Lost & Found
The Lost Abbey
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Belgian Dubbel
Ranked #20 - ABV:
- 8%
- Score:
- 88
Ranked #9,150 - Avg:
- 3.94 | pDev: 10.41%
- Reviews:
- 375
- Ratings:
- From:
- The Lost Abbey
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 82
- Gots
- 150
SCORE
88
Very Good
88
Very Good
Notes:
Modeled after the great Trappist and Monastic beers that inspired the founding of our brewery. A richly deep garnet colored ale created from a blend of Domestic and imported malts. As part of our commitment to interesting brewing endeavors, Chef Vince created a special raisin puree for this beer. Malts, raisins and a fantastic yeast strain working in harmony produce a beer of amazing complexity and depth.
Reviews: 375
| Ratings: 871
3.71/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Tasted in a snifter from draft at Consume on April 12, 2019. Look is dark garnet with a thick off-white head. Smell Smell and taste is malty with dark dried fruit notes. Feel is medium to full in body.
201 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Tasted in a snifter from draft at Consume on April 12, 2019. Look is dark garnet with a thick off-white head. Smell Smell and taste is malty with dark dried fruit notes. Feel is medium to full in body.
201 characters
3.99/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Interesting. Thoughtful. Complex.
Poured into an Unibroue tulip, my caged bottle was a year old.
Even with a gentle pour, I got a voluminous head that settled with a respectable thinness and left some lace. An OK garnet.
Smells are dark raisins and the yeast working the malts to make more dark fruit.
Tastes also unfold twice, creating a nice complexity and giving me more than one chance to guess what is going on. The skilled use of brewers sugar is evident. But, there is too much reliance on the raisins and not enough on the malt... per the Belgian masters that have been making dubbels for generations in little cloistered communities. Dubbels are a difficult ale for Americans to make without having the heritage. In future recipes, less raisins and more malt.
Modest bubbles is the right choice for this dubbel to show itself off. And it even finishes dry.
I had Lost & Found with a vegetable soup. An OK pairing; given that Lost Abbey focusses on their ales, but not on how well their ales go with food.
I've Had 11 from Lost Abbey, but never reviewed their website. Interestingly, Port Brewing split off the Belgian brewing. And that seems to make sense for staff and marketing in a more difficult tradition. Lost Abbey is among the more committed American crafters in interpreting the Belgian tradition. Only one of the ales did I rate below the average.
I intended to go to Lost Abbey's Confessional when I was last in San Diego (but I was there for Thanksgiving.) But I will make it confess. I promise. In the meantime, start a food menu. Do some suggested pairing. It's very Belgian.
1,604 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Interesting. Thoughtful. Complex.
Poured into an Unibroue tulip, my caged bottle was a year old.
Even with a gentle pour, I got a voluminous head that settled with a respectable thinness and left some lace. An OK garnet.
Smells are dark raisins and the yeast working the malts to make more dark fruit.
Tastes also unfold twice, creating a nice complexity and giving me more than one chance to guess what is going on. The skilled use of brewers sugar is evident. But, there is too much reliance on the raisins and not enough on the malt... per the Belgian masters that have been making dubbels for generations in little cloistered communities. Dubbels are a difficult ale for Americans to make without having the heritage. In future recipes, less raisins and more malt.
Modest bubbles is the right choice for this dubbel to show itself off. And it even finishes dry.
I had Lost & Found with a vegetable soup. An OK pairing; given that Lost Abbey focusses on their ales, but not on how well their ales go with food.
I've Had 11 from Lost Abbey, but never reviewed their website. Interestingly, Port Brewing split off the Belgian brewing. And that seems to make sense for staff and marketing in a more difficult tradition. Lost Abbey is among the more committed American crafters in interpreting the Belgian tradition. Only one of the ales did I rate below the average.
I intended to go to Lost Abbey's Confessional when I was last in San Diego (but I was there for Thanksgiving.) But I will make it confess. I promise. In the meantime, start a food menu. Do some suggested pairing. It's very Belgian.
