Chris Shanahan: Beer review — Brasserie du Bocq and Young’s

Brassserie du Bocq La Gauloise Amber Ale 330ml $5.30
This is a traditional Belgian top-fermented ale, re-fermented in the bottle. It has a dark amber colour with a lovely, sweet, fruity/malty aroma. This fruity/malty character comes through on a warming, well-balanced palate with a satisfying, tangy, bitter finish. It’s refreshing, complex and moreish. Imported by Phoenix beers and well distributed.

Young’s Luxury Double Malt Chocolate Stout 500ml $7.00
There’s chocolate in the brew and it shows up as a dry, bitter note in the finish – like strong high-cocoa chocolate. But more than anything it’s a full-bore stout featuring rich, roasted malt flavour, all-round opulence, smooth texture and assertive hops bitterness. A small glass on a cold night would be perfect.