't Smisje Dubbel - Brouwerij Smisje

brentk56

North Carolina

3.93/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours a cloudy dark apricot color with a very modest head the descends quickly and leaves only the vaguest traces of lace

Smell: Loads of caramel with hints of honey on the sweet side and then plenty of date character; a very nice blend of sweet and fruity

Taste: Opens with a caramel flavor that is quickly joined by the dark fruits (dominated by the dates) through mid-palate; after the swallow, the flavor dissipates rather than builds but there is a nice drying effect on the finish

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body and very low carbonation (disappointing for a dubbel on both counts

Drinkability: Despite the schizophrenic character of this beer, it is quite taste; with a bit more body, backbone and carbonation, it would be a real winner

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2007 23:47:39 | More by brentk56

jrpapajcik

Illinois

4/5  rDev +5%

12-28-2012 04:33:07 | More by jrpapajcik

t0rin0

California

3.75/5  rDev -1.6%

11-12-2012 02:48:47 | More by t0rin0

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

3.98/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from bottle into pint glass at Lazy Boy White Plains, NY. Pours deep brown syrup color with a bit of see-through reddish blonde. No head at all. Smells of sweet belgian yeast with a lot of spice; mainly licorice. Taste is very much like it smells...licorice and dried fruit dominate. Its smooth, and suoer easy to drink, especially for such a high abv. Its good, but not the best dubbel out there. They are just very intersting to me and seem to have some different flavors to the style...worth a shot for sure.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2012 18:56:35 | More by DrinkSlurm

jjcote

New Hampshire

3.75/5  rDev -1.6%

09-16-2012 01:04:43 | More by jjcote

cowboy83

New York

4.75/5  rDev +24.7%

08-28-2012 02:55:07 | More by cowboy83

JakeDebus

Maryland

4/5  rDev +5%

05-07-2012 12:41:57 | More by JakeDebus

jpcool9

California

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%

03-05-2012 01:35:20 | More by jpcool9

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.28/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

If you're looking for a beer to bridge the gap between grape and grain, then this rich and vinous Dubbel should do the trick!

pouring with a very bubbly vivacency, the beer quickly builds a billowing ivory head that settles into a rocky persistant foam stance. High on retention and leaving pockets of lace behind, the beer does all that Dubbels are asked. Even the burnish brown, rust-like hazy appearance sings the song of authentic Dubbel Ales.

Aromas of malt, fruit, and wine all culminate with a complementary notes of caramel and grape, toast and cider, dates, figs, cherries, and apples to merlot and balsamic and pepper. All fuel a very complex and inviting nose.

Delicious malty richness starts the flavor spread as caramel, chocolate, nuts, and mild toast give a rounded and masculine demeanor behind the veil of confectioner's sugar or candied fruits. The bridge to wine begins as the tart fruit flavors of apples, cherries, berries, and grape transition to richer fruit flavors of dates, figs, raisons, plumbs, and prunes- all before turning to young balsamic, vinous, nearly tannic notes of red wines and nutty oak. Pepper with bittered orange peel, both white and black pepper corns, alcohol spice, and earth hop bitterness round out the finish for a whimsical lingering of fruit and malt.

Medium-full bodied, the expansive carbonation expands delightfully in the mouth for a very 'airy' feel. As the beer lifts far from the tongue, the flavor of the beer seems trapped in the effervesence and the only real appreciation is in the retro-olfactory experiene. This leads to a very palatable and drinkable session that weights effortlessly on the mouth and stomach. The airy and dry finish captures alcohol wamrth, zesty spice, and tart fruit flavors in a fleeting memory.

If Belgian Dubbels are supposed to do more than this beer delivers then I haven't seen it. Masterful in recipe formulation and execution- this is a very well balanced and complex Belgian Dubbel that demands praise!

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 05:35:00 | More by BEERchitect

ygtbsm94

Virginia

2.5/5  rDev -34.4%

01-05-2012 08:24:02 | More by ygtbsm94

Rochefort10nh

New Hampshire

4/5  rDev +5%

11-25-2011 23:11:08 | More by Rochefort10nh

pixieskid

France

3.8/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Glad I have been pouring these into my trusty Stuise glass; excessive carbonation has been the theme of the beers I have been tasting lately.

Pours a nice dark orange/brown color with a solid 3 finger head that dissipates to a lingering lace of about a half an inch for the duration of the drinking.

The nose is quite interesting; dark fruits and sweetness per the standard of the style but with something lingering that I can't quite put my finger on...fig jelly maybe.

