J.T. Whitneys Dark Comedy Dubbel

Slightly hazy amber-red. A thin white head quickly dissipates to a spotty ring. Not much aroma at all. Flavor is caramel sweet with a very fruity malt profile: peaches, citrus, raisin. Lactic sourness, and somewhat sickly sulfur element spoiler this beer for me. Thin bodied, but with a pleasant dryness, especially on the finish.

On draught at the brewpub as Dark Dubbel. Pours a clear dark copper brew with a thin off-white head that quickly dissipates to a thin white ring. Aroma of roasted caramel malt, a touch of brown sugar, noble hops and some raisin. Taste is medium bodied, very little carbonation with flavors of caramel malt, some dark pitted fruit, cotton candy and some citrus zest. Finish has a mild alcohol burn with a fruity and caramel aftertaste.

Listed as Belgian Dark Ale, rather than add a new beer I think this is a good spot for it. Umber color with a taupe head. Caramel, nuts and light fruit in the aroma. Quite sweet to start with pale fruits of pear and raisins. Dries out very quickly with am earthy cocoa finish and linger. Not much yeast character. Very light in feel.

On tap at the brewpub on 6/22/07: Hazy dark copper pour has a thin, wispy-lacing white head. Aroma of lightly sweet caramel malt with a touch of earthy noble hops. Body starts somewhat thin with a mild earthy caramel sweetness along with a hint of raisins toward a drier finish. Needs more authentic Belgian yeasty character.

Date: 06/22/2007
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewpub

cloudy burnt orange, fine beige head, light sweet fruity aroma, rich fruity caramel malt flavor, nice fruity character but otherwise simple for a double,

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 6/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 12/20
Rating: 3/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: *4

10 oz sample

I have been avoiding JT Whitney’s for a while just because there has been nothing compelling on tap. Other than trying some old standbys this is the first tap that has interested me in a while. For a brewpub Belgian it was amazingly good. While I would not suggest it over many bottled dubbels it does satisfy. My advice is to let it sit for 20 minutes so the ice on the sides of the cold glass has time to melt.

Aroma / Appearance - The color of dark iced tea was decorated with a thin offwhite head. The nose was clean and simple, consisting of nutty malts, light citrus tones, cocoa, cherries and an overall sweetness.

Flavor / Palate - Chewy peanut butter cups, cherries and tea leaves form the initial impression. A strong vinous followup gets some attention before things settle down. This was a reasonably solid beer with some good qualities that make me want to pick up a growler. Check it out if you happen to be in the area though I would not make a special trip just to try it.