BRAMS Dubbel

BRAMS Dubbel by BRAMS Beer is being evaluated as a BJCP category 26B, Belgian Dubbel.

The beer pours a pleasant amber hue in the glass, with a light beige head that forms quickly and dissipates almost as fast. There is a slight haze present. The aroma is somewhat subdued, but distinctly Belgian in nature. There is no mistaking those Belgian “funky” notes, which are accompanied by base and crystal malt aromas and a light hint of hops.

On first taste, the base and crystal malt flavors carry the day, with just a bit of hops in support. Those malt flavors do most of the work, along with some help from the Belgian esters, but there is enough hop bite to help round things out. I think they’ve done a good job with the malt-hop balance. The beer finishes clean, in a distinctly Belgian sort of way.

On the palate, the body falls into the medium-to-full range. One might expect it to be a little heavier given the 7.9% ABV, but the body seems about right for the style. The beer is lively, though perhaps not quite as highly carbonated as one might expect from a dubbel. A touch more carbonation might help the aroma come through with more intensity. The finish is smooth, with no discernible astringency or other off-flavors.

Overall, this is a very nice beer. Again, I admire its balance. Apart from the few minor issues noted above, my only real criticism is that it drinks like a somewhat lighter version of a Belgian Dubbel. I find myself wishing for a bit more intensity across the board, though not necessarily more alcohol presence. Still, if you are drawn to Belgian Abbey or Trappist-style beers, this is definitely worth a try.