The Belgian-style dubbel ranges from brown to very dark in color. They have a malty sweetness and can have cocoa and caramel aromas and flavors. Hop bitterness is medium-low to medium. Yeast-generated fruity esters (especially banana) can be apparent. Often bottle-conditioned, a slight yeast haze and flavor may be evident. “Dubbel” meaning “double,” this beer is still not so big in intensity as to surpass the Belgian-style quadrupel that is often considered its sibling.
Belgian-Style Dubbel
Category: Belgian Styles
Food Pairings
- Apple-Smoked Sausage
- Washed-Rind Cheeses
- Milk Chocolate
Commercial Examples
- Brother David's Double, Anderson Valley Brewing Co.
- Abbey Dubbel, Elm City Brewing Co.
- Double, Allagash Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Brown to Very Dark
Clarity
Clear to Slight Haze
Carbonation (Visual)
Medium to Fast Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Mild to Noticeable
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are not perceived to low. Hop bitterness is medium-low to medium
Malt
Chocolate, Caramel, Toast
Esters
Fruit (Banana)
Phenols
Spicy, Pepper, Rose-like, Perfumy
Fermentation By-Products
Slight yeast haze is often evident when bottle-conditioned
Sensations
Body
Mouth-Coating
Carbonation
Medium to High
Finish Length
Medium
Attenuation
Medium - High
Ingredients
Hops
Tettnang
Malt
Pilsner, CaraMunich, Special "B"
Water
Varies
Yeast
Ale
