New Belgium Abbey

4.2/5

AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20

12 ounce bottle into tulip, best by Feb 12, 2012. Pours slightly cloudy red orange color with a fairly dense 2 finger khaki head with good retention that reduces to a cap. Decent amount of lacing clings to the glass. Tons of carbonation coming from the bottom. Aromas of big banana, bubblegum, clove, molasses, biscuit, spices, and some dark fruits. Some nice aromas that are quite different than I was expecting for a Dubbel. Taste of pepper, spices, biscuit, caramel, molasses, and toasted malts in to front; with some banana and bubblegum in the back. Lingering notes of caramel, banana, spices, biscuit, and caramel on the finish. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a warming on the finish. Medium-high carbonation and medium body; with a nice creamy mouthfeel and smooth drinking. Great balance of flavors. Overall this is quite an impressive Dubbel. I would get this again if they distribute to the Great Lakes area in the future.

Surprisingly great Belgian Dubbel from New Belgium. I got this one a while back so it has a great shelf life as well.