St. Bernardus Pater 6 | Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
Brewed by:
Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
Belgium | website
Style: Dubbel
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.70%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by BeerAdvocate on 12-17-2002
Reviews: 697 | Ratings: 1,532
4.26/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Best before 1/07/16
Served in a St. Bernardus chalice, it pours a deep, murky, very dark brown, giving a hint of an orange hue. It forms a two-finger light brown head, creamy and foamy, with good retention.
A thin layer of foam remains all throughout, giving this beer a very nice decoration.
The lacing in this beer is incredible.
The bouquet is quite interesting, sweet.
Caramel, brown sugar, toffee and vanilla are predominant. The malty backbone is also noticed, slightly toasted. Cinnamon and fruity esters come through as well, as in figs and dates.
Some swirling reveals just a note of cream and butterscotch.
Upfront, a very expressive carbonation, spot on the style, which lingers throughout the flavor, fading slightly.
It starts with a very assertive flavor of dark fruits as in dates and figs with hoppy bitterness, achieving an excellent balance. After that flavor starts to fade, more flavors appear. Notes of overripe apple, toffee, brown sugar, strong spices as in clove and pepper, a phenolic medicine-like note.
The aftertaste is long and preserves the full complexity of the beer, as well as its bittersweet balance.
Medium to full body, very, very smooth.
Excellent beer.
★ 1,202 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Best before 1/07/16
Served in a St. Bernardus chalice, it pours a deep, murky, very dark brown, giving a hint of an orange hue. It forms a two-finger light brown head, creamy and foamy, with good retention.
A thin layer of foam remains all throughout, giving this beer a very nice decoration.
The lacing in this beer is incredible.
The bouquet is quite interesting, sweet.
Caramel, brown sugar, toffee and vanilla are predominant. The malty backbone is also noticed, slightly toasted. Cinnamon and fruity esters come through as well, as in figs and dates.
Some swirling reveals just a note of cream and butterscotch.
Upfront, a very expressive carbonation, spot on the style, which lingers throughout the flavor, fading slightly.
It starts with a very assertive flavor of dark fruits as in dates and figs with hoppy bitterness, achieving an excellent balance. After that flavor starts to fade, more flavors appear. Notes of overripe apple, toffee, brown sugar, strong spices as in clove and pepper, a phenolic medicine-like note.
The aftertaste is long and preserves the full complexity of the beer, as well as its bittersweet balance.
Medium to full body, very, very smooth.
Excellent beer.
★ 1,202 characters
4.05/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dark in appearance. Mostly smells of spice with some fruit. Tastes fruity and spicy. Smooth and easily drinkable. Overall a good beer but I probably wouldn't buy it again at the price i paid for one bottle.
★ 206 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dark in appearance. Mostly smells of spice with some fruit. Tastes fruity and spicy. Smooth and easily drinkable. Overall a good beer but I probably wouldn't buy it again at the price i paid for one bottle.
★ 206 characters
3.04/5 rDev -25.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
From the back of the label: "A 29 08 16"
Appearance: The body is a dark shade of orange and brown that appears very murky at first glance but when held to the light some close shapes are clearly visible through the glass. Lots of visible carbonation supports a very short but intact eggshell white head.
Aroma: A bready yeast aroma comes to my nose up front. It reminds me very much of how proofing dough smells. This is before I have even had a chance to pour the contents of the bottom of the undisturbed bottle into the glass. I also get a bit of alcohol on the nose. It is an odd combination of aromas. Every now and then I will get a date-like scent.
Taste: It has a very strong caramel flavor which really dominates the beer. There is a bit of a toasted character and some very light characters of both raisins and fig but I restate that these are very light flavors. All of these additional flavors seem to hang off of the caramel flavor in support of it rather than standing out on their own. I might taste caramel and then some toast, followed by caramel and some fig.
Mouthfeel: The beer feels very thin and the high carbonation seems to amplify that quite a bit. This is not the fault of the carbonation which, in its own right, is spot on. Unfortunately the overall mouthfeel just feels a bit too thin.
