Brasserie Fantôme - Dark Spiritus Winter Project

The last beer in this Special Offer is the Brasserie Fantôme Dark Spiritus Winter Project, a dark winter ale brewed with various dark malts, spices, and roots foraged by the brewer Dany Prignon. The pour displays a reddish-brown hue, complemented by a creamy, large and frothy light tan head. The aromas are a delightfully harmonious blend of malt sweetness, yeasty dark bread, gentle farmhouse funk, and fruity-floral notes reminiscent of a barnyard surrounded by orchards of plums and citrus fruits. The aromas intensify with every swirl of the glass as hints of cocoa, honey, and dark raisins come forward, layered with notes of sweet roots, clove, caramel, toffee, and hay. There are even notes of floral and piney hops popping in and out of the frame, adding to the aroma’s complexity.

On the palate the Dark Spiritus Winter Project builds on the aromas, confirming them as rustic flavors, with a perceived sweetness at first, then balanced by finely layered farmhouse elements, and elevated by just the right amount of bitterness. An added bonus is the emergence of candied orange peel, plump dates, and chewy figs. These flavors broaden the foundation laid by dark malts, toasty grains, and dashes of earthy pepper. The Dark Spiritus Winter Project manages to be highly drinkable and notably rich simultaneously. As a typical offering from Brasserie Fantôme, it defies easy description and categorization, and really is more than the sum of its parts.

The Dark Spiritus Winter Project is medium to full bodied, with a smooth effervescent mousse, and round mouthfeel. The finish possesses a slightly rustic quality, with malt accents and subtle funky notes, contributing to its length and perceived dryness.

In the end, all four of these beers transcend their individual components, a testament to Dany Prignon’s brewing prowess, and provide a very unique and pleasant drinking experience.

The Dark Spiritus Winter Project is brewed to be enjoyed during winter and not really meant for further aging or added maturity. However, a couple years of cellaring would only add to the enjoyment of this beer. Paired with holiday fare and treats, this beer will please very many and intrigue even more. Cheers!