Brouwerij Affligem Affligem Dubbel
What the brewers say
“Ruby-brown with a firm, silky head and strong natural carbonation. Clove, anise, raisin, molasses, and banana aromas. A spicy clove flavor mellows into softer, caramel fruity taste. Silky, spicy mouthfeel. Balanced alcohol with hoppy dryness.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Rich toasty malt sweetness with sweet cherry and raisin fruit notes as well as some red apple and pear. Light sherry notes with some earth, min- eral notes as well. Everything is a little muted as if it were slightly oxidized.”
Flavor: “Strong sweetness carries through this beer with fruit character that evokes cherry, apple, some plum, and raisin. Sweet toffee, toast, and bread malt notes underneath with a definite balance toward the malt. Sweetness blends smoothly and stays on the tongue with a low alcohol warmth, but the finish is relatively dry. Slight oxidation. High carbonation detracts a bit from enjoying the full flavor profile.”
Overall: “Nice sweet fruit and malt complexity help to make this beer. It’s a pretty solid dubbel. The muted character is not ideal, and it would be nice to taste a younger example.”
