 Beerlando (1341), Orlando, Florida, USA
Feb 10, 2008
This beauty pours a very dark, inky looking mahogany that is very nearly black in color. A large, foamy tan head settles rather quickly to a thin layer with a disproportionately large edge. Each swirl of the viscous liquid yields sudsy lacing that slowly oozes its way back to the body. The aroma shows a bevy of dark fruits, particularly plums and dates. There is a good dose of scorched caramel and baker’s chocolate, as well as a large serving of darkly toasted grains. Sweet molasses and stewed raisons round out the deep, inviting nose. The flavor is a seamless continuation of the theme, further proving that this one defies the traditional definition of a dubbel. The rich, malty chocolate and caramel are again accompanied by various dark fruits, this time with some dry woodsy notes and a light floral hoppiness as well. Finishes somewhat spicy, adding yet another layer of depth. Easily the best dubbel I’ve encountered to date. Excellent.
glkaiser (999), Seattle, Washington, USA
Oct 1, 2008 Very dark brown with big light brown head. Aroma of spicy yeast and dark malt. Lots of dry, dark fruit, salty licorice, chocolate and roasted malt. Spicy yeast mixes fantastically. Nice bitterness and alcohol kick to finish. Really quite fantastic.
GAManiac (338), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Sep 14, 2008 Wow, this is one of the best looking Belgian ales I’ve ever seen. Almost completely black pour with a huge rocky tan head that leaves a cap for the duration leaving good lacing. It looks almost like a stout.
Aroma has a huge roasted malt base with some Belgian yeast thrown in. Dark fruit are also evident with raisins and grapes clearly present as well as a spicy character throughout. Maybe even a hint of tart in the nose as well, but only a hint.
Taste has an overall cola flavor with the roasted malts forming the backbone. The dark fruit sweetness pop up front, but the spiciness takes over in the finish and shows itself much more than in the aroma. Belgian yeasts and candied sugars round out this very complex taste.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied with huge carbonation that fizzes all over the palate.
This is a great Belgian-style brew with tons of roasted malt character to differentiate it from the typical ale in this style. Another distinctive and very tasty beer from Midnight Sun.
rudolf (1570), Buffalo, New York, USA
Sep 6, 2008 Thanks to Santa! Very dark, almost black body. Large tan head that fades in a few moments with minimal lacing. Nose is spicy yeast, (Cardamom, unibroue-esque) molasses, alcohol, grapes/raisin, some chocolaty malt, sweet port. Flavor is molasses, spicy yeast, more raisiny goodness balanced by a high (but not burney) level of alcohol. Some breadiness comes out in the finish. Body is a bit heavy for my liking.
Thomas_E (5065), Copenhagen, Denmark
Sep 5, 2008 Deep brown colour with a tan head. malty, light roasted and coffee bitter aroma with a light vanilla sweet note. Light roasted fruity flavor with a light chocolate sweet note.
kegbear (101), Orange, California, USA
Aug 31, 2008 Bottle. Nice full mouthfeel. Dark fruit and spice dominate with caramel malt in the background. A really nice Abbey Dubbel that is very well balanced.
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