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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Continental European Ales

To Quench and to Savor

Abbey Dubbel

Monastic, or abbey, ales are an ancient tradition in Belgium, in much the same manner as wine production was once closely associated with monastic life in ancient France. Currently, very few working monasteries brew beer within the order, but many have licensed the production of beers bearing their abbey name to large commercial brewers. These “abbey ales” can vary enormously in specific character, but most are quite strong in alcohol content, ranging from 6 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) to as high as 10 percent. Generally, abbey ales are labeled as either “dubbel” or “trippel,” though this is not a convention that is slavishly adhered to. The former conventionally denotes a relatively less alcoholic and often darker beer, while the latter can often be lighter or blond in color and have a syrupy, alcoholic mouthfeel that invites sipping, not rapid drinking. The lowest gravity abbey ale in a Belgian brewer’s range will conventionally be referred to as a “singel,” though it is rarely labeled as such.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

93 Père Jacques, Goose Island Brewing 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 as well.

90 Brother David’s Double, Anderson Valley Brewing Co. (CA). 9% ABV (5/08)
Dark reddish copper mahogany color with a lacy taupe head. Brown sugar, chocolate-covered Montmorency cherry and dark, butter-roasted nut aromas follow through on a soft, satiny entry to a dryish medium-full body with an emphasis on the salty nuts and cocoa. Finishes with a tangy, nutty fade with subtle dried citrus peel-like hops in support. Well balanced and very drinkable. Try with venison chops or rabbit sausage.

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.

89 Dubbel Vision, Bastone Brewery (MI). 7.5% ABV (4/09)
Cloudy mahogany color with a wispy head, Bread crust, nut skin and raw honey aromas follow through on a round entry to dry-yet-fruity medium body with mossy stone and brown sugar notes. Finishes with tangy raisin and pumpernickel fade. A fine example of a domestic dubbel.

87 Abbaye De Saint Martin Dark, Brasserie de Brunehaut (Belgium). 8% ABV (5/07)
Mahogany color. Buttery peanut brittle, orange marmalade and baker’s chocolate aromas follow through to a satiny medium body of rich Belgian milk chocolate-covered dried fruits, toffeed nuts and balanced delicate spices. Finishes with a cocoa-dusted nut and citrus peel fade. A silky sipping beer.

86 Heavy Seas Holy Sheet Abbey, Clipper City Brewing Co. (MD). 9% ABV (5/08)
Mahogany color. Very tangy chocolate-covered cherry, raisin and date aromas and flavors with spiced nuts, dried citrus and cheese in good balance.

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