What makes a Belgian style stout Belgian style? That’s the question I pondered as I sipped Southbound Moondance Belgian Inspired Imperial Stout with Spices. The Belgians, of course, do make stouts, though it’s not a style they’re known for. Most of the “Belgian stouts” I’ve come across have been American brewed. Almost begrudgingly, I’ve granted them their own category here at Bruguru.com.

For the most part, these beers are of imperial stout strength, assertively roasty, often spiced and usually with at least a bit of funky yeast character. Southbound Moondance has most of those attributes if not all, and I’ll add that I very much enjoyed this tasty local brew.

From the label:

Any night will be a marvelous night for our newest brew, Moondance. This Belgian Inspired Imperial Stout brewed with Spices comes in at a whopping 10.6% ABV. It's smooth and creamy texture ensures it goes down nice and easy. Moondance is chock-full of dark fruit, chocolate, deep caramel and roast flavors accented with subtle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and spice. The complex fruity esters pair perfectly with its spicy aromatics. This incredibly flavorful monster stout will call to your heartstrings and ensure a truly magical night.  

Southbound Moondance Belgian Inspired Imperial Stout with Spices has, as was mentioned above, a hefty alcohol content of 10.6% by volume. It has 40 IBUs and is hopped with Magnums and Goldings. I paid $8.99 for a 22-ounce bottle. Not bad these days.

Southbound Moondance Belgian Inspired Imperial Stout with Spices pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy tan head and a light roast and nutmeg nose. Taking a sip, the beer has a burnt coffeeish roastiness and rich full body up front, subtle hints of dry nutmeg and spicy cinnamon, with savory clove suggestions and rich dark chocolate, a hint of star anise perhaps (licorice), maybe ginger, and an intensely roasty finish. The spices and roast leave the beer finishing very dry indeed, and it doesn’t seem as strong as it is, but there is at least a hint of warming alcohol.

Other than the clove and anise, this is not all that Belgian. The beer is spicy Belgian if not yeasty Belgian, but delicious all the same. I would love to drink this again.

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