1,604 characters
3.86/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
The beer is hazy brown/ dark caramel color with a foamy head that lingered most of my drink. Nice malt aromas and dark cherry and some spices as well. Smelled like a dessert. The beer tastes like a sweet bread mixtures of banana and raisin behind the cinnamon, spices, and brown sugar. The beer is not overly sweet which is nice. This beer is extremely easy to drink but hard to open (I suck at corks)
406 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
The beer is hazy brown/ dark caramel color with a foamy head that lingered most of my drink. Nice malt aromas and dark cherry and some spices as well. Smelled like a dessert. The beer tastes like a sweet bread mixtures of banana and raisin behind the cinnamon, spices, and brown sugar. The beer is not overly sweet which is nice. This beer is extremely easy to drink but hard to open (I suck at corks)
406 characters
4.27/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Roughly a third of a 750 mL bottle poured into a snifter. Resilient and rich 1-and-a-half finger light-tan head that persists long after the pour. Color is deep amber and translucent; there is active carbonation. Dark dried fruits and rich molasses are evident on the nose – sweet dates, raisins, toasted walnuts and a hint of oak round out the smell on this one. After a few sips, I’m acquainted with the more obvious flavors (raisins and some nutmeggy spice which come though strong at the beginning and fade to a touch of bitter roasted coffee at the end). After a few more sips, some other, less-prominent flavors come through; nutty richness gives the brew a thick body, while toasted malt leads into a bit of alcoholic warmth. Mouthfeel is velvet cream that leaves behind a bit of stickiness as it dissolves. It’s pure, dripping boozy sweetness -- indulgent and delightful. Despite my summer quaffing, this beer seems like it would be a most appropriate winter beer to drink as you recline in the chair by the fireside after dinner.
1,044 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Roughly a third of a 750 mL bottle poured into a snifter. Resilient and rich 1-and-a-half finger light-tan head that persists long after the pour. Color is deep amber and translucent; there is active carbonation. Dark dried fruits and rich molasses are evident on the nose – sweet dates, raisins, toasted walnuts and a hint of oak round out the smell on this one. After a few sips, I’m acquainted with the more obvious flavors (raisins and some nutmeggy spice which come though strong at the beginning and fade to a touch of bitter roasted coffee at the end). After a few more sips, some other, less-prominent flavors come through; nutty richness gives the brew a thick body, while toasted malt leads into a bit of alcoholic warmth. Mouthfeel is velvet cream that leaves behind a bit of stickiness as it dissolves. It’s pure, dripping boozy sweetness -- indulgent and delightful. Despite my summer quaffing, this beer seems like it would be a most appropriate winter beer to drink as you recline in the chair by the fireside after dinner.
1,044 characters
4.04/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
From a 750ml bottle. Cloudy brown color with a finger of tan head. Smells of bread, malt, and raisins. Medium body with lots of carbonation. Caramel and raising flavors with a dry finish. Tasty and true to the style. Not quite as complex as the Belgian counterparts.
266 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
From a 750ml bottle. Cloudy brown color with a finger of tan head. Smells of bread, malt, and raisins. Medium body with lots of carbonation. Caramel and raising flavors with a dry finish. Tasty and true to the style. Not quite as complex as the Belgian counterparts.
266 characters
4.15/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
From the 750ml corked bottle in a snifter. This most excellent brew
pours a medium dark and slightly murky amber tinged brown with a
nice head of off white foam that subsides to a thick ring, thin pool, and
displays some subtle lacing. Nose of definite raisin, subtle sweet cherry,
brown sugars, and yeasty goodness. Flavors excel in the style with a dark
raisin note awash in medium dark brown sugars, subtle cherry, subtle
vanilla, and a touch of yeasty bread with cola notes. Very nice mouth feel;
medium body, nice soft medium carbonation, and a lightly sweet and subtly
dry finish.
I like me some dubbel action, this one fit the bill and look forward to trying
more from this most excellent brewery.
Cheers
722 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
From the 750ml corked bottle in a snifter. This most excellent brew
pours a medium dark and slightly murky amber tinged brown with a
nice head of off white foam that subsides to a thick ring, thin pool, and
displays some subtle lacing. Nose of definite raisin, subtle sweet cherry,
brown sugars, and yeasty goodness. Flavors excel in the style with a dark
raisin note awash in medium dark brown sugars, subtle cherry, subtle
vanilla, and a touch of yeasty bread with cola notes. Very nice mouth feel;
medium body, nice soft medium carbonation, and a lightly sweet and subtly
dry finish.
I like me some dubbel action, this one fit the bill and look forward to trying
more from this most excellent brewery.
Cheers
722 characters
4.4/5 rDev +11.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
750ml corked and caged bottle poured into a can glass.
