Maredsous 8 - Brune - Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV

pezoids

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +25%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is a special beer. Served at the Eulogy bar. This one is just about perfect in every way. I can find no faults and would not change a thing. First of all the beer was served in it’s own special goblet and had a wonderful deep copper brown color. Perfect appearance with a superb clarity and was topped off with a rich creamy head. The aroma was strong in caramel and roasted malts. A very buttery and smooth body with a rich mouthfeel. Slightly sticky and candy sweet. Flavors that come through are complex, but not too intense. Molasses, brown sugar, caramel along with a hidden spiciness. Alcohol is barely noticeable. If I had to choose only one desert island beer, this would be near the top of the list. Outstanding.

Serving type: on-tap

09-06-2003 04:57:47 | More by pezoids

bschymik

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +25%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

8 is a regular on tap at the Filmore - 10 in bottles. What a treat to all senses. Very complex from start to end. Maredsous glasses are designed to get the most out of the beer - and they do. all 5's !! I'm headed back again tonight to confirm my findings.

Filmore Pub, Plano, TX

Serving type: on-tap

01-20-2010 14:27:51 | More by bschymik

lightspeedplus1

Texas

4.93/5  rDev +23.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This beer is one of my favorites.

Pours dark a brown with thick light brown head that slowly wanes.

The aroma has a smell of sweet fruitiness with a shot of roasted malt sharpness. (and more)

The taste is of the nectar form the beer gods.
It seems the flavor only improves as the glass empties.
It has sweetness, malts, many fruits, with hints of alcohol and bitterness.

Thick in the mouth. A great feel.

Again, Maredsous 8 is one of my favorite beers. Although I have not tried their 6 or 10 yet, but I will.
There are are better beers but this is a great one.

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2008 23:39:36 | More by lightspeedplus1

KRMBeerGuy

Ohio

4.88/5  rDev +22%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 330mL bottle into one of my Trappist-style stemmed glasses. Immediately noticed the rich color, this is definitely an Abbey Dubbel. Head set up very nicely but not too thick, fairly low in carbonation. Then it hit me. That glorious scent of caramel malt. Very potent in scent immediately upon pouring, about 10 minutes of breathing time and the scent mellows. My first sip of this beer and I immediately thought, "Wow!" This is one of the only Belgian dubbels that I have had that wasn't too overpowering on the first sip. Most that I've had usually seem too sweet on first sip so I generally gravitate towards the tripels, which have more bite. My second sip, and I knew that this was a VERY GOOD beer. Mouthfeel typical of most top-quality Belgian styles, almost "fluffy" and light while still reminding you how big the beer really is. While this is a very drinkable beer, the 8% ABV is not to be taken lightly. If this had been a 750mL bottle, it may have been too much for a Wednesday night. :)

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2008 23:39:20 | More by KRMBeerGuy

AaronRed

New York

4.83/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

What a beer. This beer is proof that beer has as much variety as wine, probably more. Unbelievable! I had this on tap at Croxley's Ales in Long Island. So fresh, as soon as he poured it, I could smell it as he brought it over. Meduim darkness paired with a rich, creamy head that never dissipated. Aromas of rasins and plums waft into your nose. Also on the taste, you could sense all the fruit. More ripe plums and rasins, combined with a slight toasted malt flavor. Very rich, warming and alcoholic. It reminded me of rich port. This is a brew to really sit and sip after dinner or any memorable occasion.

Serving type: on-tap

10-19-2002 16:18:35 | More by AaronRed

dorsey

New Jersey

4.83/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Found this dark gem on tap at the always ineffable Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia.

Surprised to be served this hearty dubbel in a tulip glass rather than a chalice or wine glass. From the deep reddish brown color, I almost thought I had been served a Sour Flemish Ale by mistake. The way it was poured, the head was less than half an inch, but it was tight and creamy, and laced the glass to the end. The color was warm and dark. Smell was... well, a waiter walked by with a bucket of very garlicky Provence Mussels, so I got a little distracted. Sorry.

Front of the tongue was quite crisp, slightly fruity (plum, maybe) caramel malt. Middle of the tongue instantly warmed by alcohol and spice (cloves?). By the time it rolled to the back of my throat, a nice full caramel malt had developed with hints of fig, slightly sweet, a little smokey, but without the molasses-y bite that I almost expected.

My brother tasted it and said, "Dude, this is a hold-your-smoke kind of beer."

This was, indeed, an exceptional beer, and a benchmark for other dubbels. I'm eager to find out how much difference there is between the tap and bottle versions.

