Maredsous 8 - Brune - Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev -12%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Very boozy aroma and taste with some dark beer behind it. Like hard liquor. Can I have a vodka instead with some root beer? Some nut and chocolate taste. Some hops. But not some more. Aggressive plum, dark malts there. Its drinkable, but before you call it a night.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2004 03:49:32 | More by northyorksammy

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

4.45/5  rDev +11%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pecan shell brown that is actually a beautiful shade of dark ochre when backlit with morning sunshine. I expected an outstanding head from the creators of Duvel and that is exactly what I got. A frothy, rocky, sandstone colored monster is currently occupying the top two-thirds of my glass and is beginning to lay down some of the most delicate lace imaginable.

The nose is much more spicy and much more phenolic than anticipated. That's a good thing. Who wants a dubbel that smells like an American brown ale? Underneath all that flash and sizzle is a maltiness that is somewhere between heavily toasted and lightly roasted. My crystal ball says... this is gonna be good beer.

This Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat dubbel should be called Maredsous V-8 because it's firing on all eight cylinders. I'm impressed by the fact that the dark maltiness has more of a cocoa or even a bittersweet chocolate vibe than most beer of this style. As the label notes, this is definitely a 'dark brune'.

The brewery must have used a high-quality yeast strain that graduated near the top of its class in terms of clove and cinnamon spiciness. The final pour, especially, adds a spiced woodiness that is some kind of appealing. Dark fruit (figs soaking in chocolate liqueur and light molasses) is present as well.

I'm not as impressed with the mouthfeel due to a relative lack of bubbles. Not compared to most beer, but compared to most good Belgian beer. The mouthfeel levels off and begins to contract at exactly the point when it should continue to expand for a moment longer.

I knew that Maredsous 8 wouldn't be in the same league as Duvel, but then I've always thought that Duvel is in a league of its own. This is still exceptional beer, though, and is a dubbel that deserves a great deal of respect. I must have liked it because the bottle was gone before I knew it.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2007 12:49:30 | More by BuckeyeNation

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Went down to Barley's in Greenville tonight, and was suprised to learn they have now started using rotating taps of brews! Awesome news as this will only serve to bring in more and more good beers into a place that is already jam packed with goodies. Sat down to order my pizza and was trying to figure out what to order, and I noticed this on tap. Now I hate to admit it, but I had never heard of it before, and had a bit of an issue pronouncing it correctly. I was promptly corrected and proceeded to order. Now this was poured most excellently into a large tulip which bore its name along with a gold lip. The pour was extemely dark brown, opaque with a huge billowing tan head that literally fell over the sides of the glass. I did not think it would actually ever go down. This really looked like a serious beer. It finally settled down but left a ton of lace down the glass for the rest of the session. First whiff of the aroma was very fruity, albeit dark. Hints of apricots and raisins, along with some plum and a touch of alcohol were all readily present. The distinctive aroma of Belgian yeast was ever so present as well. Very nice, floral aroma. First sip was delicous. Very full flavored and lively. Lots of fruity flavors, again figs, apricots, banana, and a nice mellow spiceness melded well with a touch of alcohol that was ever so gently mixed in. Very nice warming feeling upon putting down a few sips. Mouthfeel was superb. Very rich, creamy and thick, great carbonation. I could have sipped this all night, keyowrd there would be sipped. This is defiantly not a chugger by any means. Overall this beer was awesome and exactly what I needed after dinner. I nursed this for almost an hour before all was said and done. I will definatly look for this again when I go back, hopefully it will still be on top, I would love to have some more, and would really love to the try the 10!

Serving type: on-tap

07-21-2007 01:11:54 | More by mikesgroove

womencantsail

California

3.2/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On-tap at Lucky Baldwin's

A: The pour is a dark brown color with some reddish highlights and a tan head.

S: The nose is fruity and heavy on the raisins. Some other fruits include figs and plums. There is a slight acidity to it as well, which seems off for a dubbel.

T: The slight sourness is there again, maybe it's all those raisins? Sweet caramel malt, candi sugar, alcohol, and dark stone fruits. A weird combination, indeed.

M: The body is medium with a smooth, moderate carbonation.

D: I don't know if this was a bad keg or not, but this beer was not all that impressive (which goes against what people usually have to say about this beer). Perhaps I'll need to revisit it later.