Overall: It is a beer that seems to have no real character or presence. I would not say that it is a bad beer because it does have some nice, albeit muted, flavors. If you are looking for a Belgian Dubbel that has a lot of character and flavor then look elsewhere. If you find yourself overwhelmed with the flavors of other Dubbels and want something more subtle then this might be for you.
★ 1,710 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
From the back of the label: "A 29 08 16"
Appearance: The body is a dark shade of orange and brown that appears very murky at first glance but when held to the light some close shapes are clearly visible through the glass. Lots of visible carbonation supports a very short but intact eggshell white head.
Aroma: A bready yeast aroma comes to my nose up front. It reminds me very much of how proofing dough smells. This is before I have even had a chance to pour the contents of the bottom of the undisturbed bottle into the glass. I also get a bit of alcohol on the nose. It is an odd combination of aromas. Every now and then I will get a date-like scent.
Taste: It has a very strong caramel flavor which really dominates the beer. There is a bit of a toasted character and some very light characters of both raisins and fig but I restate that these are very light flavors. All of these additional flavors seem to hang off of the caramel flavor in support of it rather than standing out on their own. I might taste caramel and then some toast, followed by caramel and some fig.
Mouthfeel: The beer feels very thin and the high carbonation seems to amplify that quite a bit. This is not the fault of the carbonation which, in its own right, is spot on. Unfortunately the overall mouthfeel just feels a bit too thin.
Overall: It is a beer that seems to have no real character or presence. I would not say that it is a bad beer because it does have some nice, albeit muted, flavors. If you are looking for a Belgian Dubbel that has a lot of character and flavor then look elsewhere. If you find yourself overwhelmed with the flavors of other Dubbels and want something more subtle then this might be for you.
★ 1,710 characters
4.03/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L: Dark red with a massive foam head.
S: A little bit too sour.
T: Dark fruites, caramel.
F: Well balnced with great aftertaste.
O: Besides not great smell very good dubbel.
★ 174 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L: Dark red with a massive foam head.
S: A little bit too sour.
T: Dark fruites, caramel.
F: Well balnced with great aftertaste.
O: Besides not great smell very good dubbel.
★ 174 characters
4.39/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours dark reddish brown, hazy with tons of yeast floaties in it. Thick frothy 3 finger head that dissipates down to a one finger head that sticks throughout the drink.
Smell is brown sugar, caramel, figs, dates, prunes, spice, against a subtle backdrop of belgian yeast and pepper.
Taste is prune, grapes, dates, and fig followed by a slight sweet flavor like brown sugar. Slightly yeasty and spiced on the finish with a subtle hop bitterness.
Feel is pretty carbonated initially with a slight tingle on the tongue. Very smooth, almost velvety, very drinkable.
Overall a really fine dubbel - wonderful flavor profile, beautiful looking beer. Definitely a must try.
★ 672 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours dark reddish brown, hazy with tons of yeast floaties in it. Thick frothy 3 finger head that dissipates down to a one finger head that sticks throughout the drink.
Smell is brown sugar, caramel, figs, dates, prunes, spice, against a subtle backdrop of belgian yeast and pepper.
Taste is prune, grapes, dates, and fig followed by a slight sweet flavor like brown sugar. Slightly yeasty and spiced on the finish with a subtle hop bitterness.
Feel is pretty carbonated initially with a slight tingle on the tongue. Very smooth, almost velvety, very drinkable.
Overall a really fine dubbel - wonderful flavor profile, beautiful looking beer. Definitely a must try.
★ 672 characters
3/5 rDev -26.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
From elcervecero. In La Trappe chalice. Playing South Park The Stick of Truth. Fruity, like melon. Not a profile I like much but it isnt difficult to drink either.
★ 163 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
From elcervecero. In La Trappe chalice. Playing South Park The Stick of Truth. Fruity, like melon. Not a profile I like much but it isnt difficult to drink either.
★ 163 characters
4.3/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Served cool from 330ml bottle into tulip glass.
L) Dark brown, opaque, 1cm slightly off-white bubbly head.
