Belgian abbey ales are defined by their yeast character as much as their malt, and Lowtide have respected that by using Belgian yeast here alongside a grain bill that draws on the classic dark malt choices: Caramunich for dried fruit and caramel sweetness, Special B for the deeper raisin and dark toffee notes, with Pilsner malt as the base and oats, rye and wheat adding texture. Three hop varieties — Saaz, Magnum and Goldings — are used for bitterness rather than aroma, which keeps the malt and yeast character in front. It pours a deep pecan brown with a generous, brownish-white foam head and a slight haze. The aroma is sweet and malt-driven: roasted barley, chocolate, vanilla and honey up front, with a floral quality and a hint of sage sitting on an earthy base. On the palate the sweetness is genuine but the bitterness grows steadily behind it, giving the beer more structure than a lot of dark AF beers manage. Vegan. Not a light midweek option — this is for situations where you want something with actual character. The 0.5% ABV means it qualifies as alcohol-free under UK law. Now brewed and sold under the Below Brew Co name.