Brune
Brasserie de l'Abbaye du Val-Dieu
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Brasserie de l'Abbaye du Val-Dieu
- Belgium
- Style:
- Dubbel
Ranked #19 - ABV:
- 8%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #9,932 - Avg:
- 4.02 | pDev: 9.7%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 25, 2022
- Added:
- Jan 20, 2002
- Wants:
- 32
- Gots:
- 25
SCORE
90
Outstanding
90
Outstanding
Notes:
None
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.2 by bf7 from Pennsylvania on Mar 25, 2022
3.92/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Sigmund from Norway
330 ml bottle, from Voldby Købmandsgård, Denmark. ABV is 8%. Brown colour, large off-white head. Strong sweetish malty aroma, notes of caramel and brown kandij sugar, hints of dark fruits and chocolate. The flavour is also malty with notes of caramel - sweet, but not too much. Also notes of brown kandij sugar, and a very moderate spiciness in the finish. Very moderate hops. Smooth and pleasant to drink.
Jan 27, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Sigmund from Norway
330 ml bottle, from Voldby Købmandsgård, Denmark. ABV is 8%. Brown colour, large off-white head. Strong sweetish malty aroma, notes of caramel and brown kandij sugar, hints of dark fruits and chocolate. The flavour is also malty with notes of caramel - sweet, but not too much. Also notes of brown kandij sugar, and a very moderate spiciness in the finish. Very moderate hops. Smooth and pleasant to drink.
Jan 27, 2022
4.5 by Surf_rock from Ukraine on May 10, 2021
4.48 by EugenZ on May 02, 2021
3.57 by DvdP from Netherlands on Nov 11, 2020
3.23/5 rDev -19.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
by JonnoWillsteed from England
L- Pretty dark chestnut amber, quite cloudy with much sediment left in the bottle. Pours with 1.5Cm pillowy pale tan head (ps/10mins later = holding very well)
S- Seems pretty mild to me, just some light roasted grains.
T- It's quite pungent - rich, dark+roasty, a hint of sweet, then an ABV% zing brushes my palate.
F- It's quite pungent with typically deep flavours for a Brune, but also typical is that it's richness just strays a bit too far (for my liking) into outright sweetness. Carbonation in the mouth is very good.
O- Something I'm fast learning with my latest order of 100-odd different beers from Belgium is that their Brunes don't really suit me too well. Some are good, but I've had too many now that I'm surprised/disappointed by their leaning towards outright sweetness. And to be clear I mean sugary sweet and not rich/deep/malty/pungent etc.
I'd suggest you have to be cool with sweet facets to enjoy this one.
Lable redesigned, now very simple and really elegant. 330ml bottle BB: 09/07/2021. Bought from BelgiumInABox in Antwerp/BE for home delivery to me in London/UK.
May 14, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
by JonnoWillsteed from England
L- Pretty dark chestnut amber, quite cloudy with much sediment left in the bottle. Pours with 1.5Cm pillowy pale tan head (ps/10mins later = holding very well)
S- Seems pretty mild to me, just some light roasted grains.
T- It's quite pungent - rich, dark+roasty, a hint of sweet, then an ABV% zing brushes my palate.
F- It's quite pungent with typically deep flavours for a Brune, but also typical is that it's richness just strays a bit too far (for my liking) into outright sweetness. Carbonation in the mouth is very good.
O- Something I'm fast learning with my latest order of 100-odd different beers from Belgium is that their Brunes don't really suit me too well. Some are good, but I've had too many now that I'm surprised/disappointed by their leaning towards outright sweetness. And to be clear I mean sugary sweet and not rich/deep/malty/pungent etc.
I'd suggest you have to be cool with sweet facets to enjoy this one.
Lable redesigned, now very simple and really elegant. 330ml bottle BB: 09/07/2021. Bought from BelgiumInABox in Antwerp/BE for home delivery to me in London/UK.
