REVIEW: Allagash Dubbel Ale

TL;DR summary : Needs more something.

Beer style: Abbey Style Dubbel

ABV: 7%

What I paid: $8.99

How it came (packaging): 4 12 oz bottles

Brewery link: http://www.allagash.com

About the Beer:

Allagash Brewing out of Maine is all about Belgian style beers. While they’re probably most famous for their White, they explore and expand upon pretty much any Belgian style beer you can think of. Allagash has been in the game since 1995, and operate an extremely eco-friendly, pro community business.

The Dubbel is Allagash’s second beer. Their web site describes the beer as a deep red beer with a complex, malty taste and a dry finish with hints of chocolate and nuts, and a fruity Belgian character.

Color/appearance: Dark amber almost brown, foamy white head.

Aroma: clean, grassy, slightly yeasty, hints of spice.

Mouth feel: slightly tingly

Flavor:  a little malty, slightly smoky, a little spice. Dry, slightly bitter finish almost grassy.

Notes:

Lighter body than I was expecting. Complex flavors that sneak up on you thorough the drink. I’m a little perplexed by this beer. I want it to be more… something. I expected a full body. It’s not there. I expected big malt, I got a little malt. More of the spicy characteristics come through the more I drink.

Summary: 

Honestly, this beer is a little confusing. It’s a complex beer to be sure, but I don’t think it’s got enough of any of the notes in enough measure to really make the beer work. I got a little bit of malt, but wouldn’t characterize it as particularly malty. The dry finish is there, but not the chocolate or the nuts. It certainly has a Belgian character, but I wouldn’t say it was fruity. I didn’t hate it, but I’m not sure I would buy again.

Rating : 2.5

1 – avoid

2 – if it’s the only choice, I guess

3 – a decent beer. Drinkable.
4 – good beer – hard to turn down
5 – great beer - One of my favorites, pour me another