S) Subtle (may have cooled it too much) but there is light Belgian yeast, dark malt and hints of coconut.
T) Just a downright smooth slightly sweet malty niceness. Hard to describe, but it just tastes of quality brewing. Weak bitterness, as per the style.
F) Very drinkable and quite fizzy. No aftertastes. Slight warmth in the belly from the alcohol.
O) Loving the Belgians right now and St Bernadus beers are always superb quality, this one included.
★ 569 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Served cool from 330ml bottle into tulip glass.
L) Dark brown, opaque, 1cm slightly off-white bubbly head.
S) Subtle (may have cooled it too much) but there is light Belgian yeast, dark malt and hints of coconut.
T) Just a downright smooth slightly sweet malty niceness. Hard to describe, but it just tastes of quality brewing. Weak bitterness, as per the style.
F) Very drinkable and quite fizzy. No aftertastes. Slight warmth in the belly from the alcohol.
O) Loving the Belgians right now and St Bernadus beers are always superb quality, this one included.
★ 569 characters
3.9/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From bottle, pours a murky brown colour with a good tan head that disapates to a small layer. Aroma dark fruits, raisin, spice. Taste dark fruits, raisin, prune, sweet, candy. Not bad.
★ 184 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From bottle, pours a murky brown colour with a good tan head that disapates to a small layer. Aroma dark fruits, raisin, spice. Taste dark fruits, raisin, prune, sweet, candy. Not bad.
★ 184 characters
3.96/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Very good looking beer. Dark amber haze with a big frothy head that slowly collapses but maintains a decent layer of foam on top of the surface. Smell of dark fruits and white wine. The taste is very dry for a dubbel, with strong hop presence and flavours of caramel and malt. Not as fruity as the smell. Very balanced, but it doesn't have the complexity of other Bernardus beers. Mouth feel is smooth, but a bit watery for a dubbel.
★ 433 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Very good looking beer. Dark amber haze with a big frothy head that slowly collapses but maintains a decent layer of foam on top of the surface. Smell of dark fruits and white wine. The taste is very dry for a dubbel, with strong hop presence and flavours of caramel and malt. Not as fruity as the smell. Very balanced, but it doesn't have the complexity of other Bernardus beers. Mouth feel is smooth, but a bit watery for a dubbel.
★ 433 characters
4.07/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Carefully poured into a lithe goblet. Foamy beige head leves snowy lace and cackles with fizz. Lovely dark amber color.
Nose is slightly sour with nuts, faint banana
Tastes: nut, dark fruits, bread, lemongrass
Mouth is very alive. This one’s carbed.
This is an elegant piece of work. Good mix of flavors. For fans of brown ale, Eisbock, Belgian darks, and doppelbocks. Or just fans of great beer.
★ 403 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Carefully poured into a lithe goblet. Foamy beige head leves snowy lace and cackles with fizz. Lovely dark amber color.
Nose is slightly sour with nuts, faint banana
Tastes: nut, dark fruits, bread, lemongrass
Mouth is very alive. This one’s carbed.
This is an elegant piece of work. Good mix of flavors. For fans of brown ale, Eisbock, Belgian darks, and doppelbocks. Or just fans of great beer.
★ 403 characters
4.85/5 rDev +18.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Look: Poured into a Propolis tulip. Two finger white-brown head, caramel brown opaque body.
Smell: Vinous fruits, dark fruits, spices, notes of honey, apple, and dust.
Taste: Same as above, but less fruity and more spicy.
Feel: Medium body, huge carbonation, dry.
★ 267 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Look: Poured into a Propolis tulip. Two finger white-brown head, caramel brown opaque body.
Smell: Vinous fruits, dark fruits, spices, notes of honey, apple, and dust.
Taste: Same as above, but less fruity and more spicy.
Feel: Medium body, huge carbonation, dry.
★ 267 characters
4.15/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into the St. Bernardus chalice glass it came with.
Murky brownish with an off white bubbly head.
Smells of belgian yeast, malt, raisin.
