Singillis Donker by Singillis Bieren is being evaluated as a Belgian Dark Strong Ale (category 26D in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Belgian Dark Strong Ales are deceptively strong dark beers that have a harmony of rich malt, fruity esters and peppery phenolics. Singillis Bieren is located halfway between Antewrp and Ghent where the family has been brewing beer since 1908.
Singillis pours a brownish amber in color with good clarity and a small tan head. The aroma is of moderately rich bready malt paired evenly with peppery phenolics. The flavor is similarly rich as bready melanoidins pair with peppery phenolics and a note of alcohol. The beer finishes with moderately light bitterness and a moderate bready/bread crusts, melanoidin-rich maltiness that is contrasted with peppery phenolics.
This is a very well-made Belgian Dark Strong Ale. The bready malt was evenly balanced by the phenolics, but a little more malt complexity and a note of a light ester could have made this beer even more complex.