From Scottish Courage. One of two specialist Belgian brews aimed at the niche for imported premium beers Abv: 6.7% Price: £1.29 TARGET CONSUMER Michael Costello, 33, is practice manager of the PDSA in south London Grimbergen is presented in a fairly standard looking bottle with a nice enough label, but not one I would say was particularly eyecatching. The beer itself is of a rich chestnut colour and has a pleasant, not overpowering, aroma. Bearing in mind the 6.7% alcohol content, I was expecting quite a sweet, heavy taste. However I was pleasantly surprised to find it had quite a soft flavour and texture that left a malty, slightly chocolatey aftertaste. I found Grimbergen to be drinkable and quite innocuous at first. However, as I got further down my glass, the strength started to kick in and by the end it was quite potent. I would therefore probably limit myself to enjoying a couple of bottles of Grimbergen Double before moving on to something lighter, but at £1.29 a bottle it is well worth keeping a few stocked up in the fridge. Rating out of 25 ­ 21 Sally Easton Master of Wine and wine buyer for Berry Brothers and Rudd This blond beer is pale amber. On the nose it is quite yeasty and spicy, but lacks the individuality of specific character. The body is light with a smooth attack but the sparkle provides a heavily foamed mouthfeel leaving the palate unrefreshed. The character of fruit and spice on the palate lacks intensity and depth of flavour, making this beer appear dilute and anodyne. The packaging is traditional, with heraldic tones of heritage which may not suit the modern UK market. The price point is appropriate for this style of beer but without significant support it is unlikely to perform well in its category. Rating out of 25 ­ 5 Graham Shearsby Board creative director, graphics, at Design Bridge When a new Belgian beer comes along, it needs to look like the real thing as well as offering something we haven't already got. Grimbergen might have the heritage but does it look the part? I'm just not sure if it feels underdesigned, authentic or like a Belgian lookalike. I think I'd need to have this one recommended to me as there's not enough to take it on face value...unless you saw it in a bar in Bruges, and I suppose that is the real test. Is it worthy to sit on the same shelf as its illustrious compatriots? In the cattle market that is the great British off-trade, this one just might not have enough going for it. Rating out of 25 ­ 10 Steve Mayes Category controller at Landmark Although this won't be massive volume, Grimbergen will do well within its speciality niche. It has all the ingredients for success ­ a stunning label that is so hackneyed and grotesque that it's brilliant. The liquid is also great ­ good looking, nice head, mild aroma and a balanced taste that's clean and smooth, all nutty fruity and malty until the 6.7% alcohol sneaks up and whacks you Prescott style!! Any outlet running guest or speciality beers will have fun with this ­ the pricing looks about right, and as long as there's some margin in it, it's well worth a try ­ you can sell it with confidence. Rating out of 25 ­ 22 Total score out of 100 ­ 58 {{DRINKS }}

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