Oh man, i wasnt expecting it to taste as good as it does.
I dont have a good enough palate to break it down but its not overpowering, pleasant and easy to drink. The alcohol doesnt kick you in the face since its only a dubbel.
Great belgian beer!
★ 392 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into the St. Bernardus chalice glass it came with.
Murky brownish with an off white bubbly head.
Smells of belgian yeast, malt, raisin.
Oh man, i wasnt expecting it to taste as good as it does.
I dont have a good enough palate to break it down but its not overpowering, pleasant and easy to drink. The alcohol doesnt kick you in the face since its only a dubbel.
Great belgian beer!
★ 392 characters
4.74/5 rDev +15.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Got as a gift at the end of our tour of the St. Bernardus brewery in Belgium in May 2014. Date on bottle is "13 02 17", I guess that means best by Feb 13, 2017. Poured from the 330ml bottle into a wine glass.
Look: Lots of bubbly off-white head. Attractive copper color with no cloudiness. Lots of bubbles. Leaves gorgeous lacing down the sides.
Smell: Tons of Belgian yeast and maltiness. Smells very inviting.
Taste: Like a liquid version of a hearty slice of German bread. Hint of candy sweetness. Just enough hops and bitterness to keep it in balance. Superb.
Feel: Highly carbonated, maybe even a little too much.
Overall: Excellent dubbel. I can't put it down.
★ 671 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Got as a gift at the end of our tour of the St. Bernardus brewery in Belgium in May 2014. Date on bottle is "13 02 17", I guess that means best by Feb 13, 2017. Poured from the 330ml bottle into a wine glass.
Look: Lots of bubbly off-white head. Attractive copper color with no cloudiness. Lots of bubbles. Leaves gorgeous lacing down the sides.
Smell: Tons of Belgian yeast and maltiness. Smells very inviting.
Taste: Like a liquid version of a hearty slice of German bread. Hint of candy sweetness. Just enough hops and bitterness to keep it in balance. Superb.
Feel: Highly carbonated, maybe even a little too much.
Overall: Excellent dubbel. I can't put it down.
★ 671 characters
4.02/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
[not a proper review]
had with some very good Swiss brie (which was reminiscent of Camembert in ways): the sweetness of the beer worked really well with the strong brie taste. Second half of the beer was drunk without cheese -- I missed the combination. Will definitely try it again without food -- and review it proper like ;-)
★ 328 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
[not a proper review]
had with some very good Swiss brie (which was reminiscent of Camembert in ways): the sweetness of the beer worked really well with the strong brie taste. Second half of the beer was drunk without cheese -- I missed the combination. Will definitely try it again without food -- and review it proper like ;-)
★ 328 characters
4.81/5 rDev +17.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
L: Poured into a Chimay chalice. Body is milk chocolate brown with a thin tan head.
S: Full of tart dark fruits, almost vinous in nature. There is also Belgian yeast and sweet toasted malts.
T: Much like the smell, but it's noticeably dry and has a slight alcoholic bite.
F: Very carbonated, smooth, and warming.
★ 315 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
L: Poured into a Chimay chalice. Body is milk chocolate brown with a thin tan head.
S: Full of tart dark fruits, almost vinous in nature. There is also Belgian yeast and sweet toasted malts.
T: Much like the smell, but it's noticeably dry and has a slight alcoholic bite.
F: Very carbonated, smooth, and warming.
★ 315 characters
4.04/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from a bottle into a St. Bernardus chalice. A dark brown color with a thin but lingering head and good lacing. Very pleasant slightly boozy smell. This beer is definitely sensitive to temperature. The best taste came as the beer warmed. Very nice beer.
★ 259 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from a bottle into a St. Bernardus chalice. A dark brown color with a thin but lingering head and good lacing. Very pleasant slightly boozy smell. This beer is definitely sensitive to temperature. The best taste came as the beer warmed. Very nice beer.
★ 259 characters
4.16/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a clear dark amber into the glass with a vibrant head. Lively carbonation upon opening. Lacing as the beer is enjoyed. Fruity scent with a bit of grain. Taste is similar, with a bit of sweetness. Enjoyable! Warning: watch out for the layer of yeast on the bottom!
