Brouwerij The Musketeers - Troubadour Obscura

Troubadour Obscura, crafted by The Musketeers Brewery, is a Belgian dark ale that artfully combines elements of a traditional Belgian Dubbel and an Irish stout. Pouring a deep reddish-brown hue with a robust tan head, this beer presents a visually appealing and inviting appearance. The nose is greeted with a rich bouquet of roasted malt, caramel, and chocolate, complemented by subtle hints of dried fruits such as raisins and plums, alongside delicate spice notes reminiscent of clove and vanilla.

Troubadour Obscura delights the palate with a harmonious medley of flavors. Its robust malt backbone delivers rich notes of chocolate and coffee, achieved through the use of four distinct specialty malts. Layers of dark fruit, including fig and overripe banana, add depth and complexity, bringing a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the roasted malt profile. Belgian yeast contributes gentle spice notes, accented by hints of clove and a touch of peppery warmth, further elevating the flavor experience. With a medium to full body and a smooth, creamy texture, this ale feels luxurious yet approachable. Moderate carbonation adds a pleasant lift, enhancing the rich flavors without overpowering the palate. The finish is semi-dry, featuring a mild lingering bitterness and a soft warmth from the well-integrated 8.2% ABV, which remains refined and far from overpowering.

Troubadour Obscura is a truly distinctive Belgian dark ale that masterfully combines the rich, malt-forward essence of a stout with the vibrant fruity and spicy characteristics that define Belgian ales. Its intricate and layered flavor profile, highlighted by roasted malt, dark fruit, and subtle spice, sets it apart as a beer of remarkable complexity. The harmonious balance of flavors, paired with a smooth and satisfying finish, makes it an exceptionally versatile choice. Whether enjoyed alongside hearty dishes such as game or stews, or savored on its own as a warming indulgence during a chilly winter evening, Troubadour Obscura offers a deeply satisfying and memorable experience for beer enthusiasts.

The Troubadour Obscura is drinking very well now and will also stand up to further maturity in one’s cellar. This is one of those beers that is quite versatile and pairs well with lots of different types of cuisine. Enjoy it with your favorite beef roast, bbq pork ribs, or rotisserie game hens. We also recommend with your favorite chocolate desserts, including chocolate pecan pie and warm walnut brownies. Cheers!

The Musketeers Brewery was established in 1999 by four brewing engineers, united by their shared passion for crafting beer. What began as a hobby took root in the humble beginnings of Kristof's mother’s kitchen, where their first brews were created. Over two decades later, founders Stefaan Soetemans and Kristof De Roo remain at the helm of this celebrated Belgian brewery.

The Troubadour beers steadily gained recognition in both Belgian and international markets. The journey began with Troubadour Blond, the brewery’s first creation, introduced in 1999. This blonde beer, with an initial strength of 8.5%, proved too potent for the brewers’ liking, leading them to develop a milder alternative they called Musketeer. However, the name was already trademarked, and so Troubadour Blond was officially born and quickly embraced by beer enthusiasts.

The lineup expanded in 2001 with the debut of Troubadour Obscura, a darker companion to the original. By 2010, the brewery pushed boundaries further with the release of Troubadour Magma, a Belgian Triple IPA that brought innovation to their growing portfolio.

The Musketeers Brewery crafts specialty beers known for their exceptional and distinctive character. Drawing inspiration from a variety of styles and flavors, they create well-balanced, innovative, and high-quality Belgian beers. Renowned for their Troubadour Series, the brewery also offers the captivating Belgian Legends Series and the adventurous Bucket List Series—each beer carrying its own unique story and surprising character. We proudly showcase an excellent selection from these series: The Rare Beer Club has obtained a very limited amount of Troubadour Obscura, a beer that has not seen any US distribution in the last 18 months.