May 14, 2020
4.51 by Catalinmunteanu from Romania on Oct 26, 2019
4 by paulish from New York on Jul 25, 2019
4.66 by Anacross from Oregon on Jul 05, 2019
4/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by jkblr from Indiana
11.2oz bottle bb 4/12/13 poured into a chalice at fridge temp 8% ABV. The beer pours super chunky (it was purchased last week at room temperature and I didn't check the date). The color is medium brown and the head is a very light brown. The head recedes to a thin ring and island. The aroma is fairly strong for the style with big brown sugar and dark fruits. The taste is fairly oxidized burnt sugar with a strong alcohol presence for 8%. The dry finish offers just less than medium bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with just above average carbonation. Overall, too old and degraded to score. The beer shows promise if I see it fresher and would have to age well under the right conditions. Scored to the current average, but will actively seeking out again for an update.
Jun 16, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by jkblr from Indiana
11.2oz bottle bb 4/12/13 poured into a chalice at fridge temp 8% ABV. The beer pours super chunky (it was purchased last week at room temperature and I didn't check the date). The color is medium brown and the head is a very light brown. The head recedes to a thin ring and island. The aroma is fairly strong for the style with big brown sugar and dark fruits. The taste is fairly oxidized burnt sugar with a strong alcohol presence for 8%. The dry finish offers just less than medium bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with just above average carbonation. Overall, too old and degraded to score. The beer shows promise if I see it fresher and would have to age well under the right conditions. Scored to the current average, but will actively seeking out again for an update.
Jun 16, 2019
4.08/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by OlaB from Norway
Pours a murky dark-brown color with a big top of white head that dissolves slowly and leaves some sticky lacings.
Aroma is dark malts, bread, caramel, tofee, chocolate, plums, raisins, brown sugar and spices.
The taste starts of sweet with notes of dark and dried fruits and brown sugar, with strong malty tones of bread and caramel in the back. Then finish has a slight bitterness and some good spicy notes. The aftertaste has a good lenght. Mouthfeel is soft and creamy, but maybe slightly weak. Medium carbonation with a medium body.
A very good example of a dubbel.
Mar 16, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by OlaB from Norway
Pours a murky dark-brown color with a big top of white head that dissolves slowly and leaves some sticky lacings.
Aroma is dark malts, bread, caramel, tofee, chocolate, plums, raisins, brown sugar and spices.
The taste starts of sweet with notes of dark and dried fruits and brown sugar, with strong malty tones of bread and caramel in the back. Then finish has a slight bitterness and some good spicy notes. The aftertaste has a good lenght. Mouthfeel is soft and creamy, but maybe slightly weak. Medium carbonation with a medium body.
A very good example of a dubbel.
Mar 16, 2019
4.1/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Tripel_Threat from Michigan
Poured from bottle to 10 oz serving glass. Dark brown colored liquid with a finger of foam. Nice aromas of dark fruits and powdered cocoa. Flavor is much more complex than the aroma. The dark fruit is there, and prominent, so lots of fig and plummy notes but there's also something tart like cherries. Under that is a caramel/cocoa flavor tying it all together. Got this one as a "mystery bottle" at a brewery and was quite pleased.
Feb 26, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Tripel_Threat from Michigan
Poured from bottle to 10 oz serving glass. Dark brown colored liquid with a finger of foam. Nice aromas of dark fruits and powdered cocoa. Flavor is much more complex than the aroma. The dark fruit is there, and prominent, so lots of fig and plummy notes but there's also something tart like cherries. Under that is a caramel/cocoa flavor tying it all together. Got this one as a "mystery bottle" at a brewery and was quite pleased.
Feb 26, 2018
4.03 by dukeufo from California on Feb 10, 2018
3.75 by sdm9465 from Canada (NS) on Jan 11, 2018
4.25 by freewill35 from Indiana on Sep 21, 2017
4/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Cramshawbar from Canada (ON)
In the Maredsous school of Belgian beer, this is a nice go to Belgian that is not outstanding but will more than suffice.
Claims mocha (not really there) and a tad sweet, this will still leave you satisfied, but just know that there is even better out there.
