Tag Archives: dubbel

UNCOMMON SIAMESE TWIN ALE

Truly ‘uncommon’ Belgian-styled dubbel delicately combines spicy herbal fruits for amber-hazed curry-like extravaganza. One of the finest canned libations from the Left Coast, this unfiltered medium body piles plentiful peppery hops atop dry Kaffir lime zest, sour lemongrass tartness, and candi-sugared apple-watermelon sweetness. Coriander and Thai spice flitter through vanilla-butterscotch midst before alcohol-whirred fungi-like Belgian yeast strain commandeers muted orange-bruised anise-backed finish. Pour slowly to avoid risk of over-carbonation.

CAPTAIN LAWRENCE SAINT VINCENT’S DUBBEL BELGIAN ABBEY ALE

Profound hazy auburn dubbel perfectly replicates funky fungi-like yeast dankness of finest Abbey ales, retaining chewy brown-sugared honey-dipped caramel malting, boozy burgundy-sherry incisiveness, and vinous white grape acidity. Bruised orange-cherry-banana angularity, pureed plum-raisin souring, and tingly cinnamon-clove-ginger spicing strengthen imminent chocolate-vanilla influence, battling back astringent 8% alcohol-soaked metallic pungency to rounded floral-spiced Muscat grape finish. Definitely a worthy nightcap.

CHIMAY PERES TRAPPISTES – PREMIERE ALE

Adventurously heady silk-textured artesian ‘premiere’ ale remits muted ester-y grape nose as prickly hops tingle tongue and creamy caramel malts caress red-wined warmth. At midst, herbaceous floral bouquet deepens oak-aged bruised orange, tart cherry, and dried prune. Latent pecan, fig, banana, and nectar illusions counter cellar-like fungi earthiness. Loud port finish retains medicinal soured candy charm. Ultimately rewarding as slow sipping relaxant.

FLYING FISH BELGIAN STYLE DUBBEL

Enjoyable bottle conditioned sunset orange double bock may be ill-defined. Closer to copper-brown ale designation with its cola flow and roasted hop perk while earthy finish reminiscent of fine English ale. Nose tingling brandy warmth, syrupy barleywine thickness, and buttery cognac tinge anchor medium-bodied alcohol-smitten knockoff, but dubious dubbel lacks expectant robust depth of Belgian-styled peers.

GRIMBERGEN DOUBLE BELGIAN SPECIAL DARK ABBEY ALE

Peculiar burgundy-hued Belgian (originally brewed in Middle Ages by Nobertine monks) uses carefully guarded recipe, but may have lost some luster over the centuries. Mellow barleywine presence merges roasted mocha malt zeal with sweet floral dirge and sour prune-fig-date adjuncts to creamy toffee finish. Tertiary orange-bruised red cherry fruiting lacks zest. Too diluted to compete with Belgium’s best.

BRUGSE ZOT ALE

Carbolic champagne fizz nearly overwhelms candi-sugared yeast zest and honeyed butterscotch modesty of middling pale ale. White peppered hops spice up lemony clementine-pear-peach tang and musty horse-blanket reminder. Wavered banana-clove clip and bitter orange rind snip need deeper penetration.