Deep amber to dark brown and topped by a creamy, dense, off-white head, Dubbel-style beers are typically rich and complex Belgian beers, highlighting a malty sweetness evocative of chocolaty caramel. Sometimes toasty – but not roasty or burnt – Dubbel’s malts yield room for a dark fruit character of plum, raisin and/or dark cherry, and for fruity yeast esters to show. Some Dubbel beer may have spicy yeast phenols, which contribute to complexity. Hop influence is normally low and very mild. While the ABV can be in the high single digits, the alcohol will be soft in aroma and flavor. Often bottle-conditioned, Dubbel may have an evident yeast haze.
Characteristics: Malty, chocolaty, fruity esters, medium-bodied
ABV range: 6.5-9% IBU: 20-30
Popular Belgian-style Dubbel beer brands: Chimay Première Red, Westmalle Trappist Dubbel, St. Bernardus Prior 8, Grimbergen Double Dark, Koningshoeven La Trappe Dubbel, Corsendonk Abbey Brown, Maredsous Brune, Brewery Ommegang Abbey Ale, Allagash Dubbel, New Belgium Abbey Ale, Flying Fish Belgian-Style Dubbel
Serving Temperature: Cellar, 55-57°
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Brie, Havarti, Morbier
Food Pairing Ideas: Barbecue, beef stew, steak, chocolate
