It's always exciting trying a Trappist beer as you're always pretty close to being guaranteed a new experience. This one popped up in my local bottleo at a reasonable price, and was swiftly rung through the counter. The Westmalle Abbey was established in 1794 in Belgium, and the current Dubbel has apparently been the same recipe since 1926. How O.G is that?
The beer pours an amazing dark brown, full of depth and swarming particles of goodness. It looks a bit like murky chocolate prune juice... which probably doesn't sound appetising, but all you need to do is remember that this is a beer and all is forgotten. It could easily be mistaken for a coveted after dinner dessert beverage in a nursing home.
The flavour is as sharp as a Ginsu, with sweet fruits dominating at first. Tastes a bit like plum, and spiced fruit biscuits. There is some chocolate and malt in the background as well, which stays around for the aftertaste once the fruit has fallen from the tree. The feel is lighter than say a Chimay, but heavy enough to wear the Trappist mantle proudly.
The finish has an alcoholic burn (7% ), but it is very well balanced with the rest of the beer. It is quite easy to drink, easier than some standard strength numbers.
Now this is difficult to rate because this beer has been brewed in a fantastic manner. The flavours aren't exactly my cup of tea though. I will have to take this into account, but won't let it sit too heavy a burden. If you like Trappist beers give it a go regardless.
7/10
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