“Evocative of the season, winter ales have a tradition in the US, the UK, Belgium and elsewhere. English winter beers are normally called winter warmers, and tend to be dark, full in body, sweet and stronger than average (5.5% ABV and up). They are rarely spiced. American winter beers are usually called Christmas or holiday beers, and are almost always spiced. Belgian winter beers are often slightly stronger (by 1–2% ABV) versions of flagship beers. If they are spiced, the spicing is usually more subtle than American versions. Five Barrel Brewing have brewed a Christmas beer each year since we opened in 2015. This year’s version is a Belgian Dubbel that utilises orange zest and nutmeg in the kettle.”

Glassware: Trappist Chalice.
Appearance: It pours an attractive deep crimson red with a short khaki head. Fair retention and spotty lace left in its wake.
Aroma: We’re always slightly hesitant when Aussie breweries take on the Belgian Dubbel. From memory the last time we were impressed by an Aussie-brewed Dubbel was Hawkers’ Aquavit BA expression and that was some time ago! Smells very spicy, malty sweet, lots of toffee apple, fruit cake and apple pie. Hints of blood plum, dates, banana bread and caramelised pear as well. Not a traditional aroma but not bad by any means.
Flavour: Quite deep, layered and complex. A very short cameo of phenols up front which morph into more of a fruit cake kind of affair. Kinda tangy/kinda tart red fruits, prunes/dates, clove, nutmeg and caramelised orchard fruits across the mid-palate and then very delicate toasted malts, toffee apple and earthy hops leading into the finish. Good length on the back end too.
Mouthfeel: Dense yet slightly creamy and lifted by a vibrant Co2. Medium body and the 7.3% ABV is pretty well placed.
Overall: We’ve been see-sawing the entire time. It’s a rather well brewed beer – nicely balanced and full flavoured etc but it’s so far from a traditional Dubbel that we can’t say we’re totally sold. Not bad.