Serving type: on-tap

08-20-2008 12:59:21 | More by dorsey

Phillyphilms

Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Served into a tulip out of a bottle, immediately you can see the quality in the beer. It pours a dark ruby brown that is transparent underneath a luscious head that laces down the tulip. In the nose you get yeast, bread and dried fruit among others.

Just about all that comes across on the nose translates into the mouth as you get a roasted bread, dried fruits and sweetness that is complexity at it's very best. It is an easy drinking 8 abv but there is enough on the alcohol to let you know it's power. I would imagine this ages well but mine didn't last more than 10 minutes :)

This is a great example of a True Belgium Dubbel and at a nice price as well.. maybe the best I ever had for the price (value) but overall not my favorite dubbel but one I will revisit often.Well done Maredsous.. cheers!

RESPECT

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2010 19:43:19 | More by Phillyphilms

botham

Illinois

4.8/5  rDev +20%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

draught poured into a chalice. pours a deep copper with a small off-white head. no lacings on the glass.

aroma is of sweet caramel malts, with a yeasty base. fruit ester notes include apricot, apple, grape and plum. the aroma is very well balanced, with a bold and complex character.

taste is of the same caramel and munich malts up front, with the same fruity base. fruit esters here include a more pronounced apple, with apricot and grape fading a bit from the aroma. still very well balanced without a hint of the 8% APV until the brew warms quite a bit.

mouthfeel is smooth and creamy. no alcohol or CO2 is present at time of serving, with some alcohol creating a slight bite as the brew warms. a very smooth finish make this one a finely crafted brew.

drinkability is very good. this is a sweet dubbel with great masking of the alcohol, while remaining only mildly sweet. this is a solid belgian brew that has a wonderfully diverse yeasty base. cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2007 16:16:23 | More by botham

DavoleBomb

Ohio

4.78/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a goblet from an incredibly awesome 11.2 oz bottle.

4.5 A: Opaque amber brown color. Head is frothy as hell and retains well and leaves tons of off white lacing. Beautiful beer.

4.5 S: Lovely dark fruits, especially plum, some raisin, some tobacco to cap it off.

5.0 T: All the crap in the nose is in the taste too, though tobacco takes a back seat. Then there is a wave of flavors that result from the yeast. Spiciness with lots of pepper hitting you hard. A little medicinal, but not in a bad way. Alcohol shows up to the party too, but isn't overwhelming. This beer is incredibly complex and I'm not sure I could find a better dubbel.

5.0 M: Heavy Medium body. Perfectly smooth and spritzy at the same time.

4.5 D: This is one of the least boring beers out there. You need to sip it though to appreciate it, but I must say I would mind sipping the hell out of a 4-pack.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2009 19:08:39 | More by DavoleBomb

ocmpoma

California

4.78/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured out a rich, dark brown with just a few hints of amber into my trusty Duvel tulip. There was a nice, fluffy, tan head that persisted for quite a while and left excellent lacing.

The nose was very rich -- lots of toasted malts up front with a good hint of raisins, as well as some more subtle butterscotch and toffee on the back end. The flavor profile matched -- heavy on the toasted malts, with a nice fuity and spicy flavor. It was almost like cinnamon raising toast, but right before the bitter back end of the flavor profile kept it from being over-sweet. A very complex, delicious beer.

The mouthfeel was excellent: good body without being too thick; just enough carbonation. Maredsous 8 is one of my favorit brews; quite drinkable and always delicious.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2010 03:06:34 | More by ocmpoma

Mebuzzard

Colorado

4.75/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

In a nice chalice/snifter glass.
Rich, creamy head that did lace.
Dark amber coloring with some 'shimmering' of something. I don't think I was not that drunk to halucinate.
A good rich, smooth and tingley taste. Hints of honeydew, pear, some mild spices, biscuit, caramel, and malt in the body. Finish was crisp yet coated a bit just enough to let the taste linger a bit. Very easy drinking, however I gave it a 4.5 due to its richness. couldn't have too many of these.

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2006 17:12:21 | More by Mebuzzard

Hopfenpeter

Maryland

4.72/5  rDev +18%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

The crystal mug turned a nice rich mahagony with a little cloudy mistyness in color. The head is off white, beige and lacing is beautiful.
The smell hints many flavors which are hard to pinpoint.
But the taste is phenomenal. Your mouth will be filled with a surprising freshness of banana ,chocolate, coffee, and other fruits. A great balance of bittersweet hops at the end, which invigorates for more. great prickly mouthfeel asks for more beer. Very drinkable.One great beer!

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2010 02:20:51 | More by Hopfenpeter

nomad

Kansas

4.68/5  rDev +17%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Looks like highly brown color at a glance, but turned to a much lighter shade on the edges. Its thin head sat and never went away no matter how long I left it alone while conversing - this is rare for a dubbel. Also had very good lacing and a bit of staining. Damn good looking.

