Siamese Twin Ale | Uncommon Brewers
Brewed by:
Uncommon Brewers
California, United States | website
Style: Dubbel
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 8.50%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by illidurit on 07-26-2008
Reviews: 123 | Ratings: 235
3/5 rDev -17.4%
Pretty unbalanced, actually kind of gross. Whatever. It's different? I guess at least try it once... Kind of tastes like a weird candy your grandmother might give you. It could be your thing! Side note - it really opens up as it warms...
★ 237 characters
Pretty unbalanced, actually kind of gross. Whatever. It's different? I guess at least try it once... Kind of tastes like a weird candy your grandmother might give you. It could be your thing! Side note - it really opens up as it warms...
★ 237 characters
4/5 rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
A - ox blood red with a generous head which dissipates to a thin cap
S - red grape musk, red wine, some sweet malts
T - some brown sugar, red wine again, some tart flavours, subtle banana on the finish
M - smooth, good body, light carbonation finishes sweet
★ 263 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
A - ox blood red with a generous head which dissipates to a thin cap
S - red grape musk, red wine, some sweet malts
T - some brown sugar, red wine again, some tart flavours, subtle banana on the finish
M - smooth, good body, light carbonation finishes sweet
★ 263 characters
3.41/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
This beer tastes nothing like you'd expect given the packaging.
Has a yummy malty taste but with an edge. I saw it described as liquid candy but it is not really that over-sweet. Didn't love it the first time but tried it again the next day and it was lovely. Enough flavour to be interesting but not heavy so not too filling.
Now, lets talk about the branding. It sucks. The packaging at first glance gives the impression of a cider or light beer. The name suggests a genetic abnormality but it is an organic beer. The whole branding is an oxymoron so maybe this is a hipster beer and intended to be ironic? Either way it is worth a try.
★ 640 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
This beer tastes nothing like you'd expect given the packaging.
Has a yummy malty taste but with an edge. I saw it described as liquid candy but it is not really that over-sweet. Didn't love it the first time but tried it again the next day and it was lovely. Enough flavour to be interesting but not heavy so not too filling.
Now, lets talk about the branding. It sucks. The packaging at first glance gives the impression of a cider or light beer. The name suggests a genetic abnormality but it is an organic beer. The whole branding is an oxymoron so maybe this is a hipster beer and intended to be ironic? Either way it is worth a try.
★ 640 characters
3.68/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark copper and appears stormy never quite settling down. A nice two finger head forms on the pour but doesn't stick around while the beer remains foggy.
The smell follows what I would expect from a dubbel. Some hints of caramel (plum?) and raisin. What sets this apart is the lime is quite present in the nose. I had a hard time picking out the lemongrass but it appeared as the beer warmed up further.
The caramel and malts are very present but the lime and lemongrass only show in the finish.
Their is minimal carbonation which is followed by a bit of a dry finish. The finish does leave a nice bit of spice dancing on the taste buds.
I'm glad I tried this different take on a dubbel. I would definitely have it again, especially during the summer months.
★ 771 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark copper and appears stormy never quite settling down. A nice two finger head forms on the pour but doesn't stick around while the beer remains foggy.
The smell follows what I would expect from a dubbel. Some hints of caramel (plum?) and raisin. What sets this apart is the lime is quite present in the nose. I had a hard time picking out the lemongrass but it appeared as the beer warmed up further.
The caramel and malts are very present but the lime and lemongrass only show in the finish.
Their is minimal carbonation which is followed by a bit of a dry finish. The finish does leave a nice bit of spice dancing on the taste buds.
I'm glad I tried this different take on a dubbel. I would definitely have it again, especially during the summer months.
★ 771 characters
3.56/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Tasted On: 05-07-2014
Freshness: Dating is illegible
Packaging: 16 oz. can
Glassware: Snifter
Purchased: Single from Let's Pour mailorder
Appearance: Beer is a murky reddish-brown color. The small tan head is gone quickly, leaving no traces of lace.
Smell: Rich, sweet aromas of molasses and caramel, this is a very malty-smelling beer. it smells a lot like wort. Finally, there are also some grassy and herbal aromas.
Taste: Much as I expected from the smell, the taste is very malty and has a brown bread flavor. Other notes include sweet caramel and dark chocolate. Some spiciness is evident, either from the Asian spices added or the Belgian yeast. No hop flavors or bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Thick in body, with a moderated level of carbonation. The finish has tastes of oak and malty caramel sweetness.
Overall: A pretty good beer that seems to fit the style well.