★ 277 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a clear dark amber into the glass with a vibrant head. Lively carbonation upon opening. Lacing as the beer is enjoyed. Fruity scent with a bit of grain. Taste is similar, with a bit of sweetness. Enjoyable! Warning: watch out for the layer of yeast on the bottom!
★ 277 characters
4.55/5 rDev +11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
A: Hazy oak in color, off white head that laces it's way down the glass
S fruity esters mix perfectly with deep raw grainy notes and subtle hints of minerality,
T-Flavor everywhere, berry accents first noted are immediately followed by raisins and apricot finally finishing with grass and wheaty malts. Sweetness is noticeable but not overwhelming. Absolutely incredible.
M-fizzy and refreshing with a medium body, alcohol is completely hidden. Not something to toss back. This beer should be enjoyed slowly to see how the flavors transform.
O-Might be one of my favorite beers. The way such dynamic flavors can come from such simple ingredients is astounding. Certainly a world-class brew that is worth every penny. Will be adding this to my list of must-tries.
★ 769 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
A: Hazy oak in color, off white head that laces it's way down the glass
S fruity esters mix perfectly with deep raw grainy notes and subtle hints of minerality,
T-Flavor everywhere, berry accents first noted are immediately followed by raisins and apricot finally finishing with grass and wheaty malts. Sweetness is noticeable but not overwhelming. Absolutely incredible.
M-fizzy and refreshing with a medium body, alcohol is completely hidden. Not something to toss back. This beer should be enjoyed slowly to see how the flavors transform.
O-Might be one of my favorite beers. The way such dynamic flavors can come from such simple ingredients is astounding. Certainly a world-class brew that is worth every penny. Will be adding this to my list of must-tries.
★ 769 characters
3.89/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
The beer pours a nice white head that dissipates quickly. The beer itself is a nice dark brown color. However, this one seems to be a bit lighter than the 8. Still nice looking though.
The beer smell is definitely less maltier than the 8 and bit more hoppy. The beer notes have a tropical hop note with melon and a slight banana. The sweeter malts notes and the Belgian sugar are still present but not as strong. However, this is still a good drink.
The beer taste is a bit weaker than the smell. The taste has a strong hop presence that comes off as melon but the banana seems to have disappeared. The sweet malt notes and Belgian sugar are still strong despite not being as present.
The feel is a bit different compared with their other offerings. The carbonation is fairly light and refreshing but the body is very smooth and fairly drinkable. It may not have much texture but it isn't watery and goes down fairly easily.
Overall, a decent beer and certainly a more accessible Abbey Ale than most. The flavor isn't too intense and might actually be drinkable on hot day. Pretty good.
★ 1,091 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
The beer pours a nice white head that dissipates quickly. The beer itself is a nice dark brown color. However, this one seems to be a bit lighter than the 8. Still nice looking though.
The beer smell is definitely less maltier than the 8 and bit more hoppy. The beer notes have a tropical hop note with melon and a slight banana. The sweeter malts notes and the Belgian sugar are still present but not as strong. However, this is still a good drink.
The beer taste is a bit weaker than the smell. The taste has a strong hop presence that comes off as melon but the banana seems to have disappeared. The sweet malt notes and Belgian sugar are still strong despite not being as present.
The feel is a bit different compared with their other offerings. The carbonation is fairly light and refreshing but the body is very smooth and fairly drinkable. It may not have much texture but it isn't watery and goes down fairly easily.
Overall, a decent beer and certainly a more accessible Abbey Ale than most. The flavor isn't too intense and might actually be drinkable on hot day. Pretty good.
★ 1,091 characters
4.39/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
13.10.2015
St. Bernardus Pater 6
Dubbel - 6.7% - 330ml Bottle - Bottling date unknown - Best Before 16.12.2016
Appearance: Quite light in colour for a dubbel / dark for an enkel – very light brown, translucent. Lively carbonation upon opening. Very large bubbles stuck to bottom of glass that shoot up to the surface individually and very quickly. Noisy carbonation. Head dissipates very quickly leaving practically nothing.
