Affligem Dubbel

Although made under a license from the Affligem Abbey in Flemish Brabant by lay brewers, Affligem’s Dubbel follows the Trappist beer tradition and displays classic Dubbel character. Gobs of fig, nutmeg, and buttered rum leap from the glass as the beer is poured, followed by a mellow, faintly caramel corn malt aroma as the beer relaxes. Pete admired the beer’s multi-layered nose drenched in waves of plums, prunes, and Malabar pepper, all pulled together by an “in your face alcohol aroma.” Lee found some sweet orange and clover honey notes riding under the more prominent dark fruit, calling them “reminiscent of warm crepes and orange marmalade.” This is a profoundly hazy, yet deep, dark amber brew, streaked with gleaming shots of maroon, all capped by mountainous, rocky head of cream beige foam. Bursting with ripe fruit, toasted pecans, and demerara sugar, this beer lashes the palate with waves of flavor. Tom commented on the intense pineapple, Mandarin orange, and brown sugar flavors, noting the overall effort “lacked the classic Belgian subtlety” of a world class Dubbel. Rick worked through the malt assault and teased out hints of “freshly ground Tellicherry pepper and star anise,” deeming the flavor “strongly malty, but backed up by spicy phenols and a smack of alcohol.” Affligem Dubbel is a soothing, warming brew to be enjoyed hearthside among close friends.