A: Big chunky, fat, slightly caramel colored head that settles slowly to a brown film. The body is a nice copper brown color with fairly good clarity.
S: Burnt sugars, and cinnamon, raisin comes through nicely, lots of doughy bread malts.
T: Lots of cinnamon, brown sugar, a little clove, and banana. If the raisin is there it's faint almost in the aftertaste.
M: Medium bodied nice balanced carbonation drinks lighter than the ABV suggests.
O: This beer is quite good, maybe it's just been awhile since I've had a dubbel but this is hitting on all cylinders for me.
626 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
750ml corked and caged bottle poured into a can glass.
A: Big chunky, fat, slightly caramel colored head that settles slowly to a brown film. The body is a nice copper brown color with fairly good clarity.
S: Burnt sugars, and cinnamon, raisin comes through nicely, lots of doughy bread malts.
T: Lots of cinnamon, brown sugar, a little clove, and banana. If the raisin is there it's faint almost in the aftertaste.
M: Medium bodied nice balanced carbonation drinks lighter than the ABV suggests.
O: This beer is quite good, maybe it's just been awhile since I've had a dubbel but this is hitting on all cylinders for me.
626 characters
3.65/5 rDev -7.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Hazy reddish color with beige head. Aroma is malty with some caramelized sugar and dried fruits. Taste is sugary, malty and yeasty with some dried dates flavor. Medium body, medium plus carbonation. A really decent dubbel but it's not really a style I enjoy especially.
269 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Hazy reddish color with beige head. Aroma is malty with some caramelized sugar and dried fruits. Taste is sugary, malty and yeasty with some dried dates flavor. Medium body, medium plus carbonation. A really decent dubbel but it's not really a style I enjoy especially.
269 characters
3.5/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
$ 8.05 (Including tax)/750 mL cork and cage bottle ($ 0.317/oz) at Riverside Liquors, Grand Rapids, MI.
Undated bottle on shelf at store, stored at 42 degrees in my reefer, then served at 50 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter.
Aroma – Sweet, caramel and raisins.
Head – Large (Maximum 5.7 cm, aggressive pour), high density, light tan, good retention, slowly diminishing to an irregular five to eight mm ring fed by effervescence, with drag marks, and a complete layer of varying thickness.
Lacing – None, after the legs from the first pour are gone.
Body – Dark chestnut, clear, effervescent.
Flavor – Moderately sweet, the caramel and raisin on the nose somehow miss the taste buds. No hop flavor, no yeastiness, no alcohol (8% ABV), no diacetyl.
Palate – Medium, watery, lively carbonation.
Impression: Dubbels are my favorite style of Belgian beers. This, to me, is a mediocre example of the style, lacking in advertised (and expected) complexity. At least it is non-offensive. The price point is appropriate.
Appearance 3.5, Aroma 3.5, Flavor 3.5, Palate 3.5. Overall 3.5.
1,118 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
$ 8.05 (Including tax)/750 mL cork and cage bottle ($ 0.317/oz) at Riverside Liquors, Grand Rapids, MI.
Undated bottle on shelf at store, stored at 42 degrees in my reefer, then served at 50 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter.
Aroma – Sweet, caramel and raisins.
Head – Large (Maximum 5.7 cm, aggressive pour), high density, light tan, good retention, slowly diminishing to an irregular five to eight mm ring fed by effervescence, with drag marks, and a complete layer of varying thickness.
Lacing – None, after the legs from the first pour are gone.
Body – Dark chestnut, clear, effervescent.
Flavor – Moderately sweet, the caramel and raisin on the nose somehow miss the taste buds. No hop flavor, no yeastiness, no alcohol (8% ABV), no diacetyl.
Palate – Medium, watery, lively carbonation.
Impression: Dubbels are my favorite style of Belgian beers. This, to me, is a mediocre example of the style, lacking in advertised (and expected) complexity. At least it is non-offensive. The price point is appropriate.
Appearance 3.5, Aroma 3.5, Flavor 3.5, Palate 3.5. Overall 3.5.
1,118 characters
4.4/5 rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Previously poured in a 20oz stein glass, chilled from the fridge. Will review based on memory.
Look: Dark brown colour with a 2 - 3 inch head.
Smell: Likely coffee notes. I do not remember much else, as it's been a while.
