Abbey Belgian Style Dubbel is a Belgian-style Dubbel brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tulip glass from a bottle.
Appearance
The Dubbel pours a cloudy chestnut brown that glows ruby-red when held to the light. It’s topped by a finger-thick cap of puffy, cream-colored foam that shows good retention. Patches of sticky lace cling to the sides of the glass following the reduction.
Aroma
The aroma is strong with a scent of that’s earthy with wood and smoke; spiced with clove, and slightly sweet with dark fruit and a hint of banana.
Flavor
Bready malt and sweet caramel initiate the palate. A mild bitterness of floral hops, earthy wood, and clove follow. Sweet flavors of plum and caramel round out the finish.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth and slick with a body that’s a medium-full and moderately-high carbonation. Finishes dryly with a mild warmth.
Overall
Its appearance could be better and it could show better clarity, but it’s not too bad. Its feel is spot on. And both the aroma and palate are nothing short of fantastic. The balance of esters, phenols, and booze is superb. The Abbey Belgian Style Dubbel would do the monks across the pond proud.