For today’s review I’m going to sample a brew from the Brewery Ommegang situated in Cooperstown, New York.  This beer is one of their staples and it’s called the Abbey Ale Dubbel. 

I’ve only had a couple Ommegang brews in the past and, as a matter of fact, I reviewed the Chocolate Indulgence on this blog a few months ago and found it to be an excellent drink. 

An awesome description of the Abbey Ale Dubbel is posted on their website, ommegang.com.

Meditate on this dark ruby elixir.  Breathe in its deep emanations of fruit and spice.  Is that clove you smell?  Licorice?  Fig?  Sip serenely as revelations of honey, toffee, chocolate and dark dried fruit delight your senses.  Can a beer be holy? you wonder, and Where can I get a grail on-line?

Ommegang, our first brew, was inspired by the centuries-old brewing practices of the Belgian Trappist monks.  This burgundian brew gives off a variety of aromas, including plum and cinnamon, and packs in flavors such as caramel, toffee, and licorice.  At 8.5% ABV, it is known to cause spontaneous meditation. 

Haha…. that’s a great description!!!  Let’s dive into it!!!

The brew comes in a 12 oz. bottle with an 8.5% ABV. 

This Ommegang poured a hazy, brown/burgundy color with a head that was off white and, actually, almost a tan color.  It was smooth, soft, and somewhat soapy looking.  It built to a very nice size with good retention and had lacing that was pretty nice too!!!

The aroma was a delight.  Sweet caramel malts, spice and fig combine with a yeasty, sour dough bread fragrance that was both appetizing and bold.  The interaction of the bread and fig make this smell very similar to a Fig Newton bar.  A dark, fruity plum came in delicately and really brought about a quiet satisfaction.  I also found a wonderful dried, sugar-cured, country ham type of aroma that was both interesting and enjoyable.  At first I thought it to be a bit odd, but as I continued to take deep whiffs, it really seemed to fit the malty, aromatic profile.  Overall, the bouquet was very well balanced, even and complex.

The flavor was also chocked full of character.  Sweet, fruity figs and plums were matched by yeasty grains and rich, sugary, caramel malts.  It’s sweet, but not outlandish like a lot of Belgian Abbey Ale’s can be.  Very well balanced and suited.  After the brew warmed a bit, the taste started to reveal tones comparable to freshly baked loafs of bread.  Little to no alcohol was detected, which was ok with me.

The mouthfeel was medium to full bodied, dry, smooth, chewy, thick and oily.  In a lot of ways, the mouthfeel reminded me of a proper Stout.  Lots of flavor was left behind and only the most pleasant warmth was felt at the back of the throat.  Very nice!!!

This is easily the best Belgian Abbey I have had thus far.  I have never been a big fan of the style and I don’t have a whole lot of experience with them, but this one really grabbed my attention.  I liked it.  It might be a little high in ABV to have very many at one time, however I could have a couple with complete ease and pleasure.  Some Belgian Strong’s have a overbearing wine characteristic in the nose and taste, of which this did not have.  Instead, I thought the malt was the driving force of this beer.  I wouldn’t hesitate to pick this up again.  I would suggest that you do the same.  So pour a glass, grab a book and enjoy this tasty brew.

Do you guys know of any other Belgian Abbey Ale’s that are truly spectacular?  I would love to try another similar to this one. 

As always, thanks for reading and commenting.  I truly appreciate it.

I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy a good craft beer this evening.  Cheers!!!

Score:  4.35 out of 5
Grade:  A