THE Little Brewing Company at Port Macquarie is responsible for the Mad Abbot range of beers and among those is Dubbel, intriguing dark ale.
Brewed in the finest Belgian traditions, Dubbel has a rich dark brown appearance with a cream coloured frothy head.
It has a very interesting nose with a roast malt/chocolate aroma mixed with hints of fruitiness which isnt what youd expect from a dark beer.
That carries through in the flavour with the initial impression being a smooth rich full bodied ale, with a slight sweetness thanks to the malts but there is an element of fruit which also comes through.
This doesnt take away from the richness of the flavour but just leaves the palate with a subtle crispness (almost cleansing nature).
This is a wonderfully moorish ale but is potent at 6.9% thanks to it being bottle finished (improves in the bottle).
It doesnt sit lightly in the gut nor would you expect it to and while it is an ideal cold weather ale, it is easy to have a few thanks to the appealing aftertaste.
I would glad suggest this with a dessert of a chocolate nature of a rich pudding.
It is a blessed drop.
MY TIP
Keep this cold in the fridge but dont get it chilled. You may just want to let it stand for a few moments and serve in a tulip glass to appreciate the colour and bouquet. It is a premium craft beer so its not cheap but you are getting a quality drop. You can order it through the brewer at www.thelittlebrewingcompany.com.au