Nice spiciness upfront with notes of figs, candied/brown sugar, and a bit of earthy bitterness with a lingering honey note.

Finishes with a slight dry bitterness and a balance of booze and brown sugar.

Overall; one amped up Dubbel that has some solid notes and a well hidden abv.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2011 20:50:17 | More by pixieskid

tehzachatak

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +5%

11-14-2011 21:43:23 | More by tehzachatak

fusco86

New Jersey

4.03/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Very nice looking short bottle - 11.2 oz.

Poured into a standard red wine glass. Pours a nice copper red with thick creamy foam that won't go away after several minutes.

Aroma hits you immediately after pouring, alcohol and ripe fruit. Sweet.

Mouthfeel is creamy. Nicely carbonated.

"Ale brewed with honey and dates"

The dates are certainly present in the aroma and taste. Some honey at the end, but I'm struggling to detect it in the aroma. Nice warm, lingering finish. 9% is not as well-hidden as other Belgians. Overall a nice Dubbel.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2011 03:16:04 | More by fusco86

woemad

Washington

4.18/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

11.2oz bottle purchased at J.B.'s on the northside of Spokane for $6.99. No freshness date. Also, the label is totally different than the one posted here.

Poured a dark, tea-like russett color that only slightly lightens when held up to light. Big, creamy and bubbly beige head that stick around a long time and leaves lots of lace on the sides of a Chimay goblet.

Honey and fruits in the nose, which is not surprising when one considers that the label calls this beer a "ale brewed with honey and dates." Some spices as well.

Honey is the first flavor to hit the tastebud beachhead, immediately followed by spicy notes, fruity esters and some mild, grassy hop notes. In the background is a cloak of dark fruits - not doubt the vaunted dates. As it warms, the alcohol heat becomes a tangible presence.

The mouthfeel is that of all well-made Belgians, featuring a sprightly effervescence that is too often missing from American versions of the style.

A very tasty beer. Although the price is rather high for something coming in a 11.2oz stubbie, this is too boozy for sessioning, anyway. I was looking for a good nightcap, and I found one.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2011 08:21:12 | More by woemad

Rmason104

Nebraska

3.73/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A -!Odd appearance. Not so much cloudy as cluttered. A lot of residual matter there even after careful pour. BTW: be warned, this is a VERY active beer. Open over a sink or outdoors. The head almost erupts out of the bottle. Takes several minutes to settle
Not getting much from the nose. Sweet, malty.
T- this is a rich, thick powerful beer. Especially as it warms you get the high ABV. Sweet up front, bitter towards the end. Lingering aftertaste.
M - thick & chewy. Up front almost as syrupy as some quads
O - I do like this one, although not as much as some Smisje beers. The head is very overboard though. Reminds me of the Brady Bunch episode when Bobby puts too much soap in the washing machine. Suds are out of control!

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2011 00:57:29 | More by Rmason104

impending

California

3.85/5  rDev +1%
look: 2 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

33cl into a tulip. Pours a ruddy orangish butterscotch with little head. Not particularly attractive.

Big rich sweet aroma, distinct raw honey scent. Sweetness defines the nose but better than that sounds.

Bitter dark fruits surrounding a sweet honey core dripping in alcohol. Sweet but not nearly as much as the nose indicated. The alcohol, while not boozy, is considerably far forward and properly appropriate to balance the sweet. Bitter sweet aftertaste lingers considerably especially at room temp. Medium bodied mouthfeel. Warms well.
dubbels get no bigger
cheers
jd

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2011 23:13:22 | More by impending

Daniellobo

District of Columbia

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

Nice Dubbel with an accented edge of honeyed dates.

Presentation: 33 cl brown capped bottle. Yellow label with a cartoonish portrait of a mustached character looking intensely. Offers a one-liner with a bare description of the brew. Notes 9% Alc. by Vol. Served in a tulip glass.

A - Hazy medium amber pour, nice frothy head, good retention and fair surface memory with some consistent lacing.

S - Caramelized malt, with a fruity sweetness over the yeasty whiff.

T - Taste provided a rich sugary and malty sense coated with a nice sense of the dates, honey is not so prominent in the sense that it seems woven with the date note. Touch of spices around the yeast element.

M - Medium-light body with medium carbonation and a smooth sense with a crisp finish.

O - Solid dubbel notes with the fruity sweetness. It works rather well.

