniversary Belgian Strong Ale shouldn’t be overlooked simply because I am perseverating on which Rochester, NY distributor might still have some 15 in stock. At the point of trying this beer, which reminded me surprisingly of Trois Pistoles, I had already texted my friends at Nathaniel Square Corner Store to get on the 15 case. The 17 was similar in color to the 16 and poured darker with a creamy head. The fruit notes and sweetness are what I believe made me compare it to the Trois Pistoles; great beer and worthy of being enjoyed without the 15 comparison.

This event blew away my expectations and the beers were paired with a light cheese, fruit, and vegetable platter at each table. The host, whose name I found inaudible through the PA system feedback, was generous and gave each of us a Unibroue glass to take home. For $15 a ticket this was an incredible evening with some fantastic people sharing some outstanding beers with us. Thank you to Chris Schultheis and Joe McBane for finding the anniversary beers, to Jeana Bonacci for pouring us proper, and to the Tap & Mallet team for creating yet another obsession in my mind…find more Unibroue 15.

In the fall of 2009 my husband and I visited Quebec City for five days of rest and relaxation. Unibroue was in every pub and in every gas station in Quebec City, Maudite seemed to be the local favorite, “When in Rome…”