Smelled of licorice, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts that were more earthy than sweet. Some typical pruny, "dark fruit" scents as well. Taste was first of dark sweet malt, at times seeming prune-ish, but more often a solid, grainy maltiness. Also tasted bitter chocolate and hops with a roasted edge. Refreshing in a dark/roasted way, kinda how a schwarzbier does, this beer had little touches of smoke and sour too. I'd describe it asbelgian sophistication with english stout body and character.

A thicker than normal mouthfeel for a dubbel, too, something I really like. This beer won me over a long time ago in bottle form, great to see that its excellent on tap and available. Have it at cellar temperature. Best dubbel I’ve ever had, pure opinion - many won’t agree. (Opinion may change once my trappists are done cellaring for two years)

Serving type: on-tap

08-24-2003 20:06:42 | More by nomad

diamondc

Texas

4.68/5  rDev +17%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I foundthis stubby bottle in the back of a shelf in the local liquor I frequent to buy singles. I had tried the Maredsous 10 a few months ago and enjoyed it, but figured there's a lot better tripels out there worth my money. So I took a small chance on this one (fairly cheap too - $2.50). I came back home and saw the best before date was 05 2007 ... doh... and the glass had an 04 etching. Dubbel (sorry..) doh! Will this stand the test of time being exposed to constant light 12 hrs a day in room temperature?

A resounding YES!

The pour was magnificent. Dark brown with a foamy head that stood there for a good five minutes. Just a little Belgian lace appearing while I tilted the glass to my lips. I always get a kick out of seeing the constant streaming of bubbles from the bottom of my glass.

The aroma hit me right away. Raisins and chocolate that's been left in the sun for too long. Raisinettes? Yep ..and just a sniff of old dusty wood too.

First taste was of chocolate mousse, whipped cream, prunes, and figs. The more I think about it... cherries. I couldn't really find much hops. They are there just to barely stop the sweetness. The aftertaste was Brazilian nuts and ripe banana. Towards the end this wandered into stout territory, hints of molasses and licorice. I want more..

If there is a flaw, maybe that it's just a bit too watery. That might be what they were aiming since this is the second Dubbel I've had. Also I didn't get much carbonation after a few swigs. I took all night drinking this one savoring all the different flavors.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2007 06:39:34 | More by diamondc

alkemy

Ohio

4.68/5  rDev +17%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Rich brown/mahogany hue with some ruby highlights and a cream colored head that sticks around till you reach the bottom of the glass. Earthy smell with clove, banana, caramel, dark dried fruit, and a hint of chocolate. Taste is excellent. Caramel and roasty bitter chocolate up front followed by a slightly spiced combination of cherry, fig, and prune. The banana is very faint but always there. Velvety smooth feel despite a pretty fair amount of carbonation. Seemed less sweet than other dubbels I've had, which was a big plus. Really happy to have come across this one...excellent

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2010 14:05:01 | More by alkemy

Scotsman

Missouri

4.65/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer is best when available from the tap but it is still great in the bottle. This is such a great beer and very consistent. It was a staple at my favorite European style bar here in the states. It has fruity notes and no bitterness. It is amber to slightly dark with a little head. Very refreshing.

Serving type: on-tap

04-11-2012 17:49:51 | More by Scotsman

stageseven

Delaware

4.63/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4.5

The beer poured a dark brown color, and had a moderately sized off-white head. When held up to the light, I noticed a slight reddish tinge around the edges. Throughout the glass it had good retention and decent lacing as well.

The aroma contained a number of scents, starting with a nice combination of roast malt, coffee, cherries, and chocolate. Underneath there's hints of caramel, alcohol, biscuit, and apple.

At first the beer tasted strongly of coffee and dark chocolate. It had a sweetness to it, as well as a round bitterness at the back of the mouth. However, I also detected a fruity flavor underneath that I thought was cherry. There was a strong hop flavor on the sides of the tongue. I didn't notice much alcohol in it, but it did have a warming quality. The beer developed even more as I continued drinking, yielding flavors of roast, dark breads like pumpernickel, cider, and a wooden/earthy flavor that I quite enjoyed.