★ 874 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Tasted On: 05-07-2014
Freshness: Dating is illegible
Packaging: 16 oz. can
Glassware: Snifter
Purchased: Single from Let's Pour mailorder
Appearance: Beer is a murky reddish-brown color. The small tan head is gone quickly, leaving no traces of lace.
Smell: Rich, sweet aromas of molasses and caramel, this is a very malty-smelling beer. it smells a lot like wort. Finally, there are also some grassy and herbal aromas.
Taste: Much as I expected from the smell, the taste is very malty and has a brown bread flavor. Other notes include sweet caramel and dark chocolate. Some spiciness is evident, either from the Asian spices added or the Belgian yeast. No hop flavors or bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Thick in body, with a moderated level of carbonation. The finish has tastes of oak and malty caramel sweetness.
Overall: A pretty good beer that seems to fit the style well.
★ 874 characters
3.79/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Uncommon must have saved all of the foam that everyone else is looking for and put it in my can, as an uncontrollable head left a bright ruby clear beer with lots of bubbles. No idea how old this one is, no visible canning date.
Smells interesting and Belgian... like opening up your spice cabinet and taking a whiff.
Tastes bounce around from the traditional dubbel to all sorts of strange but pleasant herbal overtones... cinnamon, raisins, autumnal leaves. Oh, and the alcohol rears its ugly head as well (maybe this reduces with aging?).
Crisp and bubbly.
Crazy beer worth a try, especially if you like picking out spices and like the "Belgian malt liquor" vibes.
★ 681 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Uncommon must have saved all of the foam that everyone else is looking for and put it in my can, as an uncontrollable head left a bright ruby clear beer with lots of bubbles. No idea how old this one is, no visible canning date.
Smells interesting and Belgian... like opening up your spice cabinet and taking a whiff.
Tastes bounce around from the traditional dubbel to all sorts of strange but pleasant herbal overtones... cinnamon, raisins, autumnal leaves. Oh, and the alcohol rears its ugly head as well (maybe this reduces with aging?).
Crisp and bubbly.
Crazy beer worth a try, especially if you like picking out spices and like the "Belgian malt liquor" vibes.
★ 681 characters
3.7/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Siamese Twin has a face that even a mother would have a hard time loving. U-G-L-Y, this thing could have Johnnie Cochran argue its alibi and it wouldn't matter - it's ugly. Murky, extremely muddied clay tones gives it a swampy - or worse, sewage-y - appearance. The absence of any foam is unattractive and completely unsuitable for the style (conventional or not).
Belgians, by and large, aren't known for experimenting or breaking with tradition; you'd never see a Trappist Dubbel brewed with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and coriander. In many ways there's no need to - Belgian yeast is spicy and aromatic enough on it's own - but I've got to admit that this smells pretty interesting. Indefinably sweet and spicy; my curiosity has peaked...
The first sip reveals a familiar profile: a complex maltiness with notes of caramel, toast, prunes, raisins and a drop of rose-scented perfume. Maybe a trace of mushed bananas too. But closer inspection gradually exposes the other ingredients; flashes of middle-eastern spice, citrus and green herbs round out most sips, albeit more subtly than expected.
It's obvious Asian ingredients would add uniqueness, the real question was whether they'd suit the sweet, fruity flavours of a Dubbel. I have to say: yes! In fact, I think this recipe is rather genius; just imagining all the possible food pairings requires a calculator. The beer's real (and only) fault is its lack of body; without a rich malt bill this tastes too much like prune juice.
Uncommon Brewers is right! This is a terribly interesting take on a classic Belgian style. Who knows how the monks would feel about this twist, but I say "Hear! Hear!". Though far from an outstanding offering, in many ways Siamese Twin represents all that is great about American craft beer: creativity, innovation, reinterpretation, distinctness. And this one's organic too.
★ 1,873 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Siamese Twin has a face that even a mother would have a hard time loving. U-G-L-Y, this thing could have Johnnie Cochran argue its alibi and it wouldn't matter - it's ugly. Murky, extremely muddied clay tones gives it a swampy - or worse, sewage-y - appearance. The absence of any foam is unattractive and completely unsuitable for the style (conventional or not).
Belgians, by and large, aren't known for experimenting or breaking with tradition; you'd never see a Trappist Dubbel brewed with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and coriander. In many ways there's no need to - Belgian yeast is spicy and aromatic enough on it's own - but I've got to admit that this smells pretty interesting. Indefinably sweet and spicy; my curiosity has peaked...
The first sip reveals a familiar profile: a complex maltiness with notes of caramel, toast, prunes, raisins and a drop of rose-scented perfume. Maybe a trace of mushed bananas too. But closer inspection gradually exposes the other ingredients; flashes of middle-eastern spice, citrus and green herbs round out most sips, albeit more subtly than expected.