Sep 02, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Cramshawbar from Canada (ON)
In the Maredsous school of Belgian beer, this is a nice go to Belgian that is not outstanding but will more than suffice.
Claims mocha (not really there) and a tad sweet, this will still leave you satisfied, but just know that there is even better out there.
Sep 02, 2017
3.75 by DreamDeath from Canada (NB) on Aug 23, 2017
4.09/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Squire from Mississippi
Intense dark brown color with orange gold highlights. Light tan cap and lacing.
Strong aroma of dark ripe figs and molasses accented with ripe dark cherries.
Wow, pretty complex and sophisticated flavors here. On entry the flavors present all together yet there is a high solo voice of Dry Oloroso Sherry richness that hints at but doesn't achieve sweetness. It's as if someone swirled caramel and honey in a bowl, poured it out then filled the bowl with the ripe fruits mention above. Finish brings dark barley notes of chocolate and unsweetened cocoa. I know, those two sound alike but they're not the same.
Full texture with balancing carbonation.
Another roasty, toasty hearty brown that does credit to Belgian brewing tradition.
Aug 17, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Squire from Mississippi
Intense dark brown color with orange gold highlights. Light tan cap and lacing.
Strong aroma of dark ripe figs and molasses accented with ripe dark cherries.
Wow, pretty complex and sophisticated flavors here. On entry the flavors present all together yet there is a high solo voice of Dry Oloroso Sherry richness that hints at but doesn't achieve sweetness. It's as if someone swirled caramel and honey in a bowl, poured it out then filled the bowl with the ripe fruits mention above. Finish brings dark barley notes of chocolate and unsweetened cocoa. I know, those two sound alike but they're not the same.
Full texture with balancing carbonation.
Another roasty, toasty hearty brown that does credit to Belgian brewing tradition.
Aug 17, 2017
3 by Dutchcraftbeergeek from Netherlands on Jul 19, 2017
3.55/5 rDev -11.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by Ciocanelu from Romania
Clear brown color with beige head. Aroma has mostly yeast esters with brown sugar and some sourdough. Taste starts sugary and yeasty, continues with some earthy notes and a light cardboard bitterness on the finish. Light body with a high carbonation, also quite dry on the finish. It tastes really authentic and "belgian" but it doesn't stand out with anything.
Jul 10, 2017
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by Ciocanelu from Romania
Clear brown color with beige head. Aroma has mostly yeast esters with brown sugar and some sourdough. Taste starts sugary and yeasty, continues with some earthy notes and a light cardboard bitterness on the finish. Light body with a high carbonation, also quite dry on the finish. It tastes really authentic and "belgian" but it doesn't stand out with anything.
Jul 10, 2017
4.03 by mishi_d from Romania on Jul 05, 2017
3.65 by unclekeith from Alaska on Jun 18, 2017
3.72 by BlackVeg from Germany on Jun 05, 2017
4.28/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by DanfromVan from Canada (BC)
Nice definite toffee and bready notes...not quite as sweet as St Bernardus, with a just a tinge more metallic aftertaste than St B's
Would enjoy again, but would let it flatten out a bit more in the glass and get rid of some of the effervescence .
May 14, 2017
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by DanfromVan from Canada (BC)
Nice definite toffee and bready notes...not quite as sweet as St Bernardus, with a just a tinge more metallic aftertaste than St B's
Would enjoy again, but would let it flatten out a bit more in the glass and get rid of some of the effervescence .
May 14, 2017
4.08 by dcmchew from Romania on Apr 12, 2017
4.29 by BelgianBeerChef from Romania on Apr 11, 2017
4 by valkyre65 from Texas on Feb 16, 2017
4.5 by LennyBound from Illinois on Nov 22, 2016
4.13/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by REDAMI from Ohio
Poured from 750ml bottle into Chimay goblet.
L-Medium brown pour with a quarter inch of tan foam.
S-Copper metallic smell, yeast, brown bread, sweet malts, musty wood.
