94 Pere Jacques, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL) 2010. 8% ABV (5/10)
Bright copper color. Aromas of sarsaparilla and cinnamon rolls follow through on a round, satiny entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body with seamless layers of dried fruits, praline and spice on the long, chewy caramel pear, dried citrus peel and mossy stone-accented finish. A delicious food beer to pair with pheasant and braised pork.
93 Pere Jacques, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL) 2009. 8% ABV (4/09)
Luminous deep copper color with a lacy manila head. Tangy peach marmalade, orange blossom honey and delicate date bread aromas follow through on a chewy, rich entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with peppery spice, cherry, roasted nut and caramel soufflé notes. Finishes with nice burnt sugar, mineral and nutshell-like astringency. A great “session” dubbel that will excel with grilled pork as well.
90 Brother David’s Double, Anderson Valley Brewing Co. (CA). 9% ABV (5/08)
Dark reddish copper mahogany color with a lacy taupe head. Brown sugar, chocolate-covered Montmorency cherry and dark butter-roasted nut aromas follow through on a soft, satiny entry to a dryish medium-full body with an emphasis on the salty nuts and cocoa. Finishes with a tangy, nutty fade with subtle dried citrus peel-like hops in support. Well-balanced and very drinkable. Try with venison chops or rabbit sausage.
90 Belgian Freeze, River Horse Brewery (NJ). 8% ABV (4/09)
Deep copper mahogany color with a taupe head. Aromas of roasted nuts, buttery caramel and dried orange follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with mocha and pear tart notes. Finishes with a delicate singed bread crust, mossy stone and toffee fade. A pleasant, easy-drinking version of the dubbel style.
88 Dark Abby, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. (VA). 6.8% ABV (5/10)
Aromas of sour apple candy, sourdough bread and poached egg follow through on a supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with mashed raisin and honey notes. Finishes with a tangy apple and orange skin, light molasses and mineral accents. A nice, easy drinking take on the dubbel style.
87 St. Feuillien Brune, Brasserie St. Feuillien (Belgium). 7.5% ABV (5/10)
Deep copper mahogany color. Nut, molasses, oak, tart citrus pith and caramel custard aromas follow through on a brisk entry to a dryish medium body with decent depth and a boozy quality. Finishes with a drying sour apple, pepper and mossy mineral fade.
86 Heavy Seas Holy Sheet Abbey, Clipper City Brewing Co. (MD). 9% ABV (5/08)
Mahogany color. Very tangy chocolate-covered cherry and raisin and date aromas and flavors with spiced nuts and dried citrus, cheese in good balance.
84 Dubbel Vision, Bastone Brewery (MI). 7.5% ABV (5/10) %{Brewpub}
Murky copper brown color. Sourdough crust, banana bread and herbal soap aromas seem unfocused and follow through on a buoyant entry to a dryish medium body with crabapple, cherry pit and plain wafer notes on the tangy, tart finish.