It's obvious Asian ingredients would add uniqueness, the real question was whether they'd suit the sweet, fruity flavours of a Dubbel. I have to say: yes! In fact, I think this recipe is rather genius; just imagining all the possible food pairings requires a calculator. The beer's real (and only) fault is its lack of body; without a rich malt bill this tastes too much like prune juice.
Uncommon Brewers is right! This is a terribly interesting take on a classic Belgian style. Who knows how the monks would feel about this twist, but I say "Hear! Hear!". Though far from an outstanding offering, in many ways Siamese Twin represents all that is great about American craft beer: creativity, innovation, reinterpretation, distinctness. And this one's organic too.
★ 1,873 characters
3.27/5 rDev -9.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25
Appearance: While the beer doesn't deliver the foamy head I would expect from a dubbel, the mahogany liquid and lacing action both do their bit to fit the style
Smell: Caramel and dark fruit underpin appropriately, but the Asian adjuncts (kaffir lime and lemongrass) while distinct, don't blend well
Taste: As with the aroma, the taste is a bit unusual here; starts out, as expected, delivering caramel, candi sugar and some dried dark fruit; in the middle and after the swallow, the Asian adjuncts add a very strange lemon/lime flavor; the coriander works better, adding complexity; ultimately, however, the beer tastes a bit like a wet dog smells
Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate to high carbonation
Overall: I love Thai food and was really looking forward to seeing how the Kaffir lime and lemongrass worked with this beer but have come to the conclusion that a dubbel is the wrong style with which such spices should be blended
Thanks, bytemesis (from the other site) for the opportunity
★ 1,008 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25
Appearance: While the beer doesn't deliver the foamy head I would expect from a dubbel, the mahogany liquid and lacing action both do their bit to fit the style
Smell: Caramel and dark fruit underpin appropriately, but the Asian adjuncts (kaffir lime and lemongrass) while distinct, don't blend well
Taste: As with the aroma, the taste is a bit unusual here; starts out, as expected, delivering caramel, candi sugar and some dried dark fruit; in the middle and after the swallow, the Asian adjuncts add a very strange lemon/lime flavor; the coriander works better, adding complexity; ultimately, however, the beer tastes a bit like a wet dog smells
Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate to high carbonation
Overall: I love Thai food and was really looking forward to seeing how the Kaffir lime and lemongrass worked with this beer but have come to the conclusion that a dubbel is the wrong style with which such spices should be blended
Thanks, bytemesis (from the other site) for the opportunity
★ 1,008 characters
3.54/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Tall Can from the Ottawa LCBO for $3
Appearance - Slightly hazy reddish brown colour with a small size beige coloured head. There is an average amount of carbonation showing and there is some decent lacing. The head lasted for around 2-3 minutes before it was gone.
Smell - Malts, caramel, dark fruit, grass/herbal
Taste & Mouth - There is a below average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, caramel, and something along the lines of rye. There is also some grassy notes and a dark fruit flavour and a touch of cola.
Overall - My can was only 7/8th's full which was a little odd. An okay beer a suppose, but a tad watery and a little boring. I expected more flash from all the spices advertised on the can. Can suggests that this beer is made to be aged, will give that a whirl.
★ 791 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Tall Can from the Ottawa LCBO for $3
Appearance - Slightly hazy reddish brown colour with a small size beige coloured head. There is an average amount of carbonation showing and there is some decent lacing. The head lasted for around 2-3 minutes before it was gone.
Smell - Malts, caramel, dark fruit, grass/herbal
Taste & Mouth - There is a below average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, caramel, and something along the lines of rye. There is also some grassy notes and a dark fruit flavour and a touch of cola.
Overall - My can was only 7/8th's full which was a little odd. An okay beer a suppose, but a tad watery and a little boring. I expected more flash from all the spices advertised on the can. Can suggests that this beer is made to be aged, will give that a whirl.
★ 791 characters
3.61/5 rDev -0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
473 mL can from the LCBO, served slightly chilled. While I generally like Belgian-style beers, the dubbel is a category that I have never been especially impressed by. Could this unorthodox brew be the representative that finally manages to raise one of my eyebrows?
Pours a beautiful reddish-bronze colour, topped with a half-finger of creamy, frothy white head that quickly recedes. A narrow collar and a few modest strands of lace are its only remnants. The aroma definitely leans on the sweet side, including a combination of ripe banana, raisins, lemongrass, cherry cough syrup, fudge and Belgian yeast. Along with the faint whiff of ethanol, it comes together quite nicely.