Taste: Coffee, chocolate notes. Bottle describes it has raisin bread-like flavour (if I remember correctly), but it did not remind me of such. Very delicious flavour, however.
Feel: Likely had been smooth.
Overall: A delicious beer, but is not for the faint of heart, as it boasts an 8% ABV, and will get you tipsy very quickly. It was hard for me to not keep sipping it, but, by far, I got buzzed pretty quickly. I could have mistaken this for one of the very few stouts I've had in my life.
719 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Previously poured in a 20oz stein glass, chilled from the fridge. Will review based on memory.
Look: Dark brown colour with a 2 - 3 inch head.
Smell: Likely coffee notes. I do not remember much else, as it's been a while.
Taste: Coffee, chocolate notes. Bottle describes it has raisin bread-like flavour (if I remember correctly), but it did not remind me of such. Very delicious flavour, however.
Feel: Likely had been smooth.
Overall: A delicious beer, but is not for the faint of heart, as it boasts an 8% ABV, and will get you tipsy very quickly. It was hard for me to not keep sipping it, but, by far, I got buzzed pretty quickly. I could have mistaken this for one of the very few stouts I've had in my life.
719 characters
4.21/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Hazy brown with four finger foam head. The nose is dark fruits and of raisins and dates. Get a little champange grape in the smell when drinking. Fruit lingers on the end of the tongue and get a hint of oranges in the finish. Good amount of bitterness but not overwhelming.
277 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Hazy brown with four finger foam head. The nose is dark fruits and of raisins and dates. Get a little champange grape in the smell when drinking. Fruit lingers on the end of the tongue and get a hint of oranges in the finish. Good amount of bitterness but not overwhelming.
277 characters
3.89/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From 32gp. In La Trappe chalice. Watching Los Soprano 3x12-13. Raisin pretty noticeable in mouth and taste. A bit earthy. Bitterness bigger than usual in the style. Good but its missing some punch to be memorable. More cloudy than desiderable at the end
253 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From 32gp. In La Trappe chalice. Watching Los Soprano 3x12-13. Raisin pretty noticeable in mouth and taste. A bit earthy. Bitterness bigger than usual in the style. Good but its missing some punch to be memorable. More cloudy than desiderable at the end
253 characters
3.86/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Reddish brown and clear with a light tan head that leaves lacing everywhere. The aroma is raisin, brown sugar and floral hops. The taste is subdued but contains a nice malty sweetness and dark fruits with floral hop bitterness. Solid beer.
239 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Reddish brown and clear with a light tan head that leaves lacing everywhere. The aroma is raisin, brown sugar and floral hops. The taste is subdued but contains a nice malty sweetness and dark fruits with floral hop bitterness. Solid beer.
239 characters
4.15/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a murky brown, some walnut hints when held to the light. Small tan head falls to ringed scum.
Aroma is nice dark fruits raisins, figs mixed with toffee, sugary candy malts. Raisin bread malt base. Some light spice and hints of smoke.
Taste is like the nose big malty sweet base loaded with ripe dark fruits. Some spice clove maybe light pepper notes and hints of smoke in the finish. A big chewy malt bomb loaded with flavors. Some light alcohol burn and esters as it warms, that being said the burn is light and blends with the flavors well.
Mouthfeel is only medium even though the brew seems chewy do to the free floating sugars. carbonation has some zest but basically medium most of the time also.
Overall, a very good American attempt at a classic Belgian style. I would purchase this one again very enjoyable.
826 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a murky brown, some walnut hints when held to the light. Small tan head falls to ringed scum.
Aroma is nice dark fruits raisins, figs mixed with toffee, sugary candy malts. Raisin bread malt base. Some light spice and hints of smoke.
Taste is like the nose big malty sweet base loaded with ripe dark fruits. Some spice clove maybe light pepper notes and hints of smoke in the finish. A big chewy malt bomb loaded with flavors. Some light alcohol burn and esters as it warms, that being said the burn is light and blends with the flavors well.
Mouthfeel is only medium even though the brew seems chewy do to the free floating sugars. carbonation has some zest but basically medium most of the time also.
Overall, a very good American attempt at a classic Belgian style. I would purchase this one again very enjoyable.
826 characters
4.29/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 25 OZ corked bottle into a tulip glass. The appearance is a clear reddish brown with a thick off-white head. The aroma is fruit, bread and some alcohol. The taste matches the aroma perfectly. A very good beer.
