Bink Bruin (5.5% ABV)

This Belgian dark ale is certainly characteristic of its class, pouring a near-black with a thick mocha-coloured cap.

A gentle malt and yeast nose gives way to predominant coffee, praline and cherry-pit flavours, with a hop-dry finish.

I really warmed to this beer. It would pair well with a not-to-sweet desert, although the predominant dryness means it could easily also go well with, say, a molasses-rich barbecue rib dish, or home-style baked beans with ham hock; a cassoulet or a stout or red wine-enriched beef or chicken dish, even. The lighter alcohol content works well; the only downside for me was the slightly aggressive carbonation.

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