Serving type: on-tap

08-18-2010 06:46:02 | More by womencantsail

ChainGangGuy

Georgia

4.22/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Squatty 11.2 ounce bottle - $3.29 at Total Wine & More in Kennesaw, Georgia.

It looks as though Maredsous has updated their labels. Good for them. Best Before: 06 2011. Close call!

Appearance: Pours a chestnut-hued body with some reddish hints to it and a tall, though short-lived, light khaki-colored head.

Smell: Blend of rich, dark malts layered in plenty of fruit notes: green apple, plum, poached figs, black cherry, even a generous splash of Cointreau.

Taste: Flavorful, malty mixture of dark caramel, spiced brown sugar, cocoa, and a drop or two of milk stout. Mild sweetness that's quickly tempered by a dose of dusty, earthy spices, punchy blend of fruit liqueurs, and slight bitterness. Drying, warming, even roasty finish. Oh, and it's pretty crisp, too!

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus body. Moderate carbonation.

Drinkability: It's tasty and enjoyable enough to hold my interest throughout each of the 11.2 ounces. Well, that was a fairly fine dubbel. I ought to be damned ashamed of myself for waiting nearly four years since the last one. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2009 23:34:10 | More by ChainGangGuy

brentk56

North Carolina

4.45/5  rDev +11%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours a hazy amber tinted ice tea color with a beige head that hangs around and leaves waves of lace

Smell: Dried dark fruit, caramel, burnt sugar and nutmeg

Taste: Starts with a dark fruit and caramel spice cake flavor; after the swallow a bitter, dry chocolate aspect emerges to balance the sweetness

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied and highly carbonated

Drinkability: Flavorful and complex, one of the best of the Belgian dubbels

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2006 01:42:29 | More by brentk56

UCLABrewN84

California

3.93/5  rDev -2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at The Surly Goat in West Hollywood, CA.

Pours a clear orange-brown with a foamy khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Tiny dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, yeast, spices, and dark fruits. Taste is of malt, dark fruit, yeast, and some spice flavors on the finish. There is a mild spice bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is tasty and easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2012 05:09:41 | More by UCLABrewN84

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

4.22/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle – Poured a rubbish brew with a huge head with lasting retention. I very much enjoyed the aroma of roastiness and of spice. Body is quite strong with some good carbonation. Taste is very good with an almost perfect match of spice and malts. I am still very impressed by the way those Belgian beer can include such a high level of ABV in such a subtle way. To me, this is as good as Chimay Bleu.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2004 16:38:18 | More by Phyl21ca

BEERchitect

Kentucky

3.95/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The first sightings of this beer in the Lexington Ky area. Peaked my curriosities. A good beer, thought quite ordinary against other great belgians. Looks a solid brown with mohogany highlights. A lightly tan head with dense and varying carbonation decorated the pint. Aromas of candied malts, berries, fruits and spices create a tart and sweet aura. Flavors don't disapoint. Fruity, nutty, with a touch of chocolate, spices, and twang. Feels carbonated, lightly alcoholic, drying, and sweet on the toung. Finishes malty sweet without becomming thick. Hides alcohols well. A good choice for a belgian, but if you want something unique or challanging, this beer may not help.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2006 19:08:21 | More by BEERchitect

oberon

North Carolina

4/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

My first time to try this beer and believe it or not I had it on tap here in NC,pours a deep amber with a fluffy off white head leaving a nice amount of lace behind.Aromas of spiced cherry and brown suger with just a little yeasty spiciness going on as well,to me this beer tastes like fruit cake lightly spicy of cinnamon and some clove with a big fruitiness to go along like cherries and maybe some apricots.Well made I liked the 10 a little more but this will definently suffice and great to see in my neck of the woods on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

06-14-2005 13:06:12 | More by oberon

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Brewed in the dubbel style by the brewers of Duvel, the Maredsous 8 is sure to please. It's clear, dark ruby brown body offsets a full, creamy head of ivory foam that seems intent on holding until the last; and it's lacing is second to none (except of course, it's sisters the Maredsous 10 and Duvel). The aroma is straightforward dubbel with a well-balanced combination of It's delicately crisp across the palate with a very fine effervescence and medium body. The flavor expresses more chocolate and caramel notes hidden behind its candyish sweetness than the nose lets on, backed by a drying spiciness and a touch of fruitiness. It finishes dry with a lingering note of spiciness. Exceptionally well done and quite enjoyable! Certainly worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2004 23:31:41 | More by NeroFiddled

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a Maredsous goblet at Durty Nellie's.

