Westmalle Dubbel

Brewed by Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle
Style: Abbey Dubbel
Malle, Belgium

I’ve had this beer sitting in my fridge for days waiting to be opened. Westmalle Dubbel did not disappoint. Aroma was evident immeadiately after cracking the cap off. Poured nice into a goblet with a thick head. Beer had a consistant strong, yet smooth taste.

A fun beer to watch. Small bubbles that get bigger as you go up in the tall amber head. An amber orange color. Quite dry. Noted the darker fruits including cherries. A dry finish with flavors of hazelnut and toast.

Beautifully chestnut brown colour, hazy and crowned with beige head. Slightly bubble-gum/banana estery nose. Balanced sweetness and soft maltiness turning into a dry, hoppy finish. These Trappist monks know their stuff, but it’s not as good as, say Westvleteren. But then - what is?

Not my favourite trappist, but there is no bad trappist (although I have not yet tried any Achel beer). Accessible, but lacking the complexity and depth of, say, Westvleteren.

Not difficult to get as other trappistes. Nice appearance, red and a big head. Good sweet and spicy aroma. Has a little fine laqurice in the flavor.

Bottle. Slightly murky maroonish brown with a thin light tan head. Aromas of mincemeat pie and musty yeast with a little alcohol and grapes. Flavors of dark fruits and scorched caramel with an interesting musty yeast character and a little spicy bite at the finish. Fizzy and full bodied mouthfeel. There is plenty going on here without funky flavors to detract from the enjoyment, although some might consider that a lack of complexity. I consider it damn tasty.

Why have I always overlooked this beer? With some age I could see this being fantastic. Rochefort like characteristics with a nice lingering fruity finish. Highly recommend this for a common Belgian or any beer for that matter.

Poured to a Westmalle Trappist glass in a Belgian restaurant. Initial flavor of raisins and plums, flavors ended with a slight bitterness and yeast. Great beer.