Island Devil
Kelleys Island Brewery Restaurant & Bar

 

I recently went to Kelleys for the first time, and I loved the island, but didn't love this beer. At the time of my visit, they had 2 Belgian style beers. This one was described to me as a "dubbel," and the other was described as "tasting like [Great Lakes] Dortmunder Gold." Needless to say I went with the dubbel. Upon reflection, my assumption is the bartendress was misinformed and was thinking their Kelleys Gold (which I have to imagine does taste like GLBC Dortmunder) was Belgian in style.

And it was pretty unimpressive. Its appearance was OK - a muddy, hazy red-brown color with very little head, served in a pint glass that was filled to the glasses rim (with just a millimeter of foam on top). Aroma was OK - some plums and cherries that are characteristic of dubbels, but also a significant amount of graininess. That graininess was evident in the texture and flavor of the beer as well, which was fruity, flat, and contained quite a few off-notes. This beer made me not want to try another beer from this establishment, but was not a drain-pour.

I can't say I'd recommend this beer. The place was relaxing enough, and my wife informs me that they make a really solid breakfast.

A friend brought this to me from a trip to the island. 22 oz. bomber. Beer pours a slightly hazy amber color. Thick foamy off-white head, decent retention. Spicy and herbal notes. Caramel like malt flavor, sweet fruits, apricots and candy sugar. Fair amount of spices involved also. Medium body, moderate amount of carbonation. Overall, a decent beer. Nice flavors going on here, with a touch of the spicy flavors you would expect in a Belgian-style.