I tried this beer in two different glasses, first was my Duvel glass, which I felt would be appropriate. However, after reading an article on glassware, I disagreed with Beer Advocate on the recommendation for drinking it out of a goblet style glass, so I tried it with my Pauwel Kwak stirrup. In the Duvel glass the beer felt very highly carbonated, and was light - almost airy in the mouth. It was thinner in feel than I expected. I also noted that it was a little dry. I had read (can't remember where) that for beers with higher carbonation, a narrower glass is more appropriate. After trying it in the Kwak glass, I have to agree that this beer at least was better with a narrower glass. The main difference I noticed was that the beer didn't feel quite as light in the mouth. It was still light, but it had a more tangible quality to it that helped me appreciate the flavors more. I also noticed that the roast flavor came out more, and the chocolate flavor got stronger towards the end. Visually, it also left incredible lacing on the narrower glass.

All in all, the beer was highly enjoyable. The flavors are so complex and interesting that I felt it was really designed to sit down and enjoy sip by sip. Savor this one, take it slow, and it will be a wonderful experience.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2009 22:32:36 | More by stageseven

TheFightfan1

Pennsylvania

4.63/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into my chimay chalice.Pours a brownish ruby color with a light brown thick fluffy heading. Leaves some lacing until the last sip.

Smell is heavily toasted with an aroma of raisin. Some other darker fruits come into play and sums thing's up.

Taste is a bit different then anticipated from the aroma. Heavy toasted and caramel malts hit you a mile a minute. A touch chocolate that finishes fruity and dry. Slight pepperiness on the tongue as well.

Mouth is rich and medium to full bodied.Fantastic carbonation that bubbles up immediately in the mouth.

Drink is good. I was blown away by this beverage and I think one of the very best Dubbel's I've had yet.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2010 21:24:51 | More by TheFightfan1

beerthirtysa

Texas

4.63/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Note: our bottle did not look like the photo--we bought it in Belgium, so the label may be different. At the bottom, the label reads, "Brune--8--Bruin"
Appearance: Lovely garnet color against the light, rich cream-colored head that lasts forever and leaves nice lacing on the glass.
Smell: Not very complex. Husband says: it smells exactly like Haribo Cola Gummi candy, and that's all I can think of when I smell it. Wife says: That's true. But I pick up warm malt and toffee notes.
Taste: Lots going on here. Warm toffee, malt and spice, but overall the character here is dark, rich bread--even rye bread. Then the finishing hops kick in, and the finish is astringent without being overpowering. Warmth is the last note, probably from the alcohol.
Mouthfeel: chewy, creamy, rich, but not oily.
Overall: Wife says: This is the perfect Christmas beer. Husband says: I agree--or perfect winter beer. A wonderful beer overall.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2012 22:16:22 | More by beerthirtysa

divineaudio

Michigan

4.6/5  rDev +15%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

330ml bottle into a tulip. best before date clearly stamped on the back.

pours a deep, hazy garnet color with copper highlights. halfway through pouring i already had a three finger head, and had to wait for it to calm down before pouring the rest of the beer! head eventually settles to a thin cap and leaves clouds of sticky lace in the glass.

smell is nutty, spicy and a little musty. getting notes of clove, cinnamon, banana, and maybe some fig. has a bit of an astringency in the nose as well. taste follows with carmel malts, some spice in the middle and a dry, sugary sweet finish. hop character is mild, and alcohol taste is extremely well hidden. this would go great with banana bread after a big holiday dinner.

feel is the fuller side of medium and slightly chewy. has a lot of co2, but less than most of the other belgian beers that i have tried. very slight alcohol warming happening.

this beer quite literally disappeared from my glass. dangerously drinkable considering the 8% abv. i'm definitely going to seek out more of this.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2010 02:18:57 | More by divineaudio

CaptDavyJones

New York

4.6/5  rDev +15%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured a dark reddish brown hazy color from a 11.2 oz bottle, with ABV and best-by date on the label.
Massive two finger head in my DT snifter, which dissipates very slowly.
Aroma is a very nice blend of dark fruits (cherry, raisins, dates), fruity esters and hints of alcohol. Pleasant aroma to say the least.
Taste is also very fruity, similar to the aroma with a perfect tart finish.
Leaves a wall of lace all along the insides of the glass.
Surprisingly easy to drink considering the high ABV and even with the warmth the alcohol generates
This is undoubtedly one of the best dubbel's.
An absolute must-try for anyone who enjoys dubbels and ales of this kind. Very highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2011 01:32:04 | More by CaptDavyJones

TheQuietMan22

Iowa

4.6/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Serving type: 330 ml bottle. The “Best before” date on the back is “09 2012.”

Appearance: Poured into a tulip. The color looks black, but I think it is a very deep brown. Three fingers of slightly tinted, thick head dissipated slowly to leave a billowy cap in the middle, a ring of foam around the edge, and trails along the glass; it eventually settled to a thin lacing.

