94 Pere Jacques, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL) 2011. 8% ABV (6/11)
Delightful aromas of honeyed fruit and nut cake, cola, and delicate spices with a silky fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a caramelized apple, melon, mineral and peppery-spice finish. A fantastic food beer.
93 Pere Jacques, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL) 2009. 8% ABV (4/09)
Luminous deep copper color with a lacy manila head. Tangy peach marmalade, orange blossom honey, and delicate date bread aromas follow through on a chewy, rich entry to a fruit-yet-dry medium-to-full body with peppery spice, cherry, roasted nut and caramel soufflé notes. Finishes with nice burnt sugar, mineral and nutshell-like astringency. A great “session” dubbel that will excel with grilled pork.
93 Ommegang Abbey Ale Dubbel, Brewery Ommegang (NY). 8.5% ABV (5/11)
Reddish mahogany color with a fine taupe blanket of foam. Intriguing aromas of licorice, kiwi crème brûlée and lemon curd on buttered rye toast with a supple, satiny dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, balanced spicy fruitcake, wheat grass and mineral finish. Deliciously rich and satisfying.
91 La Trappe Dubbel, Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven B.V. (Holland). 7% ABV (5/11)
Reddish mahogany color. Big circus peanut, golden molasses, and baklava aromas with a supple, silky medium-to-full body and a seamless, spicy golden plum, mint tea, gingerbread and radish sprouts-accented finish. Very tasty and effortlessly drinkable.
90 Belgian Freeze, River Horse Brewery (NJ). 8% ABV (4/09)
Deep copper mahogany color with a taupe head. Aromas of roasted nuts, buttery caramel and dried orange follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with mocha and pear tart notes. Finishes with a delicate singed bread crust, mossy stone and toffee fade. A pleasant, easy-drinking version of the dubbel style.
90 Dubbel Vision, Bastone Brewery (MI). 7.5% ABV (5/11) %{Brewpub}
Deep sunburst Stratocaster color. Aromas of banana taffy, gingerbread, and mocha nut fudge with a rich, frothy fruity medium-full body and a honeyed green apple, roasted carrot and mossy earth-accented finish with a great balance of spices.
90 Blue Apron, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 7.2% ABV (5/11)
Dark cloudy brown color. Subtle aromas of sorghum, dark roasted nuts, and chocolate gingerbread with a silky, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a delicate acacia honey, white strawberry, rhubarb, peppered kale and mineral-accented finish. A polished, elegant beer for the table.
89 St. Feuillien Brune, Brasserie St. Feuillien (Belgium). 7.5% ABV (5/11)
Deep reddish copper color. Aromas of papaya compote, nut toast, and mint gum with a round, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a juicy, spicy, sweet mint tea, hominy and grassy earth finish. Nice vibrancy and refreshing mintiness.
88 Dark Abby, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. (VA). 6.8% ABV (5/10)
Aromas of sour apple candy, sourdough bread and poached egg follow through on a supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with mashed raisin and honey notes. Finishes with a tangy apple and orange skin, light molasses and mineral accents. A nice, easy drinking take on the dubbel style.
88 Phat Abbot Dubbel, Arbor Brewing Co. (MI). 8.4% ABV (5/11)
Dark teak brown color. Rich, milk chocolate, caramelized roasted nut, and raisin cake aromas with a satiny, fruity medium-to-full body and a lush, creamy mocha, frosted carrot cake, spinach and delicate spice finish. Remarkable rich, even and easy-drinking.
85 Abbey Brown Ale, Brouwerij Corsendonk (Belgium). 7.5% ABV (5/11)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Dense aromas of dark toasted pumpernickel, peach pie filling, ginger snap and Meyer lemon with a satiny medium-to-full body and wafer, raisin, nut skin, broccoli leaf and mossy stone-accented finish.
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