Unfortunately, I can't really say the same of the flavour - this one just isn't doing it for me. Very saccharine, with too much candi sugar sweetness, as well as a caramelized brown sugar feel to it. Banana, raisins and fig flavours also contribute, with the spices coming forward increasingly toward the finish - lemongrass and lime, leading into some black licorice/anise and coriander. Sweet, relatively boozy aftertaste, with the taste of rummy raisin clinging to the palate. On the thicker side of medium-bodied, with a chewy feel on the palate - almost syrupy after a while, but the carbonation is strong enough to combat this effectively. This is something I'd probably be better off trying in December/January, rather than a warm night in September.
Final Grade: 3.61, a B grade. I've never been a big fan of dubbels, and Siamese Twin Ale hasn't really altered my opinion much. The kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass compensate somewhat, but for the most part this is just too sweet and boozy to be something I want to consume very much of - in fact, this tallboy is probably a little excessive. That being said, it still tastes quite good - and this is an interesting brew that might be worth a look if you're into Belgian/spiced ale hybrids. Still, I'll be happy to stick with Chimay Red the next time I have a dubbel craving. A creative, passable selection for my 500th review on BA: cheers to 500 more!
★ 2,098 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
473 mL can from the LCBO, served slightly chilled. While I generally like Belgian-style beers, the dubbel is a category that I have never been especially impressed by. Could this unorthodox brew be the representative that finally manages to raise one of my eyebrows?
Pours a beautiful reddish-bronze colour, topped with a half-finger of creamy, frothy white head that quickly recedes. A narrow collar and a few modest strands of lace are its only remnants. The aroma definitely leans on the sweet side, including a combination of ripe banana, raisins, lemongrass, cherry cough syrup, fudge and Belgian yeast. Along with the faint whiff of ethanol, it comes together quite nicely.
Unfortunately, I can't really say the same of the flavour - this one just isn't doing it for me. Very saccharine, with too much candi sugar sweetness, as well as a caramelized brown sugar feel to it. Banana, raisins and fig flavours also contribute, with the spices coming forward increasingly toward the finish - lemongrass and lime, leading into some black licorice/anise and coriander. Sweet, relatively boozy aftertaste, with the taste of rummy raisin clinging to the palate. On the thicker side of medium-bodied, with a chewy feel on the palate - almost syrupy after a while, but the carbonation is strong enough to combat this effectively. This is something I'd probably be better off trying in December/January, rather than a warm night in September.
Final Grade: 3.61, a B grade. I've never been a big fan of dubbels, and Siamese Twin Ale hasn't really altered my opinion much. The kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass compensate somewhat, but for the most part this is just too sweet and boozy to be something I want to consume very much of - in fact, this tallboy is probably a little excessive. That being said, it still tastes quite good - and this is an interesting brew that might be worth a look if you're into Belgian/spiced ale hybrids. Still, I'll be happy to stick with Chimay Red the next time I have a dubbel craving. A creative, passable selection for my 500th review on BA: cheers to 500 more!
★ 2,098 characters
3.59/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
Thanks to Arbitrator for the can.
Appearance: Deep rich amber/copper. Slight chill haze. Head is light tan and drops to a small bubbly collar with almost no head in short order. Moderate carbonation on the pour.
Smell: Solid fruity Belgian yeast adds some clove, ripe banana, and even a hint of bubblegum. Hints of lime in the back. Coriander jumps out front pretty quickly. Sweet malt backbone with some deeply caramelized malts. A bit of yeasty spice. Some candy sugar and a building push of lime as it warms. A bit bready. Distinct lemongrass. The citrus combo makes things interesting.
Taste: Candi sugar and some solid Belgian yeast. Cooked and caramelized malts. Solid bready component. Lime leaf and lemongrass linger on the finish. Coriander layered over some base clove and typical Belgian yeast esters. Yeasty with a big malty sweetness. Spice profile is aggressive to start, but quickly gives way to both the lime and lemongrass as it warms. Sweet and a bit sugary.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a moderate carbonation. Lingering spice with a slightly dry finish. Pretty spot on.
Overall: Major surgery required.
I wouldn't want to keep this as my right hand, but it's not bad at all. A unique adaptation of the style, and it works. The lime and lemongrass add a nice dimension. Worth trying, but I won't seek it out in the future.
★ 1,348 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
Thanks to Arbitrator for the can.
Appearance: Deep rich amber/copper. Slight chill haze. Head is light tan and drops to a small bubbly collar with almost no head in short order. Moderate carbonation on the pour.
Smell: Solid fruity Belgian yeast adds some clove, ripe banana, and even a hint of bubblegum. Hints of lime in the back. Coriander jumps out front pretty quickly. Sweet malt backbone with some deeply caramelized malts. A bit of yeasty spice. Some candy sugar and a building push of lime as it warms. A bit bready. Distinct lemongrass. The citrus combo makes things interesting.
