ALLAGASH DUBBEL

So, maybe I’ve made some disparaging remarks about the Men from Maine in the past.  I’m not really sure why as I certainly have nothing against their beers.  In fact, everything I’ve tasted from Allagash is pretty good and representative of their respective style.  I’m not a fan of their White Ale because I think it’s highly overrated, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good beer.  Same goes with some of the other offerings; I just never saw where the hype was coming from.  Where am I going with this?  Well, if you have a friend that keeps telling you how good a brewery is, out of respect, you need to take another look.  Here’s my first “Re-Taste” of what will surely be an expensive exercise in humility.

The appearance of the Allagash Dubbel Reserve, poured out of a 750ml corker, is roasty amber with a good inch of head in a tulip glass.  That head morfs into an amazing lace that coats the glass until the last sip.  The nose has just a bit of sweet molasses with a somewhat citric air to it (Sour I guess, but in a good Belgian way).  Feels nice and light on the tongue with ample carbonation.  As for taste, this is where I’ll eat my words a touch.  I’ve had plenty of Dubbels in my day as it’s one of my favorite styles and this one stands up to most of the Belgian offerings.  It’s not the best I’ve had, but I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another one.  I particularly enjoyed the slightly tart taste and almost cookie doughish finish that was presented.  Nice touch with the faint hop bitterness as well.  A highly drinkable Dubbel with a delicious warmth from the 7% ABV.

If I had just racked my brain for a tasting that took place years ago, I wouldn’t have given this brew much praise.  With the recent pleasure of last night still floating in my brain though, I’ll go out on a limb and give this one 3 hops.