Judge's Review: 88 Rating - Deduction by Taxman Brewing Co.

Deduction by Taxman Brewing Co. is a Belgian Dubbel that is being judged as 26B-Belgian Dubbel. This Dubbel presents pretty true to its Belgian form, but does seem to have some American inspiration as well. Aromatically, it is distinctly fruity and forward, with stone fruit and cherries leading the way, followed by cooked sugar. Low bready malt pops through as well, with some peppery notes. But overall, it comes across as fruity and a touch sweet. It's a brilliant deep red-brown with a creamy beige head that persists. Upon tasting, it is fruity and sweet with a deep malty richness, toasty and clean. Quite peppery with clean phenols. The beer does finish a bit sweet but it is buffered somewhat by the alcohol and phenolics. The body is on the fuller side, warming with medium carbonation. Some sticky sugar on the lips and palate through the finish. Overall, this beer checks all of the boxes but it seems a bit too sweet overall. If I had to wager a guess, there is some crystal malt that bulks this up rather than allowing it to be lean. Nice beer, just on the sweet side overall.