Smell: Scents of yeast, caramel, toffee, fig, plum, apple, red grapes, brown sugar, spice (I am not sure what, though), and maybe a little molasses. There is a hint of booze — the aroma features the alcohol sharpness — but it is not distracting. A number of other reviewers say it smells like wine, and I agree. (It is thankfully not, though.)

Taste: Not as fruity or sweet as the smell; instead, it has a surprising roasted quality. Lots of roasted caramel, toffee, brown sugar, and molasses. The yeast is omnipresent and the mouthfeel is bready. An earthy hop bite lingers on the cheeks and tongue after each sip, and pepper spice emerges. The dark fruits, especially a red grape skin flavor, begin to sneak in as the beer continues to warm, but they are not as prominent as they are in the smell.

Drinkability: This beer is a very pleasant surprise. I like this stuff a lot. Complex, well-crafted, and very tasty — I expect nothing else from someone who has made a vow of celibacy.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2012 20:21:50 | More by TheQuietMan22

Biscuit033

Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Dark ruby/brown with a 2 finger foamy tan head that settles slowly and leaves very nice lacing.

S: The aroma jumps out of the glass. There is earthiness, prune, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, and some red fruit notes as well.

T: Brown sugar and toffee flavors mingling with tart red fruits up font then some bitter chocolate/coffee and prunes in the finish.

M: Medium to full body, that is almost creamy and has a nice roasty caramel flavor linger on the finish.

D; This is easily becoming a favorite beer of mine. It is a nice nightcap or substitute or go along with for dessert.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2008 23:25:42 | More by Biscuit033

freed

Oregon

4.55/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A special thanks to GreenCard for bringing this from its land of origin. I've saved it for our late christmas dinner. Still, its difficult to find takers in this bunch.

The bottle is a lovely 750ml with a classy somewhat geometric label. The cork is decorated with hop vines which at least gains the approval of the group. It pours a nearly flat brown with a slight ruby hue. Its got surprisingly good clarity and a rather dismissible foam ring on top. Small islands of bubbles, but nothing you could really settle on.

The aroma just gets better all night. It started out well enough, but its just maturing as it goes - starts with sweet farmy malts and grows into a tart porty raisin and malt. Wonderful and colorful.

The taste is quite smooth and alluring and some of the IPA drinkers can get behind it. not fully of course, but they can at least understand why I'm so pleased. Its got a surprising effervescence while sipping, but after the initial rush of carbonation, it smoothes out well and has both a candy sweetness and a slight grape to raisin concentration. The malt still gives is blanket of flavor though its not as strong as you might expect from a dubbel. Still - its subtle and flavorful enough to be drinkable over a longer period and still be very satisfying.

The mouth-feel is almost teasing. Its thin as it goes down but once the mouth dries, there's a slight tartness and dryness you'd almost get from a champagne, but good. The mild spice and this tart really make me crave more. So despite offering everyone their share, I end up drinking 90% of this. Its excellent with dinner, but I think they know how much I'm enjoying it and leave me to it.

Once again, thanks Rich. Its marvelous. Supposedly it is best before September (or april - you never know with these date things), but its terrific now.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2005 03:05:07 | More by freed

ThreeWiseMen

California

4.55/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Duvel tulip.

Appearance: Foam began oozing out the top of the bottle shortly after opening. This one definitely requires a slow, careful pour. (It was actually pretty calm during the pour.) Once in the tulip, body is an earthy clay color and head is beige. Head is foamy, soft, and about a half inch in height. Displays fantastic retention and lacing all the way. When held to light, body turns deep red and a column of carbonation can be seen rising from the center. Very cloudy.

Smell: Plump, juicy raisins, figs, and cinnamon. A good deal of sweetness in this one: Belgian candi sugar and molasses. Solid doughy malt backbone with prickly, spicy hops in the finish. Alcohol is hidden almost entirely. This smells awesome! Very close to a five.

Taste: Doughy malts are quite dominant here. Molasses, figs, and spicy hops are probably the next most predominant flavors. Alcohol comes through in the finish, but is mild and very tolerable. I get some black coffee and chocolate flakes in the aftertaste. Not as good as the smell, but still very enjoyable.

Mouthfeel: Creamy and very smooth; carbonated perfectly. Good deal of chewiness but still light on the palate. There is some light spiciness and a solid amount of mouth-numbing. Finishes dry, but not as dry as I had anticipated, which is actually a nice surprise. Pretty clean to boot. Fantastic!

Drinkability: Before I realized it, this thing was almost gone. I like dubbels; I love this. Light, flavorful, and very aromatic. Will definitely buy again.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2009 02:17:42 | More by ThreeWiseMen