Yeah, paying cover sucks, but the stamp tonight is at least interesting... This stuff pours a clear mahogany topped by a bit less than a finger of cream-khaki foam. The nose comprises fig, brown sugar, light orange zest, toffee, and Belgian candi sugar. The taste brings in more of the same, along with some clove, light cinnamon, honey, and very light cocoa. The body is a light-leaning medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a watery-style smooth feel. Overall, a nice, easy-going dubbel, something I could see throwing back a few times at the bar, but not necessarily something I would consider in the upper echelon of Belgian beers.

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2012 07:08:05 | More by TMoney2591

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

4.53/5  rDev +13%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Color :a beautiful, burnished red. Head: frothy, bubbly, tan.
Aroma:spices and dark fruits: cherries, grapes (M. Jackson would employ the adjective "vinous")
What else?Alcohol. A "mere" 8%, but not hiding any bit of it! Reminiscent of a lighter bodied barleywine, or port wine. Soft and sensual mouthfeel, medium body, a very happy finish. Perfect balance: if anything stands out, it's the strength and the sweet, plummy flavor.

I'd only heard of this a month ago, and just today put it on tap in my bar, replacing Budweiser! It's my first taste, and it's up at the top of my list already!

Serving type: on-tap

11-20-2002 15:21:11 | More by feloniousmonk

WesWes

New York

4/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a dark brown color with a thick frothy offwhite head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is good. It has a nice malty scent that boasts of caramel and toasted malts along with a refreshing Belgian yeast aroma. The taste is good as well. It has a light, yet malty flavor that boasts of crystal and roasted malts. It goes down easy and finishes dry and fruity. The mouthfeel is fine. It is a full bodied beer with good carbonation. This is an excellent dubbel. It has good malt character and a smooth finish; a good drinker.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2005 00:58:56 | More by WesWes

Mora2000

Texas

4/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a medium brown color with an off-white head. The aroma is full of caramel and toffee malt with some dark fruit and candy sugar notes. The flavor follows the aroma. I get some nice raisin and prune notes as well as some brown sugar, caramel and some Belgian yeast. There is a little bit of alcohol detectable in the flavor but it is fairly faint. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. A very nice dubbel.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2011 01:59:40 | More by Mora2000

zeff80

Missouri

4.33/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Poured out an opaque, dark brown color with a three-finger, bubbly, tan head that left sticky rings of lace.

S - It smelled of candy sugar, dried frutis, malt and some toffee.

T - Very complex taste with a blend of malt, chocolate, toffee and spices. It manages to be sweet and spicy at the same time.

M - It was soft and smooth yet somewhat chewy. A medium-bodied beer.

D - This is one of the better dubbels out there. Great complex blending of flavors.

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2008 20:29:48 | More by zeff80

metter98

New York

3.9/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Poured dark brown into a goblet. A thin layer of tan bubbles consistently covered the surface. A a medium level of carbonation is evident from the rising bubbles.
S: It has a gentle aroma of sweet, roasted malts with hints of cherries.
T: The flavor is rather complex; the initial taste is of roasted, burnt chocolate malts, which is followed by dark fruits and spices.
M: It feels medium-bodied on the palate and the level of carbonation lends some smoothness. It doesn't feel quite as strong compared to other dubbels.
D: It's very easy to drink as there's neither too much sweetness nor too much alcohol.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2010 16:51:38 | More by metter98

Gueuzedude

Arizona

3.8/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear, deep amber-ruby color. It is topped by a mid-sized creamy light brown head. The aroma is redolent of dark fruity notes of raising, fig, and plum. It also has aromatic notes of brown sugar, and rum, it almost smells like a rich fruitcake. It is lightly sweet up front, which turns into a rich fruity maltiness, and finishes with a bit of yeast driven spiciness. As it warms up a bit the fruity notes of plum and raisin are joined by notes evocative of apple cider. Has a certain lightness to it, despite it's rich flavors, and is quite effervescently carbonated as well. This beer is actually fairly dry, despite my first impressions. The nose is a bit richer, and a tad more enjoyable than the taste.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2004 21:32:57 | More by Gueuzedude

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

3.9/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap 6/26/08 at Doherty's East Ave. Irish Pub, served in a small goblet-style glass.

