750 mL corked and caged, Liquor Barn. Lexington, KY, USA.

Cork pops with a pleasing burst, and the beer pours beautifully with a dense head of very fine bubbles forming on top of the Dubbel brown body into the Gouden Carolus glass. Head has a definite espresso feel about it, both in terms of the color and fine film it leaves on the surface.

Strong and typical aroma with plenty of dry, dark fruits, alcohol and Belgian yeast. Exactly the same is replicated in the taste with a lingering, round alcohol finish and some distant pepper too. The sweet candy also makes a brief appearance. Dry ending emphasizes the alcohol and fruit beautifully. Mouthfeel is light and silky – perfect for the style.

If you like dark Belgians I suspect that you’ll love this, a perfect seasonal beer.