Skip to Content

What kind of beer is Belgian Dubbel?

Belgian Dubbel is a traditional, dark and malty-sweet Belgian beer. It is made by Trappist, Abbey, and other independent Belgian breweries. Belgian Dubbel is recognized as a Trappist beer, since it is made and brewed at one of the six Trappist monasteries in Belgium.

Belgian Dubbel was first brewed in the late 1700s. It typically has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 6-7%, making it just a bit more alcoholic than other Belgian styles such as Belgian Tripels. Belgian Dubbel is known for its deep ruby red to brown color, full body and malt character, along with nutty, toffee, dark fruit, and notes of raisin.

It also has a smooth finish that is slightly sweet. Belgian Dubbel pairs well with beef, rich cheeses, and desserts.

Which beers are considered dark?

Dark beers are those that appear dark brown or black in color, and can range from mildly sweet to very bitter. Some of the more popular dark beers include stouts, porters, dry stouts, oatmeal stouts, imperial stouts, brown ales, and bock beers.

Stouts are some of the darkest and richest beers, while bock beers tend to be lighter in color and body. Porters are dark, malty ales that balance flavor elements of sweet, roasted, and hoppy flavors.

Oatmeal stouts are brewed with oats for a full, creamy body. Imperial stouts are higher in alcohol and offer a more intense flavor. Brown ales are smooth and sweet with roast malt characteristics. These beers can also range in alcohol content and bitterness, making it possible for everyone to find a dark beer that appeals to them!.

What makes a beer a dubbel?

A dubbel is a type of beer that is typically part of the Trappist brewing tradition. It is a relatively dark, strong and malty ale usually featuring deep caramel and dark fruit flavours, and often exhibiting a complex balance of aromas.

Dubbels typically have 6. 25 – 7. 5% ABV. The style’s origins date to the middle of the 19th century, when Trappist brewers first began experimenting with relatively strong ales.

Dubbel brewing methods usually involve a mash that uses a high percentage of Munich malt, adding complexity and mouthfeel, with the use of candy sugar or invert sugar to boost alcohol and body without thinning out the body of the beer.

Additional complexity is added from the high proportion of specialty grains – often including aromatic varieties like wheat, crystal, or specialty malts.

The signature aromas and flavours for dubbel beers typically include dried fruit, bread crust, candy, spice, and caramel notes, depending on the grain selection. The hop flavors and bitterness for this style are often on the low side, allowing the malt character to be prominent.

Dubbels also often exhibit a slight ‘yeasty’ character, from the high proportion of Trappist style ale yeast used in fermentation.

Why is it called a dubbel?

Dubbel is a type of Belgian strong dark ale and is known for its malty flavor and slightly sweet aroma. The name dubbel actually comes from a traditional type of beer brewed by Trappist Monks in Belgium.

This beer was brewed with twice the amount of malt and hops that was found in the lower strength Trappist beer. The word dubbel literally means “double” in Dutch and this name was given to it to signify its double strength compared to the regular Trappist ale.

Dubbels often have notes of dark fruit, caramel, toast, and chocolate in addition to a malty character and a slightly higher alcohol content than regular Belgian beers. Today, this style is popular among Belgian breweries, offering fans an authentic, strong dark beer that has a great flavor and aroma.

What is a Belgian strong dark ale?

Belgian Strong Dark Ale is a type of ale beer, typically brewed in Belgium and known for its high alcohol content, which can range anywhere from 7 – 12%. The beer has a dark color and tastes sweet, spicy, and slightly fruity.

Its aromas often feature dark fruits, Belgian yeast, and sweet malts. On the palate, flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and Belgian sugar abound. This is a popular beer style among beer enthusiasts, especially those looking for a higher alcohol content beer.

Belgian Strong Dark Ales are widely known for having a smooth and creamier texture and mouthfeel than other beers. They often have lower carbonation levels and are more highly attenuated with a dry finish.

These beers are often brewed with a variety of spices like coriander, orange peel, and even licorice, which add complexity and depth to the flavor profile. Overall they tend to be full-bodied and can be quite complex and flavorful.

Is Orval a dubbel?

No, Orval is not a dubbel. It is a Trappist beer, brewed by Abbey of Notre-Dame d’Orval since 1931. It is a unique beer, both dry and bitter, as it is made with pale and caramel malt, noble hops and an fermented with a special strain of yeast that gives it its distinct flavor.

The brewers also add an additional strain of Brettanomyces yeast, which further contributes to the beer’s complexity. This strain gives the beer its distinctive spicy, hoppy and leathery flavor. Additionally, Orval is bottle-conditioned, meaning it undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle.

This contributes to the beer’s complex flavors, aromas and carbonation. As a result, Orval is often described as a wild ale due to its funky and sour notes.

Is dubbel a dark beer?

Yes, dubbel is a dark beer. It is a strong, richly flavored Belgian ale that dates back to the Middle Ages. Dubbel is typically deep copper-brown in color, featuring a slight to medium body maltiness.

Dubbel is usually composed of roasted malts such as toasted, chocolate, and caramel malts, giving it its signature sweet and toasty flavor. Dubbel is usually highly attenuated, meaning it has a higher alcohol content than its original gravity would suggest.

Dark fruit and spice notes can be detected in dubbel’s flavor, which come from the addition of certain traditional Belgian yeast strains during fermentation. Many dubbel producers also use a Belgian candi sugar to add additional sweetness and complexity to the beer.

