Back Alley Abbey
Sketchbook Brewing Company
- From:
- Sketchbook Brewing Company
- Illinois, United States
- Style:
- Belgian Dubbel
Ranked #45 - ABV:
- 7.6%
- Score:
- 88
Ranked #20,168 - Avg:
- 3.94 | pDev: 5.08%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 2
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 02, 2025
- Added:
- Apr 23, 2015
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 2
SCORE
88
Very Good
88
Very Good
This Belgian style dubbel, inspired by the likes of Westmalle and other classic Belgian versions, is a strong ale with a complex rich malty character and aromas. Rather than the usual continental hops and Belgian dark candi syrup, this beer is brewed with Piloncillo sugar.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois
3.78/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.78/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
I had this on draft 2/27/25 @ Sketchbook Evanston.
Mostly see-through purple/brown appearance.
Small off-white head; no lacing remained.
Plum & allspice notes in the nose.
Smooth medium mouthfeel.
Mild plum flavor with a sharp allspice finish. A solid, if unremarkable Dubbel.
Mar 13, 2025Mostly see-through purple/brown appearance.
Small off-white head; no lacing remained.
Plum & allspice notes in the nose.
Smooth medium mouthfeel.
Mild plum flavor with a sharp allspice finish. A solid, if unremarkable Dubbel.
Reviewed by Beginner2 from Illinois
3.54/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
3.54/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Bought from Beermiscuous. Poured into my elegant Westmalle goblet, Back Alley was no match to compare to one of the world's greatest dubbels. To get near that league, Sketchbook has to get a really good yeast going.
While Back Alley has a nice amber color, it really lacks an active foam. Smells also need more life as Back Alley does not offer a dark fruit melange to my nose. This carries into the Tastes which also lack character. While I'm having trouble getting used to the substitution of piloncillo for brewers sugar, the weak yeast is really the source of this uneventful dubbel. While there are enough bubbles to cleanse the palate for the next bite of food, what clears my palate for the next sip of blandness?
Sketchbook is 7 years old and I should have paid more attention to them. But they were not afraid to open a second taproom during the pandemic. And for that and originating in the town that HQ'd The Women's Christian Temperance Union, I give them pretty good OA Hugs.
Dec 21, 2021While Back Alley has a nice amber color, it really lacks an active foam. Smells also need more life as Back Alley does not offer a dark fruit melange to my nose. This carries into the Tastes which also lack character. While I'm having trouble getting used to the substitution of piloncillo for brewers sugar, the weak yeast is really the source of this uneventful dubbel. While there are enough bubbles to cleanse the palate for the next bite of food, what clears my palate for the next sip of blandness?
Sketchbook is 7 years old and I should have paid more attention to them. But they were not afraid to open a second taproom during the pandemic. And for that and originating in the town that HQ'd The Women's Christian Temperance Union, I give them pretty good OA Hugs.
Rated by Hopheadjeffery from Illinois
4.03/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.03/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Tasted in a snifter from draft at Sketchbook Brewing Company on July 14, 2021.
Sep 23, 2021
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! Check out: How to Review a Beer. You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!