Aroma: Belgian yeast, bready/toast/dough, port wine, alcohol.
Taste: As aroma - brown bread. Treacle, but not that strong... more like a golden syrup. Hops just about apparent in the finish.
Mouthfeel: Low in body for a Belgian; due to the abv. being just 6.7%.
Overall: Last time I tried this, I tried the Prior 8 straight after and remember thinking at the time that this was the better of the two. I have a since had another proir 8 (see review) and I can honestly say that I now think the opposite. This is a lovely beer and while I am thoroughly enjoying it, it's just not flavoursome as some of its fellow countrymen - Achel bruin, Chimay Red, Rochefort 8 etc. The low abv (for a Belgian) makes it an ideal weeknight tipple though. 7.5 / 10
★ 1,180 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
13.10.2015
St. Bernardus Pater 6
Dubbel - 6.7% - 330ml Bottle - Bottling date unknown - Best Before 16.12.2016
Appearance: Quite light in colour for a dubbel / dark for an enkel – very light brown, translucent. Lively carbonation upon opening. Very large bubbles stuck to bottom of glass that shoot up to the surface individually and very quickly. Noisy carbonation. Head dissipates very quickly leaving practically nothing.
Aroma: Belgian yeast, bready/toast/dough, port wine, alcohol.
Taste: As aroma - brown bread. Treacle, but not that strong... more like a golden syrup. Hops just about apparent in the finish.
Mouthfeel: Low in body for a Belgian; due to the abv. being just 6.7%.
Overall: Last time I tried this, I tried the Prior 8 straight after and remember thinking at the time that this was the better of the two. I have a since had another proir 8 (see review) and I can honestly say that I now think the opposite. This is a lovely beer and while I am thoroughly enjoying it, it's just not flavoursome as some of its fellow countrymen - Achel bruin, Chimay Red, Rochefort 8 etc. The low abv (for a Belgian) makes it an ideal weeknight tipple though. 7.5 / 10
★ 1,180 characters
4.5/5 rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Aroma: esters, fruit, lighter malt, honey, no hops.
Appearance: Pours hazy light brown under a 2” finely bubbled light tan foam collar that perches up over the rim of the glass. Leaves thick lace.
Flavor: Fruit, honey, light malts, no hops, slight chocolate – not strong, dry finish. Low bitterness, no spices,
Mouthfeel: medium full body, medium high carbonation, alcohol is deceptive.
Overall Impression: Excellent beer.
★ 431 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Aroma: esters, fruit, lighter malt, honey, no hops.
Appearance: Pours hazy light brown under a 2” finely bubbled light tan foam collar that perches up over the rim of the glass. Leaves thick lace.
Flavor: Fruit, honey, light malts, no hops, slight chocolate – not strong, dry finish. Low bitterness, no spices,
Mouthfeel: medium full body, medium high carbonation, alcohol is deceptive.
Overall Impression: Excellent beer.
★ 431 characters
4.04/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Serving Type: 330 mL
A- Opaque Brown with a large off-white head that sticks around a good while before working down to a thick skim. Light lacing on the glass.
S- Dried apricot, plum, toffee, bready malt, and a bit of alcohol are present in the noses.
T- Toffee, toasty malt, dried apricot, raisin, plum, and a little spice.
M- Medium body with light-moderate carbonation. Quite drinkable when compared to other Dubbels I've had.
O- Not my favourite offering from St. Bernardus but it is a great beer. Beautiful malty flavour that is complemented well by an abundance of dried fruit.
★ 593 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Serving Type: 330 mL
A- Opaque Brown with a large off-white head that sticks around a good while before working down to a thick skim. Light lacing on the glass.
S- Dried apricot, plum, toffee, bready malt, and a bit of alcohol are present in the noses.
T- Toffee, toasty malt, dried apricot, raisin, plum, and a little spice.
M- Medium body with light-moderate carbonation. Quite drinkable when compared to other Dubbels I've had.
