Jovial
Tröegs Brewing Company

The dark mahogany colored beer pours out into a Duvel glass with a 1/2" finely bubbled light tan head that recedes very slowly. Sipping creates some arches and patches of lacing on the sides of the glass, both large and small. Even mid-way through the beer there is a small layer of foam over the entire beer and there are patches and legs of lacing on the sides of the glass.

The aromas are a complex mix of dark stone fruit including raisin, fig and prune against a light molasses background.

The flavors are much as expected from the nose with the raisin, fig and prune now mingling with some molasses sweetness, as well as with some chocolate and some spiciness in the background. The sweetness is noticeable but not cloying.

The mouthfeel is medium bodied and quite smooth with the light, finely bubbled and persistent carbonation. The finish begins as most of the sweetness fades, leaving the complex mix of dark stone fruits, as well as the hints of chocolate and spiciness to close out the show in a nice semi-dry ending in the back of the palate. There’s really no hop bitterness to speak of here.

On the whole this is a drinkable beer which I'll probably be having again as an occasional change of pace. It’s a reasonably done Belgian-style Dubbel but one that doesn’t threaten to replace any of my highest rated ones, but does touch some of the right bases and is readily available.

 

 

In my opinion this is a very good quality dubbel but not really worthy of the pretentious packaging. Is there a tangible benefit to the caged cork other than mimicking a true Belgian? Troegs reputation combined with the special packaging creates expectations that this beer doesn’t quite live up to. I wonder if it would score better with just an ordinary bottle cap?

 

Very fresh, unpretentious. Uncharacteristic higher carbonation, YMMV

 

 

Chestnut color; huge, beige head. The aroma of caramel, raisins, plums. Rich, fruity taste. Moderate sweetness, a hint of roasted bitterness. Well done dubbel.

 

375 ml caged and corked bottle poured into a chalice.

Pouring clear and chestnut brown with a two finger tan head. The foam is fairly persistent but too slick to leave much lace. The strong nose opens with port-like and dried fruit aromas. A less robust milky candi sugar aroma takes over after the head settles. Starting mildly sweet, the dark fruit and dark sugar flavors dry quickly for a tangy finish. I’m getting just a hint of woody bitterness. Belgian yeast phenols add character to both the nose and flavor. Medium-weight and smooth it feels more frothy than creamy and is moderately carbonated, just enough for a weak crisp bite. Sweet and rich, but subtle with enough balancing dryness to drink easily.

L- Pours dark nut brown into a stemmed glass heavy head and lacing
S- Yeasty with neutral hops aromas and biscuity malt aromas
T- Medium bitter with mild noble hop flavors some toffee and fruit flavors
F- High carbonation and medium- light body
O- Not a great dubble. I was dissapointed by the bottle and beer presentation.

8/25/23, at the brewery again.

Poured from the bottle, beautiful deep copper in color. Light tan head and foam dissipated quickly with minimal lacing.

Aromas came through as described by the brewer: fig, caramel, toffee, and cedar wood. Definitely spicy.

High carbonation hits the mouth immediately. Flavors of caramel, toasted malts, and sweet bread. Also, surprisingly, a flavor of canned mandarin oranges came through.

 

Jovial pours a dark, murky brown with a smallish, long-lasting head. The aroma is dark, earthy spices and prunes. The flavor isn't as sweet for the style; lots of stone fruits, especially prunes, and dark earthy spices. Good body and feel. Overall, a darker dubbel with lots of fruit flavors.

 

Pours a clear dark brown with a minimal tan head. Not nutty, more chocolate, malt, smooth taste and feel. Ver well balanced. Hops smooth out the malt sweetness. Drinkable all day, everyday.

So good, it goes down right from the bottle. Sometimes the cork likes to fight you when removing it. One of my favorites. Impressive when lined up in a row with the corks and crowns x aligned.