Taste: Candi sugar and some solid Belgian yeast. Cooked and caramelized malts. Solid bready component. Lime leaf and lemongrass linger on the finish. Coriander layered over some base clove and typical Belgian yeast esters. Yeasty with a big malty sweetness. Spice profile is aggressive to start, but quickly gives way to both the lime and lemongrass as it warms. Sweet and a bit sugary.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a moderate carbonation. Lingering spice with a slightly dry finish. Pretty spot on.
Overall: Major surgery required.
I wouldn't want to keep this as my right hand, but it's not bad at all. A unique adaptation of the style, and it works. The lime and lemongrass add a nice dimension. Worth trying, but I won't seek it out in the future.
★ 1,348 characters
3.43/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
16 ounce can poured into a pint glass. Color is a ruddy dark brown color with a half finger of foam that fades quickly. Aroma is pungent with plum malty flavors and lemongrass. It does smell appetizing to me.
First sip is bomb of sweet sugary malts. Molasses and toffee flavors dominate but it is cloyingly sweet. Lime coriander and lemongrass all take a back seat. Credit for trying something out of the ordinary but this misses the mark with me... Too sweet and not refreshing.
★ 481 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
16 ounce can poured into a pint glass. Color is a ruddy dark brown color with a half finger of foam that fades quickly. Aroma is pungent with plum malty flavors and lemongrass. It does smell appetizing to me.
First sip is bomb of sweet sugary malts. Molasses and toffee flavors dominate but it is cloyingly sweet. Lime coriander and lemongrass all take a back seat. Credit for trying something out of the ordinary but this misses the mark with me... Too sweet and not refreshing.
★ 481 characters
4.02/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours out a deep red/brown with about an inch of tan head. The lace is there, but doesn't last long.
Dark fruit (plum, raisin) and pepper start this dubbel off nicely, booze, caramel and spice follow.
At first I think I taste banana bread followed by plum and caramel. Earth, booze and a sweet taste I can't put my finger on show up around the middle (a good sweet). The finish has a little chocolate and dark fruit. A little high on carbonation, but the body is moderately thick, so it still goes down smooth.
Not my favorite, but still very interesting. Uncommon Brewers does an excellent job of putting interesting twists on old styles. Might grab one more for the cellar an rereview later.
★ 696 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours out a deep red/brown with about an inch of tan head. The lace is there, but doesn't last long.
Dark fruit (plum, raisin) and pepper start this dubbel off nicely, booze, caramel and spice follow.
At first I think I taste banana bread followed by plum and caramel. Earth, booze and a sweet taste I can't put my finger on show up around the middle (a good sweet). The finish has a little chocolate and dark fruit. A little high on carbonation, but the body is moderately thick, so it still goes down smooth.
Not my favorite, but still very interesting. Uncommon Brewers does an excellent job of putting interesting twists on old styles. Might grab one more for the cellar an rereview later.
★ 696 characters
4.12/5 rDev +13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
single can from Beer Run, Charlottesville
a: served in a lager westmalle chalice, the dubbel is the deep brown color of dried dates, a tight head recedes to leave only a ring around the glass
s: very nice dubbel nose of rich, dark fruit sugars - dates and raisin, toffee malt, complex spice stands out - perhaps its the lime and lemongrass additions that are so intriguing, but they're not immediately evident individually, great use of coriander - very delicate, brushes of vanilla, richly aromatic and very pleasing to take in
m: medium-full body, smooth, carbonation on the lower end of moderate with a slight abrasiveness
t: the flavor hits with rich dried tree fruits and a current of dark sugars, a touch of buttery smoothness, this is where the lime shows the most - as a tart/sour note that lingers far into the finish
o: a high quality base dubbel regardless of the unusual additions - the lemongrass and lime are either so well or so lightly used that it's tough to pick them out, but a nice background contributor, expected a gimmick but found a really nice beer
★ 1,079 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
single can from Beer Run, Charlottesville
a: served in a lager westmalle chalice, the dubbel is the deep brown color of dried dates, a tight head recedes to leave only a ring around the glass
s: very nice dubbel nose of rich, dark fruit sugars - dates and raisin, toffee malt, complex spice stands out - perhaps its the lime and lemongrass additions that are so intriguing, but they're not immediately evident individually, great use of coriander - very delicate, brushes of vanilla, richly aromatic and very pleasing to take in
m: medium-full body, smooth, carbonation on the lower end of moderate with a slight abrasiveness
t: the flavor hits with rich dried tree fruits and a current of dark sugars, a touch of buttery smoothness, this is where the lime shows the most - as a tart/sour note that lingers far into the finish
o: a high quality base dubbel regardless of the unusual additions - the lemongrass and lime are either so well or so lightly used that it's tough to pick them out, but a nice background contributor, expected a gimmick but found a really nice beer
★ 1,079 characters
2.23/5 rDev -38.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.25
Canned 14AUG12
Pours nice and toasted brown with some central light etching. Smells of lime, some sweet syrups, a little bit of belgian yeasts, some coriander, and the lemon grass. Taste is lightly tart, some alcohol, some bitterness, some candy. Medium on full body with hi carb and a semi dry finish. Not a good beer really.
