Koningshoeven Dubbel is a special beer…actually all beer brewed with passion is special…but Koningshoeven brews are truly unique, flavor aside.  To begin with, they are a Trappist brewery.  Only seven breweries in the world can use that trademarked word (Trappist).  In order to be a Trappist brewery, the beer must be brewed under the supervision and responsibility of a monk, who lives according to the rule of St. Benedict.  Proceeds of a Trappist brew not only support the monastery but also charity towards the poor and disenfranchised.

Koningshoeven is unique among Trappist breweries in that while 6 of the 7 Trappist breweries’ domicile is Belgium, they are located in the Netherlands.  Next time your chic friend goes to order an Amstel Light, steer them in the direction of a Koningshoeven beer.  Not only does it taste better, but they will be uplifting the poor of the world through their purchase.

So how did this Dubbel treat me?

The Pour:

The beer is beautiful.  But aren’t all Trappist beers?  I hear it is because the yeast is actually derived from angel sneezes.  Anyhow, the beer really is a great looking beer.  It is deep brownish purple with smaller carbonation bubbles.  The head is great, but a little bit weaker than I expected.

The Nose:

There were two strong characteristics that stuck out as I put my olfactory bulb to work.  The first was a unique smokey/toasted aroma that reminded me of homemade biscuits.  The second was a pronounced diacetyl notes.  Typically in a beer like this, I feel like fruity aromas dominate the nose.  They are there, no doubt, but the caramel aroma is just so strong.  There is a mild phenolic/medicinal aroma.

The Taste:

Well, the nose didn’t lie!  The beer is smoothly sweet.  The caramel and toasty flavors remind me a lot of a classic English pale ale.  At the same time though, the mild spice from the yeast, as well as strong cherry and vanilla flavors create a noticeable difference.  The beer swings more towards the sweeter end of the spectrum of dubbels.  At times I was reminded of Cherry Coke or even a Dr.Pepper.  There is a mild boozy finish with a hint of bitter old hops.

Overall Thoughts:

I have a sweet spot in my heart for Trappist beers.  This one didn’t disappoint.  It is not my favorite Dubbel, but it still delicious, smooth, and satisfying.

Nate’s Review:

Overall Satisfaction: ★★★¾☆ 

Among Other Dubbels: ★★★¾☆