O- Not my favourite offering from St. Bernardus but it is a great beer. Beautiful malty flavour that is complemented well by an abundance of dried fruit.
★ 593 characters
4.8/5 rDev +17.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
12 oz bottle, poured into a goblet
Appearance: Pours a beautiful, completely opaque, mahogany color, speckled with a few reddish highlights and a finger of white-colored head that slowly dissolved away into a thick lacing of foam that completely covered the top of the beer.
Aroma: Very aromatic with earthy, rich, complex and inviting notes of bready, toasted malt, imparting aromas of freshly baked French baguettes, candied sugar and a touch of dried stone fruit, such as apricots, currents, raisins and prunes. There is also quite a bit of funky, Belgian yeast, imparting notes of wet blanket, saddle leather, and roasted chestnuts.
Taste: Very nice, and almost exactly like the aroma! There is lots of toasted bready, malt up front, followed by candied sugar and toffee-like sweetness. There is also hints of dried stone fruit, such as apricots, currents, raisins and prunes. The Belgian yeast adds quite a bit of spices, such as cumin, coriander, white pepper, as well as a touch of funky sourness. Delicious!
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and nicely effervescent, as there is quite a bit of carbonation to tickle the taste buds. With an ABV of 6.7%, there is no alcohol on the palate. Hell, for a Belgian beer, it’s a session beer!
Overall: This is an excellent, delicious beer! Earthy, complex, rich, inviting and incredibly enjoyable. This is the second beer I’ve had from St. Bernardus, and so far I’m really impressed with this brewery. So highly recommended!
★ 1,491 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
12 oz bottle, poured into a goblet
Appearance: Pours a beautiful, completely opaque, mahogany color, speckled with a few reddish highlights and a finger of white-colored head that slowly dissolved away into a thick lacing of foam that completely covered the top of the beer.
Aroma: Very aromatic with earthy, rich, complex and inviting notes of bready, toasted malt, imparting aromas of freshly baked French baguettes, candied sugar and a touch of dried stone fruit, such as apricots, currents, raisins and prunes. There is also quite a bit of funky, Belgian yeast, imparting notes of wet blanket, saddle leather, and roasted chestnuts.
Taste: Very nice, and almost exactly like the aroma! There is lots of toasted bready, malt up front, followed by candied sugar and toffee-like sweetness. There is also hints of dried stone fruit, such as apricots, currents, raisins and prunes. The Belgian yeast adds quite a bit of spices, such as cumin, coriander, white pepper, as well as a touch of funky sourness. Delicious!
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and nicely effervescent, as there is quite a bit of carbonation to tickle the taste buds. With an ABV of 6.7%, there is no alcohol on the palate. Hell, for a Belgian beer, it’s a session beer!
Overall: This is an excellent, delicious beer! Earthy, complex, rich, inviting and incredibly enjoyable. This is the second beer I’ve had from St. Bernardus, and so far I’m really impressed with this brewery. So highly recommended!
★ 1,491 characters
3.51/5 rDev -14.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
When compared to other great dubbels, this one came out short for me. The smell was very faint and the taste is not as fruity or spicy as others in the category.
★ 161 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
When compared to other great dubbels, this one came out short for me. The smell was very faint and the taste is not as fruity or spicy as others in the category.
★ 161 characters
St. Bernardus Pater 6 from Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
4.09
out of 5
based on 1,532 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a tulip.
L: Pours a clear dark mahogany color.. hints of crimson on the edges as I hold it up to the light. Two fingers of foamy tannish head fall quickly. Sticky lacing.
S: Candied sugars and ripe fruits.. vanilla bean.
T/F: Malts and toasted sugars... not as strong a sugar presence as you'd think from the nose. Dark fruits... cherries and raisins... finishes with some hop bitterness. Creamy and carbonated... better as it warms.
O: A solid dubbel from St. Bernardus, but it doesn't really hold a candle to their 'bigger' dubbel the Prior 8. It's a very good beer but suffers in comparison.
★ 639 characters