The Bookstore is setup to mimic an old speak-easy. The door leads into the basement floor of an old Bethlehem south-side building. Front entrance room looks like a tiny bookstore, with a hostess that leads you through a dark curtain and to your seat. All staff is wearing black and white with suspenders, whole place is lit by candles and oil lamps, and a three piece jazz-type band is playing covers in the corner.
The place is really cool: copper bar tops, menus are glued into books, very dim and chill atmosphere. They have the best beer list I've seen in a long time. There were dozens of beers I wanted to order, many of which were 16 or 25 oz bottles. I opt for a more manageable size, and select the Trappist Rochefort.
The bartender grabs a bottle from the fridge, sets a snifter glass on my coaster and presents the bottle. My hat off to the staff there, as he presents it like a wine bottle. He pops the top, pours a taste, and looks for my approval. Approval he has!
The beer immediately reminds me of a smaller Chimay Blue. Served in a twelve ounce bottle with a crown cap, the label displays the official Trappist logo. The color is a deep brownish red, almost like rust colored. The foam is off-white colored, and fairly thin. The little bit of foam subsides quickly, and exposes the tasty brew below.
The flavor is full, but not over-powering, and it's hard for me to concentrate while admiring the rest of the bar and atmosphere. I'm getting some hints of cherry, maybe honey, nice malts, and can barely notice the 11.3% abv. Nice and smooth, very drinkable, and flavorful, this Trappist Rochefort is a winner in my book!
Trappist Rochefort
TCSH Rating- 8.5/10
Aka- very good, I'll be buying it for the store very soon!
Eli
Bibo ergo sum
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