★ 327 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.25
Canned 14AUG12
Pours nice and toasted brown with some central light etching. Smells of lime, some sweet syrups, a little bit of belgian yeasts, some coriander, and the lemon grass. Taste is lightly tart, some alcohol, some bitterness, some candy. Medium on full body with hi carb and a semi dry finish. Not a good beer really.
★ 327 characters
3.91/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Picked this up at Buy Rite in Jersey City recently, having never seen anything form Uncommon, let alone tried it. I'm not a fan of canned beer since the few I had in the paste held onto the taste and where so focused on the packaging as to turn me off, but this didn't have a "tinny" taste to it nor was it like anything I had ever seen before. It felt as strong as a Dubbel but not as spicy and complex as the ones I've had from Belgium but with that being said, I enjoyed this beer and did indeed, find it to be "uncommon".
The pour to this was just as I expected from a Dubbel - dark brown, cloudy, and with a nice head. The lacing nearly matched up to that as it stuck to the sides of my pint glass for a while before slowly sliding down. I don't think I've ever had a beer before that contained lemongrass, booze, and caramel in the nose but sure enough, this did. Couldn't taste the citric acid of the lime here but the aroma and wetness of it were certainly present in the taste, along with some dark fruits like plum and fig. I like the carbonation and mouthfeel since it was balanced but not powerful enough to overtake the flavor of this beer. This finished quite clean, even though the booze stuck around for quite a while.
Yes, this was strong but it never tasted that way while I was enjoying this. While the spice wasn't as present here as in other beers that I've had of this style, a little ginger would have provided a nice kick to this. Regardless, this was a different take on a Dubbel that worked well and was a pleasure to enjoy. It's nice to see the envelope pushed on this and Uncommon did it well, to the point where this may end up being popular enough to prove the Brewer's name to be an oxymoron of sorts.
★ 1,735 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Picked this up at Buy Rite in Jersey City recently, having never seen anything form Uncommon, let alone tried it. I'm not a fan of canned beer since the few I had in the paste held onto the taste and where so focused on the packaging as to turn me off, but this didn't have a "tinny" taste to it nor was it like anything I had ever seen before. It felt as strong as a Dubbel but not as spicy and complex as the ones I've had from Belgium but with that being said, I enjoyed this beer and did indeed, find it to be "uncommon".
The pour to this was just as I expected from a Dubbel - dark brown, cloudy, and with a nice head. The lacing nearly matched up to that as it stuck to the sides of my pint glass for a while before slowly sliding down. I don't think I've ever had a beer before that contained lemongrass, booze, and caramel in the nose but sure enough, this did. Couldn't taste the citric acid of the lime here but the aroma and wetness of it were certainly present in the taste, along with some dark fruits like plum and fig. I like the carbonation and mouthfeel since it was balanced but not powerful enough to overtake the flavor of this beer. This finished quite clean, even though the booze stuck around for quite a while.
Yes, this was strong but it never tasted that way while I was enjoying this. While the spice wasn't as present here as in other beers that I've had of this style, a little ginger would have provided a nice kick to this. Regardless, this was a different take on a Dubbel that worked well and was a pleasure to enjoy. It's nice to see the envelope pushed on this and Uncommon did it well, to the point where this may end up being popular enough to prove the Brewer's name to be an oxymoron of sorts.
★ 1,735 characters
3.03/5 rDev -16.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This poured out as a hazy brown color. It's got an interesting yellowish colored head. The smell of the beer has some spicy citrus notes. There is some caramel and even some booze on the nose too. The taste of the beer has dark fruit flavor with some caramel in there, as it warms up the flavors become more earthy. The mouthfeel is smooth, interestingly soft carbonation. Dry finish too. Overall this beer is decent. Not my favorite Dubbel.