What is the difference between a Belgian Dubbel and Tripel?

Belgian Dubbel and Tripel are two popular styles of Belgian ale. While they both share some similarities, there are a few key differences between the two that make them distinct.

The main difference between a Dubbel and Tripel is in the amount of malt and hops used. Dubbels are brewed with a higher proportion of malt, giving them a lower alcohol content than the Tripel. Dubbels also tend to be darker in color and have a sweeter, biscuity flavor.

A Tripel, on the other hand, is brewed with a higher quantity of hops, resulting in a much higher alcohol content. Tripels are lighter in color and have a more bitter, herbal flavor.

Another distinguishing factor between the Dubbel and Tripel is their body. The Dubbel has a fuller body with a more malty flavor and is typically around 7-8% ABV. The Tripel, on the other hand, is more light-bodied and has a dry and spicy flavor with an ABV of around 9-10%.

Overall, the Dubbel and Tripel are two very different styles of Belgian ale. The Dubbel has a sweeter, fuller body and is lower in alcohol content while the Tripel is lighter in color and has a higher ABV with a dry, spicy flavor.

Why is Belgian beer so different?

Belgian beer is so different from other beers because it has a rich heritage that dates back centuries and has evolved over time. Belgian brewers have been innovators in beer for centuries, creating unique and renowned beers that are still in production today.

Historically, the Trappist monasteries in Belgium were some of the first groups to begin brewing beer as they were allowed to produce beer to fund the monasteries, as long as it was produced within the monastery walls.

Many of the world’s most popular Belgian beers, such as Chimay and Orval, are still made from recipes from these Trappist monasteries.

Belgian brewers have developed an honourable tradition of crafting beer, leaning on the Belgian brewing style that has been passed down for generations. Unlike many other countries, Belgian brewers have embraced the use of various fermentation processes, yeast strains, spices, and traditional ingredients, resulting in a remarkable variety of beers.

Belgian beers are often marked for their distinct spicy, fruity, and malty aroma and flavour.

This brewing style also means that Belgian beers often have a higher alcohol content than other beers and they often use two fermentation methods, a process called ‘spontaneous fermentation’. This technique is done using unlabelled bacteria to create a unique flavor profile that is exclusive to Belgian beer.

In conclusion, it can be said that Belgian beer is so different because of the many unique brewing techniques and processes that they use, along with the use of traditional ingredients which results in a wide variety of flavour profiles that many beer enthusiasts enjoy.

This beer has been around for centuries, continually evolving and gaining recognition for its unique taste, making it a sought after beer.

Is a blonde beer a lager?

No, a blonde beer is not a lager. A blonde beer, also known as a golden ale, is a type of beer that is light in color and often brewed with a low bitterness level. Blonde beers generally have a subtle, mild flavor and are considered easy to drink.

Popular brands of blonde beers include Budweiser Select, Becks Blonde, Krombacher Pils, and Heineken Blonde Lager. Lagers, on the other hand, are beers that are made with bottom-fermenting yeast and are cold-aged before they are served.

Lagers are usually light in flavor and color, but they usually have a more bitter or hoppy taste than a blonde beer. Popular lagers include Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Miller Lite.

What mixes well with beer?

Beer is extremely versatile, and there are countless flavor combinations you can experiment with. You can mix it with fruit juices, soda, energy drinks, or other alcoholic beverages. For a classic combination, try mixing your beer with a hard lemonade or something like a shandy, which is beer mixed with carbonated lemonade or ginger beer.

You can even layer beer in a shaker glass and create a foam head, and then experiment with different flavors like fruit syrups, coconut cream, and bitters. Depending on your taste, you can also add cola or flavored sodas like mango, root beer, or grenadine.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix your beer with other types of alcohol, like vodka or whiskey. You could also add a splash of guava or mango nectar or some ice cream if you’re feeling creative.

Of course, you can also just enjoy the beer on its own and savor all of its delicious flavors.

What do you eat Trappist beer with?

Trappist beer can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes depending on the particular style of beer. Stronger dark Trappist beer styles such as those from Chimay or Westmalle nicely accompany robust dishes such as grilled meat or game.

On the other hand, lighter Trappist beers such as Achel or Orval pair better with light foods such as salads or fish. Trappist beer is generally a great accompaniment to many dishes including creamy cheese, sandwiches, and stews.

The high alcohol content of many Trappist beers also makes them a great pairing option for desserts such as chocolate, crème brûlée, and custards. Trappist beer is also a great match for fruitier desserts like panna cotta, mousse, and poached fruit.

The malty sweetness of the beer cuts through the sweetness of the desserts while at the same time helping to accentuate the flavors.

No matter what type of dish you choose to pair with your Trappist beer, you can be sure it will enhance the experience. Enjoying a chilled Trappist beer with your favorite meal is a great way to cap off a perfect evening.

Which fruit is good with beer?

There are a variety of fruits that can pair perfectly with beer. Many breweries feature seasonal fruity flavors. Fruits that pair well include citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, as well as more tart fruits such as apples, pears, and strawberries.

Fruity notes from the hops used in brewing can also add depth to the pairing. Fruits like mangoes, blueberries, pineapples, and peaches can also be used for more intense flavors. Finally, dried fruits like figs, dates, or raisins can also give a unique, sweet flavor to the beer.

Ultimately, the best fruit to pair with a beer is entirely up to personal preference.