“Tynt Meadow is mahogany-coloured, with a subtle, warm red hue, and a lasting beige head. Its aroma carries hints of dark chocolate, liquorice, and rich fruit flavours. The beer is full-bodied, gently balancing the taste of dark chocolate, pepper, and fig. It leaves a warm and dry finish on the palate. Tynt Meadow is brewed with English barley and hops, using an English strain of yeast. It is twice-fermented, with the first fermentation taking place in the tank, and the second in the bottle. It should be stored in a cool, dark, quiet place.”

Glassware: Trappist Chalice.

Appearance: Quite a deep and muddy chestnut brown with a short tan head which retains rather well. Gorgeous webbed lacing clings to the glass as we go.

Aroma: Oh my this smells amazing. It actually smells exactly how it presents – with a deep Belgian Trappist-style richness but wrapped in a cloak of conventional English hops and malt. Heaps of dark fruit sweetness i.e raisin, dates and booze-soaked figs. Port, tobacco, damp wood and black pepper to boot. Loving it thus far.

Flavour: Wow this is quite different. If we had to compare it with another of its ilk we’d have to go for the majestic Fuller’s Vintage Ale. The main difference being the more yeasty and rich Belgian angle this one comes at. Again, lots of dark fruit sweetness, subtle EKG and Fuggle spicy-ness, bready/toasty malt and a light roasted note to finish.

Mouthfeel: Super smooth, silky and creamy. Medium-full body. Low-ish Co2. The 7.4% ABV is very well concealed.

Overall: Well here it is…the 12th addition to the highly prestigious Trappist family of breweries. It may not have the unmistakable qualities of its Belgian and Dutch brethren (yet) but to be fair they don’t have centuries of experience on their side. With that in mind we must give credit where it’s due. A very impressive drop.