★ 441 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This poured out as a hazy brown color. It's got an interesting yellowish colored head. The smell of the beer has some spicy citrus notes. There is some caramel and even some booze on the nose too. The taste of the beer has dark fruit flavor with some caramel in there, as it warms up the flavors become more earthy. The mouthfeel is smooth, interestingly soft carbonation. Dry finish too. Overall this beer is decent. Not my favorite Dubbel.
★ 441 characters
3.7/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: The beer is slightly hazy reddish brown in color. It poured with a thin beige head that died down and left lacing on the surface and a thin collar around the edge of the glass.
S: There are moderately strong aromas of dark fruits in the nose along with some hints of alcohol.
T: The taste has flavors of dark fruits along with notes of lemongrass and hints of spices.
M: It feels medium-bodied and slightly smooth on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This is an interesting take on the style although it is not as sweet and complex compared to other dubbels.
★ 580 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: The beer is slightly hazy reddish brown in color. It poured with a thin beige head that died down and left lacing on the surface and a thin collar around the edge of the glass.
S: There are moderately strong aromas of dark fruits in the nose along with some hints of alcohol.
T: The taste has flavors of dark fruits along with notes of lemongrass and hints of spices.
M: It feels medium-bodied and slightly smooth on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This is an interesting take on the style although it is not as sweet and complex compared to other dubbels.
★ 580 characters
3.62/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a slightly hazy reddish brown in color with some light amounts of visible carbonation and clear ruby red at the edges of the glass when held up to the light. The beer has a quarter finger tall creamy beige head that slowly reduces to a medium sized patch of thin film and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of dark fruits (primarily raisins) with some more subtle notes of kefir lime and lemongrass. There is a very light presence of alcohol in the finish of the nose as well as some Belgian yeast spiciness.
T: Like the smell, the flavor of the beer starts out with some dark fruit (raisin) sweetness. Then some of the more subtle spice flavors/additions start to become present with kefir lime and a stronger presence of lemongrass than in the smell. There is some candi sugar sweetness and spicy Belgian yeast. Just a hint of alcohol in the finish.
M: Slightly heavier than medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth with light amounts of alcohol warming in the finish.
O: Enjoyable with the addition of the Thai spices/herbs but the alcohol is just not well enough hidden for me. Not sure I would get this one again as it deviates a little too much from the traditional Dubbel style for me.
★ 1,287 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a slightly hazy reddish brown in color with some light amounts of visible carbonation and clear ruby red at the edges of the glass when held up to the light. The beer has a quarter finger tall creamy beige head that slowly reduces to a medium sized patch of thin film and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of dark fruits (primarily raisins) with some more subtle notes of kefir lime and lemongrass. There is a very light presence of alcohol in the finish of the nose as well as some Belgian yeast spiciness.
T: Like the smell, the flavor of the beer starts out with some dark fruit (raisin) sweetness. Then some of the more subtle spice flavors/additions start to become present with kefir lime and a stronger presence of lemongrass than in the smell. There is some candi sugar sweetness and spicy Belgian yeast. Just a hint of alcohol in the finish.
M: Slightly heavier than medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth with light amounts of alcohol warming in the finish.
O: Enjoyable with the addition of the Thai spices/herbs but the alcohol is just not well enough hidden for me. Not sure I would get this one again as it deviates a little too much from the traditional Dubbel style for me.
★ 1,287 characters
2.67/5 rDev -26.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This beer smells like hairspray. I'm sure there is some very technical term that would impress everyone. But hey. I don't know it. Anyways. This doesnt really work for me. I could have done without it. Unfortunately, that seems to be the theme for this brewery, for me.
★ 269 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This beer smells like hairspray. I'm sure there is some very technical term that would impress everyone. But hey. I don't know it. Anyways. This doesnt really work for me. I could have done without it. Unfortunately, that seems to be the theme for this brewery, for me.
★ 269 characters
3.22/5 rDev -11.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pours brown with ruby highlights and a non-existent head.
Nose shows lemongrass, coriander, banana, caramel, chocolate fudge and Belgian doughy yeast. A bit weird.
Similar herbal flavours, along with caramel and more Belgian yeast.
Very low carbonation, could use a fair bit more.
Yep, weird sums up this beer quite well.
★ 321 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pours brown with ruby highlights and a non-existent head.
Nose shows lemongrass, coriander, banana, caramel, chocolate fudge and Belgian doughy yeast. A bit weird.
Similar herbal flavours, along with caramel and more Belgian yeast.
Very low carbonation, could use a fair bit more.
Yep, weird sums up this beer quite well.
★ 321 characters
3.38/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Canned on 7/13/12.
Pours a murky dark brown with a 1 inch foamy orange-tan head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Foamy streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is fairly mild and is of malt, Asian peanut sauce, and some herbal aromas. Taste is of malt, dark fruit, peanuts, and some herbal and citrus flavors. There is a mild spice bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer flavor wise but there are some odd aromas coming from this one.