228 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 25 OZ corked bottle into a tulip glass. The appearance is a clear reddish brown with a thick off-white head. The aroma is fruit, bread and some alcohol. The taste matches the aroma perfectly. A very good beer.
228 characters
4.02/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle was poured into a snifter.
Appearance: A one finger off white head was poured that reduced to a thin layer. It is a crimson color with some vision of bubbles when held up to a light. Spotty lacing down the glass as the beer was drank.
Smell: Spicy yeast, raisins, raisins, raisins, caramel, alcohol, toasted, and doughy.
Taste: Definitely getting that raisin flavor up front. Caramel, toasted, doughy, spicy yeast, and warm boozy alcohol.
Mouthfeel: Smooth, a little dry, some booze alcohol, medium to high carbonation, some sweetness.
Overall: The raisin puree added some complexity to this beer and complimented this style of beer well. I'm looking forward to the rest of the bottle.
717 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle was poured into a snifter.
Appearance: A one finger off white head was poured that reduced to a thin layer. It is a crimson color with some vision of bubbles when held up to a light. Spotty lacing down the glass as the beer was drank.
Smell: Spicy yeast, raisins, raisins, raisins, caramel, alcohol, toasted, and doughy.
Taste: Definitely getting that raisin flavor up front. Caramel, toasted, doughy, spicy yeast, and warm boozy alcohol.
Mouthfeel: Smooth, a little dry, some booze alcohol, medium to high carbonation, some sweetness.
Overall: The raisin puree added some complexity to this beer and complimented this style of beer well. I'm looking forward to the rest of the bottle.
717 characters
4.34/5 rDev +10.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Look: It pours dark amber with red hues and a light brown moderate head.
Smell: It has a sweet malt aroma that is moderate, moderate fruit, raisins, and cherries. There is also a low spicy element, caramel and toast. A touch of floral finishes out the aroma.
Taste: It has a sweet malt flavor or caramel and toast. There are moderate cherry and raisin flavors. This is low spice and floral hints.
Feel: The balance is toward the malt. It has a medium full body with a bit of alcohol warmth in the finish.
Overall it is a malt balance ale with cherries and raisins in a complex array of flavors and aromas.
612 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Look: It pours dark amber with red hues and a light brown moderate head.
Smell: It has a sweet malt aroma that is moderate, moderate fruit, raisins, and cherries. There is also a low spicy element, caramel and toast. A touch of floral finishes out the aroma.
Taste: It has a sweet malt flavor or caramel and toast. There are moderate cherry and raisin flavors. This is low spice and floral hints.
Feel: The balance is toward the malt. It has a medium full body with a bit of alcohol warmth in the finish.
Overall it is a malt balance ale with cherries and raisins in a complex array of flavors and aromas.
612 characters
4.28/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bought this at Binny in Chicago. I think it was $9.99 for a corked and caged 750ml bottle. Pours out to a sparkingly clear medium amber, forming a tall whipped meringue head with beautiful retention and lacing, owing to it's brisk carbonation, 3.5-4.0 carbs or so. The nose opens with brett, that horsy dusty basement smell, no vinegar, and not really picking up on any cloves or bananas as I would expect for a dubble. The mouthfeel is champagne like at first, and is intially very dry and more bitter than expected, but once it warms up to about 55F, really opens up. The finish then becomes balanced by a nice residual sweetness, and the bitterness mellows a bit. Very different beer at 45 vs 55F. The taste is mostly that brett character up front, then is followed by a rummy candy sugar bite with some peppery alcohol notes, a somewhat firm bitterness for the style, then some leather in the finish. Overall. finishes dry for the style.
A very interesting take on the belgian dubbel. Take a decent dubbel, add brett, dry it out, and bump up the bitterness. Enjoyable.
1,083 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bought this at Binny in Chicago. I think it was $9.99 for a corked and caged 750ml bottle. Pours out to a sparkingly clear medium amber, forming a tall whipped meringue head with beautiful retention and lacing, owing to it's brisk carbonation, 3.5-4.0 carbs or so. The nose opens with brett, that horsy dusty basement smell, no vinegar, and not really picking up on any cloves or bananas as I would expect for a dubble. The mouthfeel is champagne like at first, and is intially very dry and more bitter than expected, but once it warms up to about 55F, really opens up. The finish then becomes balanced by a nice residual sweetness, and the bitterness mellows a bit. Very different beer at 45 vs 55F. The taste is mostly that brett character up front, then is followed by a rummy candy sugar bite with some peppery alcohol notes, a somewhat firm bitterness for the style, then some leather in the finish. Overall. finishes dry for the style.