Notes: Pretty nice brew, nothing to necessarily step out of one´s way but a quality experience to recommend.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2011 14:19:15 | More by Daniellobo

josefnewsong

New York

4.68/5  rDev +22.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

An amazing beer.

A - one of the best and most unique-looking beers I've ever seen. Pours a light brownish, almost opaque color with swirls of what looks like tan-colored cream or smoke creeping around the glass. I've never seen anything like it
S - Belgian yeast, hints of vanilla and whiskey, definitely complex. There are other smells I can't pinpoint
T - Taste's like it smells, with candied sugar/honey added to the mix. This is a spectacular beer
M - on the heavier side for the style, full-bodied and creamy but still well carbonated. Very unique
D - extremely drinkable, the alcohol is never overbearing in the slightest, and it's just such a unique brew. Just threw one in the cellar

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2011 21:40:27 | More by josefnewsong

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

4.03/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle brought home from Brugge by my girlfriend. Opens with a great fizz and tons of smoke and carbonation that pushes a snake like head out of the bottle. Very interesting.

A - Pours with tons of head white foamy, rocky and creamy head. Sort of a hazy/muddy brown colour with lot's of carbonation.

S - Boozy fruits. Yeast and sugar notes are there as well. Maltiness and spiciness are present too.

T - Spice and yeast dominate with alcohol in the finish. Slight fruitiness but very mild. Yeasty notes mellow out and combine with the spice and fruit to make this quite nice.

M - Medium carbonation and medium body.

D - I could have a few but the booziness holds this back slightly, otherwise a nice dubb.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2010 01:54:18 | More by tbeckett

Samp01

New Jersey

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

Pours a deep dark cloudy amber with a big long lasting creamy head. Huge aroma of dates and honey with some sweet malt, caramel. Taste is dates, dark fruit, plums, yeasty. Palate is med to full body with good carbonation, and creamy texture. Finish is malty, dates, dried fruit, yeast with some light bitter hops, ending has some bitter sweet dates, caramel and nuttiness. Overall an interesting brew but pretty good.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2010 16:21:40 | More by Samp01

birchstick

Missouri

3.5/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A - pours a carmelly brown with a one finger head

S - sweet apples, caramel malt, & dark fruits

T - burnt, smokey flavors give way to dark fruits (dates) and caramel malts with some honey. The sweetness in the nose didn't really translate to the palette. There is kind of a medicinal / herbal flavor going on as well. Not bad, but not exactly what I was expecting from a dubbel.

M - medium body with low carbonation

D - this is a pretty decent dubbel. Definitely a little different than others, but different can be good sometimes. Would I buy again, maybe, but I'll probably go with something else next time.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2010 02:04:59 | More by birchstick

metter98

New York

3.75/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: The beer poured amber-brownish in color with a huge off white head that took an extremely long time to settle down, after which a thin layer of bubbles consistently covered the surface. There are some yeast particles floating near the bottom of the glass.
S: The smell is mildly sweet and has aromas of honey with notes of dates.
T: Flavors of honey and dates dominate the taste, which is also relatively sweet like the smell. The date flavors are mild at first but begin to strengthen as the beer warms up.
M: It feels medium-bodied on the palate and smooth given the amount of carbonation.
D: The beer is relatively easy to drink and the addition of honey makes it stand out as being unique among dubbels.

Serving type: bottle

06-18-2010 20:52:25 | More by metter98

DaveHS

California

3.95/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours with a thick, foamy head that never seems to recede. The beer itself is a beautiful rusty amber color. It looks reddish when held up to the light. The nose is all baking spices and candied fruit. Sweet notes of honey and caramel make a showing towards the end.
Flavors of figs and dates come first. Fresh baked bread, fruity yeast esters, caramel, honey, pineapple, bubblegum, and alcohol phenols. The mouthfeel is creamy and rich.

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2010 21:43:55 | More by DaveHS

drpimento

Wisconsin

3.05/5  rDev -19.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

At first I thought that this was a huge change from the blonde which I just tried from this brewery. Poured with a HUGE foamy frothy light tan head. Bottle started foaming over even though it was about 2/3 empty and some lace. Color isn't too appealing - cloudy opaque coffee with milk brown. Aroma ends up being yeasty, malty, carmel, hint of bandaids. Flavor's very similar but more sweet in the end. Both aroma and flavor degrades quickly after opening. Body is ok and carbonation is aggressive. Finish is a little boozy and like flavor with yeast standing out and then fading to medium length. Not nearly as good as I thought at first.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2010 20:47:10 | More by drpimento