★ 598 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Canned on 7/13/12.
Pours a murky dark brown with a 1 inch foamy orange-tan head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Foamy streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is fairly mild and is of malt, Asian peanut sauce, and some herbal aromas. Taste is of malt, dark fruit, peanuts, and some herbal and citrus flavors. There is a mild spice bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer flavor wise but there are some odd aromas coming from this one.
★ 598 characters
4/5 rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
16oz single can.
This beer pours a clear, dark ruby amber hue, with one finger of loosely foamy beige head, which leaves a few random specks of islet lace around the glass as it quickly melts away.
It smells of ashy, biscuity caramel malt, a bit of floral anise, sweet earthy spice, the coriander seeming to provide more than its base aroma, a dry citrus essence, and some soft brown sugar. The taste is lightly toasted bready malt, a bit of Belgian candy sugar and yeast, some softly astringent lime, muddled holiday baking spices - cinnamon, ginger nutmeg and coriander, which make for a decent gingerbread analogue - and little to no alcohol warming.
The carbonation is a tad frothy, but in a genial way, the body a smooth, solid medium weight, just a bit of tacky fruitiness tugging away to no avail. It finishes off-dry, the biscuit-tinged caramel malt still forming the backbone, while the spices and waning fruitiness hold their distance.
An impressive dubbel, in the sense of those New World flunkies having a bit of fun, and, um, innovation with the style. The specified adjuncts add their own subtle intricacies, to a one, and the overall toastiness does well to rein in any overly saccharine tendencies. No booze makes itself known, which is an achievement on its own. Quite enjoyable, and worthy of seeking out another.
★ 1,335 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
16oz single can.
This beer pours a clear, dark ruby amber hue, with one finger of loosely foamy beige head, which leaves a few random specks of islet lace around the glass as it quickly melts away.
It smells of ashy, biscuity caramel malt, a bit of floral anise, sweet earthy spice, the coriander seeming to provide more than its base aroma, a dry citrus essence, and some soft brown sugar. The taste is lightly toasted bready malt, a bit of Belgian candy sugar and yeast, some softly astringent lime, muddled holiday baking spices - cinnamon, ginger nutmeg and coriander, which make for a decent gingerbread analogue - and little to no alcohol warming.
The carbonation is a tad frothy, but in a genial way, the body a smooth, solid medium weight, just a bit of tacky fruitiness tugging away to no avail. It finishes off-dry, the biscuit-tinged caramel malt still forming the backbone, while the spices and waning fruitiness hold their distance.
An impressive dubbel, in the sense of those New World flunkies having a bit of fun, and, um, innovation with the style. The specified adjuncts add their own subtle intricacies, to a one, and the overall toastiness does well to rein in any overly saccharine tendencies. No booze makes itself known, which is an achievement on its own. Quite enjoyable, and worthy of seeking out another.
★ 1,335 characters
3.5/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Another can offering from these guys this makes number three with one hit and one miss so far and love the list of added ingredients anyway it pours a hazy copper hue which leaves a two finger head that stays and nice lacing,the smell is belgian candy,aniseed,humbugs,cinamon,nutmeg and herbal hops,the mouthfeel is medium bodied and has tastes of nutmeg,lime leaves,cardomon pods,cinamon,herbal fruity hops and finished with a bittersweet mix of herbs and candi sugar,overall its nice and bittersweet with a belgian/thai flair but as they state its an uncommon brew and not that true to style but would be nice with a spicy asian meal or indian curry cheers.
★ 659 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Another can offering from these guys this makes number three with one hit and one miss so far and love the list of added ingredients anyway it pours a hazy copper hue which leaves a two finger head that stays and nice lacing,the smell is belgian candy,aniseed,humbugs,cinamon,nutmeg and herbal hops,the mouthfeel is medium bodied and has tastes of nutmeg,lime leaves,cardomon pods,cinamon,herbal fruity hops and finished with a bittersweet mix of herbs and candi sugar,overall its nice and bittersweet with a belgian/thai flair but as they state its an uncommon brew and not that true to style but would be nice with a spicy asian meal or indian curry cheers.
★ 659 characters
Siamese Twin Ale from Uncommon Brewers
3.63
out of 5
based on 235 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Pours a Amber color. Has an aroma of coriander and some citrus peel. Flavor is malty and coriander forward. Has hints of citrus and an almost light cactus refreshing flavor. It's not bad but overall just kind of ok. Overall this reminds me a bit of a scotch ale but with more citrus lemony flavor profile. It's a solid beer.
★ 324 characters