A very interesting take on the belgian dubbel. Take a decent dubbel, add brett, dry it out, and bump up the bitterness. Enjoyable.
1,083 characters
4.13/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Head is thin, soapy, almost khaki. The head does not last very long, but leaves a ring of foam a some light, light lacing. Body is light brown/copper in the light; dingy brown head on.
Aroma has that sweet characteristic of an Extra IPA, like Sierra Nevada. It's a little citrusy and quite aromatic with a tropical fruit character. Hint of raisin, Ike the aroma one might get from opening a box of raisins. A dark malt background.
The bitterness lingers a little bit, much more noticeably than do other examples of this style that I've had this far. When I breath out my nose with the beer in my mouth, I pick up the slightest hint of alcohol. The flavor is, as expected, malty (maybe caramel malts?). I can almost taste a raisin flavor or prune flavor, but I pick that up with many of these beers and would not guess that this beer is brewed with raisins prima facie.
Mouthfeel: just medium, and a fair amount of carbonation, but not all that much.
955 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Head is thin, soapy, almost khaki. The head does not last very long, but leaves a ring of foam a some light, light lacing. Body is light brown/copper in the light; dingy brown head on.
Aroma has that sweet characteristic of an Extra IPA, like Sierra Nevada. It's a little citrusy and quite aromatic with a tropical fruit character. Hint of raisin, Ike the aroma one might get from opening a box of raisins. A dark malt background.
The bitterness lingers a little bit, much more noticeably than do other examples of this style that I've had this far. When I breath out my nose with the beer in my mouth, I pick up the slightest hint of alcohol. The flavor is, as expected, malty (maybe caramel malts?). I can almost taste a raisin flavor or prune flavor, but I pick that up with many of these beers and would not guess that this beer is brewed with raisins prima facie.
Mouthfeel: just medium, and a fair amount of carbonation, but not all that much.
955 characters
4.19/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750 ml bottle poured into a teku glass
A: Pours a dark amber, reddish brown color with a tan head, lots of carbonation, lots of lacing, good amount of head retention, head is full and creamy, looks really nice.
A: Raisin, caramel, toffee, burnt brown sugar, Belgian yeast, alcohol is coming through pretty strong.
T: Touch of raisins, caramel and toffee, Belgian yeast, very malty, touch of spice like cinnamon and clove, for an 8% beer it's pretty hot, has some depth and complexity, smooth, balanced.
M: Medium bodied with a dry finish, lots of carbonation.
O: This is a solid beer, nice touch of dark sweet fruits, some spice, malts, I'm not sure about the bottle date as it's drinking hot for 8% ABV, overall, a great beer.
736 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750 ml bottle poured into a teku glass
A: Pours a dark amber, reddish brown color with a tan head, lots of carbonation, lots of lacing, good amount of head retention, head is full and creamy, looks really nice.
A: Raisin, caramel, toffee, burnt brown sugar, Belgian yeast, alcohol is coming through pretty strong.
T: Touch of raisins, caramel and toffee, Belgian yeast, very malty, touch of spice like cinnamon and clove, for an 8% beer it's pretty hot, has some depth and complexity, smooth, balanced.
M: Medium bodied with a dry finish, lots of carbonation.
O: This is a solid beer, nice touch of dark sweet fruits, some spice, malts, I'm not sure about the bottle date as it's drinking hot for 8% ABV, overall, a great beer.
736 characters
3.04/5 rDev -22.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
Brown lacking clarity pour, I guess that raisin puree won't help that. 1/3" tan head. Aroma was mild roasted nuts, red malts, brown malts, belgian yeast.
Dark fruit was more sweet than bitter thankfully. Alcohol presence higher than it should be. Better like raisins if you're gonna go down this road.
308 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
Brown lacking clarity pour, I guess that raisin puree won't help that. 1/3" tan head. Aroma was mild roasted nuts, red malts, brown malts, belgian yeast.
Dark fruit was more sweet than bitter thankfully. Alcohol presence higher than it should be. Better like raisins if you're gonna go down this road.
