This one is an example of a dubbel or double. Typically these have a lot of malt, some spice and a hint of alcohol. Fruit aromas and flavors are often present as a nice accent. Hops can often be present in a dubbel, as well as the use of specialized malts, like caramel or maple. They are often not too heavy, but can become a meal.
Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York brings us this little gem. These are very unique. Taking the Belgian attitude of taking risks with traditional styles and producing bold flavors and high alcohol, this American craft brewery feels as if it’s in the heart of Brussels itself. Beginning only a meager 12 years ago, they have not only cemented their reputation in the states as the premier brewery of Belgian style ales, the got the attention of Belgian brewery Duvel Moortgat who bought the brewery in 2003 increasing Ommegang sales into Canada and Belgium. Since then though, Ommegang has continued to operate as they did before producing fine, bold Belgian style brews.
This one poured a nice deep maple into a tulip glass, producing a very nice medium head that dissipated into a thin, but sustainable head. Lacing left behind stuck well to the glass.
Once whiff of this one and aromas of caramel malt comes out, along with biscuit, spice (can’t place what exactly) and definitely some fruit. Balancing the aroma out was a nice scent of alcohol, that was sweet at the same time.
As I took a sip of this one, I immediately taste the caramel malts, wow, that was nice. The fruit came out as well, this time was able to place it more of a banana specifically. True to it’s Belgian origins, the biscuit I smelled balanced the wonderful malts and alcohol nicely. The sweet smell that was present? Not there, a small hint of sour actually.
Mouthfeel was crisp, but a little thick too. The alcohol kind of masked it though.
Overall, wonderful. One that I could (and will) have again and again. Weighing in at around 8.5% ABV, you can enjoy more than one. Went wwell with the vanilla ice cream with caramel syrup I had.
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