“Steenbrugge Dubbel Bruin abbey beer is a brown beer with a straightforward, malty-caramel character and a fruity, lightly smoked yeast aroma combined with the subtle Bruges “gruut” blend of herbs and spices, with an emphasis on cinnamon. Topfermentation beer with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The secret of Steenbrugge abbey beer is the unique “gruut” blend of herbs and spices, which gives the beer its delicious flavour. Every town used to have its own beer, each with its own individual character. In Bruges that character was determined by a blend of herbs and spices that brewers were obliged to purchase from the city’s herbs and spices shop, known as the “Gruuthuse”. In Steenbrugge Dubbel Bruin this medieval tradition is continued.”

Glassware: Trappist goblet.

Appearance: Deep burgundy pour with a short tan head settling in on top. Excellent retention and healthy lace work on the glass as we imbibe.

Aroma: Hitting those traditional Belgian Dubbel traits beautifully. Super malty, yeasty, spicy, a rich sweetness and fruitiness. We’re always in awe at how they manage to balance the intensity of the flavours so well. Deep malt-driven fruitcake, hot cross buns, candi sugar, raisin, cinnamon, clove, fermented plums, toffee, raw sugar, fig and sarsaparilla also coming through. Just to name a few!

Flavour: We must admit that after a few sips there’s no questioning its authenticity…with its deep richness and well balanced sweetness, but it seems to be lacking a little in the ester department. Not a whole lot of clove, banana or even much of the dark fruit components. Just feels like it’s lacking some depth. Still getting the dry roasty notes, nutty, toffee, doughy and sugary sweetness right through to the finish.

Mouthfeel: Slick, smooth, but a tad too thin for our liking. It just doesn’t grip the way other Belgian brewed Dubbels do. Medium body, low-ish Co2. The 6.5% ABV slots in nicely.

Overall: Didn’t mind it. We felt it lacked a little in a few certain departments. Enjoyable? Yes. Would we return to it? No.