Sunswick's 3rd Annual Belgian Beer Fest - Astoria, NY

Named Cinq Cents in 75 cl (25.4 fl.oz.) bottles, this beer with its typical golden color, its slightly hazy appearance and its fine head is especially characterized by its aroma which results from an agreeable combination of fresh hops and yeast. The beer's flavor, as sensed in the mouth, comes from the smell of hops: above all it is the fruity notes of Muscat and raisins that give this beer a particularly attractive aroma. The aroma complements the touch of bitterness. There is no acidity, but an after-bitterness which melts in the mouth.

St. Bernardus Prior 8 from Brouwerij St. Bernard is a traditional abbey ale brewed in the classic "Dubbel" style of Belgium's Trappist Monks. It has a ruby to purple color, smooth, creamy richness of texture that is almost oily, and a malt-fruit complexity reminiscent of coconut.

Long before hops were common in most beers, various fruits and vegetables were used to season beers. The acidity of lambic beers blends perfectly with raspberries. Rose in color. Magnificent aroma, delicate palate of raspberries with undertones of fruity acidity; elegant, sparkling clean natural taste.

Brewed with all natural ingredients, including Caramel, Pilsen and Munich barley malts, and Saaz, Kent and Hallertau hops. Beer authority Michael Jackson describes Corsendonk® Abbey Brown Ale as "A strong, Burgundy-colored ale in the style of the classic Trappist brews of Belgium. Has a very distinctive bouquet: yeasty, fruity and slightly smoky. In palate, it has notes of port, raisins and black chocolate. Matures greatly with age, becoming softer, smoother and deeper in palate. Ideally, should be stored for at least a year, and could mature for at least five."

Big white head. Cloudy (unfiltered, unpasteurized, bottle-conditioned). Intense hop aroma (use of Amarillo hops for dry-hopping). Malty sweetness in the background. Estery fruitiness clearly shines through signaling the arrival of something unusual. Strong, complex hops flavor. High but not outlandish, bitterness. Big clean malty body. Again, estery flowery-fruitiness provides an astonishing third dimension. Long, lingering bitterness beautifully balanced with malt sweetness, and a fruity dry finish.

Appearance: Bright, golden color. Beautiful clarity. Total transparency, no residual yeast. Rocky, creamy,
meringue-like head, with excellent retention.

Aroma: Subtle citrus notes with a touch of honey and grain. Gentle, green herbal hoppiness.

Taste:(Note that the beer is definitely best when well-chilled.) Dry and crisp with mild, yeasty citrus notes. More hops on the palate than nose. Well balanced, hops play off both malt and citrus. Hints of floral and sweet orange.

The classic example of the Saison Style. A pleasing pale straw-color with a dense, creamy head. The nose is estery with citrus and spice notes. Full-bodied and malty, it sparkles on the palate and finishes with a zesty hop and citrus attack.

De Koninck is an amber colored, top-fermented beer with a lively taste and velvet soft aroma. This Belgian session beer's fluffy head, fresh biscuit like aroma, the characteristic mellow, round finish from the Belgian yeast strain makes De Koninck incredibly quaffable. Our recommendation is to drink out of a "Bolleke" - the famous bowl shaped De Koninck glass.

Malheur 12° is a dark brown ale with beautiful and rocky café latté light brown foam. The flavor is malty and cereal and might be thinking of fresh cut bread. The taste of Malheur 12° is full, round, with a touch of sweet alcohols, but the ale is still dry and bitter coffee, and with touches of nuts, honey and rum from the brown candy sugar. The finish is bitter-sweet, long and warm.

Dark brown color. Great strength balanced by a complexity of flavors and firm malt backbone. The bouquet covers a wide range: port wine, leather, apricots, oak, spices - a deeply intriguing beverage.