I have really been digging these Fantome beers lately and the Fantome Chocolat really peaked my interest when I saw it on the shelf of my local bottle shop.
Since the website, fantome.be, is not translated to English let’s get to ratebeer.com and see if we can find some type of commercial description regarding this beverage.
A Belgian ’saison-style’ ale brewed with cocoa powder and chili pepper? Ay, Caramba! Score another first for the unpredictable brewery that was the first — and so far the only – brewery to make ales out of dandelions and mushrooms, among other things.
Time for a drink.
The Fantome Chocolat comes in a 25.4 oz. bottle and it has an ABV of 8.0%.
It poured a cloudy golden/yellow color. It kind of looked like pineapple juice. The crown was very white, fluffy, soft and somewhat soapy. It was sized greatly and the retention time was substantial and the lacing was very pleasing. A very attractive beer I thought.
The nose brought forth a nice, funky barnyard aroma at first. I found it to be very doughy and yeasty too. Quite herbal smelling with a sturdy amount of peppery spice. Very, very, very light hints of chocolate. Just a smidgen to add a bit more complexity and create a nice little counterpoint to the “funk”.
The taste was nice, funky and yeasty. More peppery spice added some bite, while a good dose of grassy hops added some bitterness. I think I even detected a touch of lemon. It wasn’t sour or acidic though. The chocolate was almost undetectable. Just a touch of it at the very back end when I swallowed.
The mouthfeel was medium bodied, very dry, crisp, refreshing and thirst quenching. The carbonation was very lively. No real amount of warmth was felt from the alcohol, yet a nice slap of flavor was left behind on the palate after the swallow though.
Overall, I thought this beer was very good. Not particularly my favorite of the Fantome line, however I still enjoyed it very much. It wasn’t as powerful as some of the other Fantome beers I’ve tried and the chocolate wasn’t as forceful as I thought it might be, but that very well could have been Dany Prignon’s intention. The drinkability, like all Fantome beers I’ve tried thus far, was outstanding. I absolutely killed this thing. It disappeared rather quickly to say the least. I would definitely recommend that you guys give it a try if you happen to see it. So, with that being said, let me know your opinion of the Fantome Chocolat if you’ve had it. Don’t be afraid to leave a comment if you would like.
Thanks for reading everyone. I really appreciate it.
Until next time. Cheers.
Score: 4.0 out of 5
Grade: B+
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Unsystematic
September 10, 2012 at 2:45 pm
What? Had no idea they made this. I'm a big fan of Fantome Saison, so I may have to try this.
Unsystematic
September 10, 2012 at 2:45 pm
What? Had no idea they made this. I'm a big fan of Fantome Saison, so I may have to try this.
Scott Shrewsberry
September 10, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Unsystematic,
Yeah, I'm a huge fan too. This beer is solid for sure. I'd be interested in hearing your opinion when you try it.
Cheers,
Scott
Scott Shrewsberry
September 10, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Unsystematic,
Yeah, I'm a huge fan too. This beer is solid for sure. I'd be interested in hearing your opinion when you try it.
Cheers,
Scott
Anonymous
September 12, 2012 at 6:19 pm
thanks for your good comments Scott ! dany, simple Ft brewer
Anonymous
September 12, 2012 at 6:19 pm
thanks for your good comments Scott ! dany, simple Ft brewer
dontdrinkbeer
September 12, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Fantome is the truth. You know your beer blog is the jam when Dany himself comments.
dontdrinkbeer
September 12, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Fantome is the truth. You know your beer blog is the jam when Dany himself comments.
Scott Shrewsberry
September 12, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Danny,
I can't tell you want an honor it is to have you take a second to read and comment on the blog. I really appreciate it. Thanks for churning out all of those great brews!!!
Cheers,
Scott
Scott Shrewsberry
September 12, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Danny,
I can't tell you want an honor it is to have you take a second to read and comment on the blog. I really appreciate it. Thanks for churning out all of those great brews!!!
Cheers,
Scott
Scott Shrewsberry
September 12, 2012 at 6:37 pm
dontdrinkbeer,
Isn't that crazy?!?! I can't believe it. I'm speechless. And thank you for checking in on a review too. Much appreciated.
Cheers,
Scott
Scott Shrewsberry
September 12, 2012 at 6:37 pm
dontdrinkbeer,
Isn't that crazy?!?! I can't believe it. I'm speechless. And thank you for checking in on a review too. Much appreciated.
Cheers,
Scott