A: The beer is a deep brown color, with a large off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a very thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is of caramelized malts, Belgian yeast, some spice and a touch of hops.

T: The taste is decently balanced with malty flavors of caramel and spice up front and a good Belgian yeast background. There's a mild hops presence. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

D: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, good kick, good representation of style, this is a nice beer to drink for a while, especially if you want a Belgian with some substance that won't try to hit you too hard.

Serving type: on-tap

06-28-2008 01:07:12 | More by TheManiacalOne

russpowell

Oklahoma

3.63/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

BBD 2011, 09 11

Pours a with 4+ fingers of creamy sand-colored head. Superior head retention & very good lacing

S: Bready with chocolate notes

T: Cocoa, dryness, brown sugar & a little booze up front. Herbal & tobaaco hops as this warms along with a slight metallic twang& sourness. Finshes dry with chocolate, caramel & earthy hop notes

MF: Kind of light-bodied & excellent carbonation

Drinks alright, probably needs a few more years

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2007 02:06:31 | More by russpowell

Halcyondays

California

4.05/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at the Abbey in Seal Beach, CA

A: Dark brown, with a small head, looks good in a Maredsous goblet.

S: Spiciness, dark fruits, and molasses.

T: Big candi-sugar flavor with hints of fig, prune, molasses, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

M: Very good, full-bodied, not too thick, but very rich.

D: Very good, at 8%, you'll have to watch yourself, but about as sessionable as a dubbel gets.

Serving type: on-tap

07-06-2007 00:14:14 | More by Halcyondays

Gavage

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Having this on tap was a treat. The beer arrived in the Maredsous glass, sporting a nice dark brown color with a nice off-white head. The head lasted through the drink, and also formed a nice lacework on the glass. The aroma was sweet. The taste was very sweet roasted malt with barely noticeable bite of bitterness; possibly some caramel tones.Very enjoyable for a slow drink, as a light alcohol level is noticable and for its overall sweetness.

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2003 21:36:33 | More by Gavage

jwc215

New Jersey

4.38/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750 ml cage-corked bottle:

Pours dark brown - almost black - with a thick, creamy, lasting light tan head that leaves plenty of lacing on the glass.

The smell is of caramel/toffee with spicy fruitiness and some dark fruitiness - a hint of chocolate and anise come through.

The taste is very complex. Herbal spices mix with caramel/toffee and chocolate notes. Anise pulls through as it progresses. Malt-accented with herbal and fruity background. Some orange liqueur, candy sweetness and a touch of alcohol in the finish. Almost complexity overload. But, all blends well.

Creamy, medium-bodied with a slightly understated carbonation. Somewhat medicinal aftertaste lingers.

A wonderfully complex and rich dubbel. A nice example of the style, and a pleasure to sip on.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2008 21:26:30 | More by jwc215

biboergosum

Alberta (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

330ml squat little bottle.

This beer pours a slightly hazy dark ruddy amber hue, with two fingers of foamy, rocky ecru head, which settles slowly, leaving haphazard chucks of 'lace' around the glass. It smells of rising bread and mild sugary malt. The taste is sub-saccharine malt, cut quite thoroughly by astringent, spicy yeast and an alcohol edge. The carbonation is moderate, the body medium weight, kind of zippy and chalky, but eventually smooth enough. It finishes fairly malty, with a hefty dose of spicy Belgian yeast for good measure.

A little too strained and taut for my liking - though the booze is well hidden, it is perhaps another strong indicator that I should not seek out another of this particular offering for now.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2010 00:14:52 | More by biboergosum

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at the Acadia Cafe, served in a Dekonick chalice.

Looks like a standard dubbel with a murky brown body and a short head. The aroma is a of creamy, sweet malts and the taste opens up with relatively bold strawberry and blackberry flavors and caramel. I had this while my friend was drinking a a St. Bernardus Abt 12, and while it didn't have quiet the flavor and aftertaste, it still held up to it for the most part.

Serving type: on-tap

12-22-2007 15:59:40 | More by tempest