Westmalle Double (Belgium)
The Data
Country Belgium
Style Belgian Double
Retail Price $13.99, 750ml bottle
ABV 7%
In the Glass
Appearance
Brilliant, deep amber color with a thick, creamy head.
Aromatics
The aromatics are intense and decadent offering scents of caramel, malt, dark, dried fruits that marry and linger.
Flavor
The palate echoes the nose delivering a malt and fruit-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, pralines, and dense tropical fruits.
Intensity & Texture
Full-bodied with a perfect balance of malt and fruit with subtle hops notes, and bright acidity.
Cool Factor
There are very few Trappist beers in the world and they are all cool but we really love the great brews from Westmalle.
Value Grade
Selling at less than $15 for a 750ml bottle the Westmalle Double represents a great value in our estimation as it is one of the world's greatest beers.
Analysis
Of the hundreds of Trappist Monasteries in the world only 14 (six in Belgium) currently brew beer commercially. Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle was opened in 1836 in the Westmalle Abbey in Belgium. Westmalle crafts three beers — the Double that we feature here, as well as a Triple and a beer called Extra. The recipe for their iconic Double was perfected in 1926. Proprietary yeast contribute to the unique flavors that are further developed in maturation in cold tanks and then conditioned in bottle in their warm cellars that encourage a strong secondary fermentation. The result is a brownish, rich ale that has earned admirers around the globe.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled in a Double-style goblet. Pair it with rich, soft cheeses, beef stews, roasted root vegetables, or roasted wild mushrooms.