308 characters
4.16/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Colossal looking beer. Nice 3 finger oft-tan head which sticks around for awhile. Medium to deep ruby body. Scents of raisins, dark ripen fruit, and molasses on the nose. Explosion of esters including cinnamon, dark cherries, and chocolate. Plums shine through, as well. Easy to drink with a mild touch of hops rounding out the beer. Smooth and not sweet. Nice American version of a dubbel.
397 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Colossal looking beer. Nice 3 finger oft-tan head which sticks around for awhile. Medium to deep ruby body. Scents of raisins, dark ripen fruit, and molasses on the nose. Explosion of esters including cinnamon, dark cherries, and chocolate. Plums shine through, as well. Easy to drink with a mild touch of hops rounding out the beer. Smooth and not sweet. Nice American version of a dubbel.
397 characters
3.89/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Pours dark brown with almost no head. I can't tell if it's supposed to be that way or not.
Smells like raisins and bread.
Tastes like dark fruits and bread/crackers. A little vanilla at the back end. Good taste.
MF- where this beer loses me. Almost no carbonation and a oily texture. Not a fan.
Overall, great taste but the mouthfeel wasn't great. I prefer at least a little carbonation. I think it might have been something specific to the bottle. I might have stored it improperly or something because online pictures show this beer with a decent off white head. I will try again and hope there is more carbonation.
623 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Pours dark brown with almost no head. I can't tell if it's supposed to be that way or not.
Smells like raisins and bread.
Tastes like dark fruits and bread/crackers. A little vanilla at the back end. Good taste.
MF- where this beer loses me. Almost no carbonation and a oily texture. Not a fan.
Overall, great taste but the mouthfeel wasn't great. I prefer at least a little carbonation. I think it might have been something specific to the bottle. I might have stored it improperly or something because online pictures show this beer with a decent off white head. I will try again and hope there is more carbonation.
623 characters
3.84/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a hazy/cloudy garnet and raisin color with a very thick raisin colored creamy layer of head, moderate carbonation.
S - Raisins galore up front with toasted Belgian candy sugar, figs, some alcohol, toasted caramel/toffee sweet malt, some banana.
T - Dark fruit from start to finish - raisins, figs, dates, oak, some and a minor touch of alcohol but overall pretty well hidden, some traces of spice and chocolate are also present. Pleasing and balanced finish of dark fruit, spice, and chocolate.
M - Heavy medium body with a slippery, velvet-like texture and the carbonation dissipates on the tongue to give a creamy sensation.
O - A solid Dubbel, not my favorite, glad to have tried it, pretty authentic!
719 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a hazy/cloudy garnet and raisin color with a very thick raisin colored creamy layer of head, moderate carbonation.
S - Raisins galore up front with toasted Belgian candy sugar, figs, some alcohol, toasted caramel/toffee sweet malt, some banana.
T - Dark fruit from start to finish - raisins, figs, dates, oak, some and a minor touch of alcohol but overall pretty well hidden, some traces of spice and chocolate are also present. Pleasing and balanced finish of dark fruit, spice, and chocolate.
M - Heavy medium body with a slippery, velvet-like texture and the carbonation dissipates on the tongue to give a creamy sensation.
O - A solid Dubbel, not my favorite, glad to have tried it, pretty authentic!
719 characters
4.5/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: Pours dense opaque brown with ruby highlights crowned by a thin cream to tan foam collar that grips the side of the glass.
S: Raisins, fig, fresh bread and hints of fruit cake.
T: Fresh bread, raisins, dark dried fruit, brown sugar, a light root beer note and traces of buble gum.
F: Medium high body but light for the alcohol and the flavor profile, medium high carbonation, very creamy smooth. A little warming on the end.
O: A big flavored yeast driven beer that nails the dubbel style.
496 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: Pours dense opaque brown with ruby highlights crowned by a thin cream to tan foam collar that grips the side of the glass.
S: Raisins, fig, fresh bread and hints of fruit cake.
T: Fresh bread, raisins, dark dried fruit, brown sugar, a light root beer note and traces of buble gum.
F: Medium high body but light for the alcohol and the flavor profile, medium high carbonation, very creamy smooth. A little warming on the end.
O: A big flavored yeast driven beer that nails the dubbel style.
496 characters
Lost & Found from The Lost Abbey
Beer rating:
88 out of
100 with
871 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with ≥ 150 characters.
Explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.
Close