Blueprint Brewing – Dubbel Play *

 My Brew Reviews  No Responses »
Aug 302011
 

Forgetful is probably not the correct way to describe myself in the post for today, but I really had no memory of reviewing this beer previously.  Once known as Hey Sugar Sugar I went to the trouble of coming up with a (new) name for this beer thinking it did not already have one.  For a moment I thought about not posting this new review, but I am going to go ahead with it.  As this is my beer journal it would not hurt at all to revisit some of my home brews using my newer grading system to see how they compare to when I first evaluated them.

Kicking off a round of home brew reviews . . .

Brewery: Blueprint Brewing (Winter Park, FL)

Name: Dubbel Play

Style: Belgian Dubbel

ABV: 6.12% (+/-)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a stemmed goblet/chalice.

Aroma: Full caramelly malt aroma with a bit of sweetness and some fruity notes that seem to be dried cherry-like.  There is a nice underlying spice profile and is really a pretty nice overall aroma. – 8.5/12

Appearance: Deep amber in color with some coppery red tones.  Two finger light tan color head with good retention and leaving nice lacing on the glass.  Mostly clear with some haze, but still with tiny rising bubbles visible. – 3/3

Flavor: A rich caramelly, brown sugary malt base with a low bitterness somewhere in the middle.  Quite a bit of fruity character (raisin, fig, etc.) with a good amount of spiciness underneath.  Finishes nicely dry with some lingering fruitiness and a bit of sugary sweetness. – 13.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with a high level of carbonation consisting of small/fine bubbles.  Nice creaminess on the palate but does have a crispness as well. – 4/5

Overall Impressions: The fruitiness in combination with the bitterness seems almost citrusy.  The flavor is much the same as the aroma, just more intense.  The beer has changed a lot (for the better) over time and the fruity character has amplified quite a bit.  Nice beer and a good recipe that needs another try.  Much better when enjoyed a little closer to room temperature.  The Wife and I pretty much agree on the final grade. – 7/10

Grade: B (36/50)

6093058740 451fb86702 Blueprint Brewing Dubbel Play *

Blueprint Brewing - Dubbel Play

 Posted by Lucas at 10:00 am  Tagged with: , ,

Allagash Brewing – Dubbel Reserve *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Aug 192011
 

It seems that this was the week where I finally decided to drink the beer that has been in the wine fridge for a while and this was the last of them.  The likelihood is that I will just replace these with some other bottles anyway, but it was time for those last few to go.  I probably held onto this one longer than I would have just because I know I cannot get it here in Florida anymore (though I do have another bottle in waiting).  Any of my family or friends who bring me some Allagash beer when they come to visit will certainly be let into the house even if they arrive without notice.

Another good one to close the week . . .

Brewery: Allagash Brewing (Portland, ME)

Name: Dubbel Reserve

Style: Belgian Dubbel

ABV: 7.00% (on bottle)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the wine fridge (54 degrees +/-) before serving in a stemmed goblet/chalice. Bottle from Batch #89.

Aroma: A full, rich, malty aroma that seems to have a hint of chocolate.  Subtle, but complex with a light spiciness and some notes of dark fruit (raisins).  Very well balanced and quite a nice overall aroma. – 10.5/12

Appearance: Deep amber in color with a bit of copper and red tones to it.  One finger cream color head with excellent retention and leaving a solid trail along the glass.  Super clear with rising bubbles visible. – 2.5/3

Flavor: Lots of malty flavor with a brown sugary, dark caramel characteristic to it.  Very light spiciness with notes of dried fruit and a light roasty flavor toward the finish that is somewhat chocolately.  Certainly the balance is to the malty side.  Finishes very nicely dry with a slight lingering sweetness. – 17/20

Mouthfeel: Medium(ish) in body with a moderate to high level of carbonation that is quite fine and adds some sharpness.  Nicely creamy on the palate. – 4/5

Overall Impressions: A really nice overall flavor that does not linger much and I like that in this one.  The head actually dissipated pretty quickly just after I wrote excellent retention.  This bottle has some age on it now and was likely more robust initially, but like how the flavors have mellowed together.  Best consumed at cellar temperatures as the cold would cover up way too much here.  Not necessarily my favorite Allagash, but it does make me miss them.  Could have easily been talked into an A, but maybe that was sentimental since I can no longer get it. – 8.5/10

Overall: A- (42.5/50)

6056674459 f94f827fde Allagash Brewing Dubbel Reserve *

Allagash Brewing - Dubbel Reserve

 Posted by Lucas at 11:00 am  Tagged with: , , ,

Abita Brewing Company – Abbey Ale *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Jul 122011
 

If I passed up the chance at many beers actually from Belgium to go with a Tripel from Colorado, it probably should not be a surprise that I follow it up with a Dubbel from Louisiana.  I suppose at least I am moving east in the direction of Belgium.  At this rate I should actually get a full review in on a beer from Belgium sometime this year.  Then again I could just turn around and head back west.

For the first of a good pair this week . . .

Brewery: Abita Brewing Company (Abita Springs, LA)

Name: Abbey Ale

Style: Belgian Dubbel

ABV: 8.00% (on bottle)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and pulled slightly early to warm some before serving in a stemmed goblet/chalice.

Aroma: Rich caramelly sugar aroma with strong notes of dark fruit (raisiny) and some faint spice.  Really quite nice overall. – 10/12

Appearance: Full, deep amber in color with some reddish coppery tones.  One finger or so light tan color head that dissipates pretty quickly leaving a bit of a trail.  Very clear when held to light with a few rising bubbles visible. – 2/3

Flavor: Big brown sugary sweetness up front followed by a bit of a fruity character in the middle that has some sweetness as well.  The fruit profile is nicely balance in with the malty sweetness.  The finish is very slightly dry with some of that sweetness holding on for a little while. – 14.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a relatively low level of carbonation.  Smooth and nicely creamy on the palate with a very light sharpness. – 4.5/5

Overall Impressions: Pretty tasty overall though I would have loved a drier finish.  Even with the finish not being dry enough for me it was enough as the sweetness was not all that cloying.  The flavor is probably the weakest component, but that is really because the aroma was so good.  Definitely do not want to drink this cold from the fridge (let it sit and warm a bit).  Not that I was truly pessimistic, but somewhat surprisingly a very enjoyable beer to drink.  – 8/10

Overall: B+ (39/50)

5930227596 8ebbfe8fa3 Abita Brewing Company Abbey Ale *

Abita Brewing Company - Abbey Ale

 Posted by Lucas at 10:30 am  Tagged with: , ,
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