Most beers are made to be enjoyed all by themselves. But let’s face it; some are not as good alone as they are with food. Such is the case with the Dieu du Ciel Route des Épices. Because it is brewed with peppercorns, there is a certain amount of spiciness here that requires something else to tame it down a bit. In this case, I’m definitely thinking pork tenderloin with some caramelized apples would do the trick. But thinking back now to what my expectations were like for this beer, I must say that I expected a bit more from this amazing Canadian brewery. I have had several of their beers (Solstice d’Hiver; Péché Mortel; Aphrodisiaque) and have had great success. This beer just doesn’t do a whole ton for me on its own, though, which isn’t to say it wouldn’t serve another purpose by accompanying food (as stated above). So how does one rate a beer like this? I have no idea. I’ve never had anything remotely close to it (which is good), but I don’t know that I would search out another like it (which is bad). So I’m going with my slightly above average score below in hopes that one day I will make some food to pair with it and see what happens.

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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Animal Collective

Brewery: Dieu du Ciel
Beer: Route des Épices
Style: Rye; Spice/Herb/Vegetal
Location: Montreal, Canada
ABV: 5%
Rating: 78/100

The Imperial Stout is unquestionably one of my top three styles of beer. The first one I ever grew to love was the North Coast Old Rasputin. It’s still a favorite and one I drink on a fairly regular basis. Now, the word “imperial” in this style comes from the notion that breweries used to brew these beers with very high alcohol content. This process would ensure the beer’s endurance on the long ship rides from England to Russia, preserving the beer for the awaiting Russian Tsars. Brasserie Dieu du Ciel are masters at creating this style of stout, and the Péché Mortel (aka mortal sin) is their unequivocal masterpiece. This lovely bottle of heaven just EXPLODES with coffee aroma and roasted malt bitterness. You don’t even have to pour it out of the bottle before your room begins to smell like a coffee house. From the second you bust the cap it comes seeping out into the air. And once you start to pour it out you’ll really begin to see just how insane it is. At 9.5% ABV it is definitely imperial!!! Mortel pours engine oil black – and I mean B-L-A-C-K! So imagine not changing the oil in your car for a year and that’ll give you an idea of what it looks like in the glass. If only our old engine oil would taste this good… In all honesty, though, I am a fanatic for this beer. It’s rather expensive, yet I stand behind the fact that it is worth every bit of currency you’ll spend. There are others I have reviewed that are comparable (Founders Breakfast Stout, Bells Java Stout, etc), but for my money and my palate, the Péché Mortel is the best imperial stout on the market. If you ever find yourself wanting to create a mortal sin anytime soon, then I suggest you get yourself on board with this 12 ounce bottle of beer.

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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Girls

Brewery: Dieu du Ciel!
Beer: Péché Mortel
Style: Imperial Stout
Location: Montreal, Canada
ABV: 9.5%
Rating: 99/100