T-Brown bread, yeast, toasted grain, tart raisin.
F-Heavy carbonation, creamy mouth feel, not overly sweet.
A solid brown ale, refreshing and light for an 8% beer. Quite easy to imagine monks drinking this.
Nov 12, 2016
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by REDAMI from Ohio
Poured from 750ml bottle into Chimay goblet.
L-Medium brown pour with a quarter inch of tan foam.
S-Copper metallic smell, yeast, brown bread, sweet malts, musty wood.
T-Brown bread, yeast, toasted grain, tart raisin.
F-Heavy carbonation, creamy mouth feel, not overly sweet.
A solid brown ale, refreshing and light for an 8% beer. Quite easy to imagine monks drinking this.
Nov 12, 2016
3.84 by Silke_Neryn from Sweden on Aug 09, 2016
4.18 by manfromanotherplace from New York on Jul 30, 2016
4.21 by minterro from California on Jul 01, 2016
4 by Gkruszewski from New York on Jun 15, 2016
3.93 by RBuckley73 from Nevada on May 20, 2016
3.94/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Zet from Netherlands
Dark brown amber colour (almost black actually) with a decent head of foam that stays very well. Smell of toffee and some roasted malt. The taste has toffee and roasted malt as well, together with licquorice, caramel and dark chocolate. There is also a strong (pilsener?) hop profile in the finish. I didn't note any fruit esters: this is more of a malt-hop-dubbel. It reminds me of some German doppelbocks actually. No complaints here though: a good dubbel, especially for those who like their beers a bit less sweet.
May 01, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Zet from Netherlands
Dark brown amber colour (almost black actually) with a decent head of foam that stays very well. Smell of toffee and some roasted malt. The taste has toffee and roasted malt as well, together with licquorice, caramel and dark chocolate. There is also a strong (pilsener?) hop profile in the finish. I didn't note any fruit esters: this is more of a malt-hop-dubbel. It reminds me of some German doppelbocks actually. No complaints here though: a good dubbel, especially for those who like their beers a bit less sweet.
May 01, 2016
4.4 by Shockey from Ohio on May 01, 2016
4 by Beginner2 from Illinois on Apr 26, 2016
4.19 by Allegue04 from Spain on Apr 04, 2016
4.34/5 rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by kitschiguy from Hong Kong
I was given a few samples of beer from this brewery marketed in Spain as Maset. This one is Maset Rubia.
330ml bottle into 350ml beer glass.
Pours a hazy, medium brown with a small head. Lots of lacing.
Nose is big with malts, brown sugar, toffee. Nice.
Palate is big and malty with brown sugar, toffee, caramel and biscuit. Well balanced. Very nice.
Mouth feel is good - medium bodied and quite silky smooth.
Overall a very enjoyable beer. Big, malty and quite sweet.
Highly recommended.
Mar 24, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by kitschiguy from Hong Kong
I was given a few samples of beer from this brewery marketed in Spain as Maset. This one is Maset Rubia.
330ml bottle into 350ml beer glass.
Pours a hazy, medium brown with a small head. Lots of lacing.
Nose is big with malts, brown sugar, toffee. Nice.
Palate is big and malty with brown sugar, toffee, caramel and biscuit. Well balanced. Very nice.
Mouth feel is good - medium bodied and quite silky smooth.
Overall a very enjoyable beer. Big, malty and quite sweet.
Highly recommended.
Mar 24, 2016
3.88/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by Vixie from Florida
Reddish brown in color with a large creamy tan head. Looks a bit like root beer at first, but red hinst show through when held up to the light
Has a nice smell, seems malty with brown sugar, toffee, and caramel.
A but sweet up front, more like a fruity sweetness, mainly cherry. Has a touch of toffee as well, and with the sugar and carbonation, reminds me a lot of drinking a cola drink, but with alcohol warming at the finish.
Feel is a bit watery, and with the carbonation, feels like I am drinking a cola.
How much you like this one depends on your tolerance for sweetness. I didn't find it overly sweet, but those sensitive to sweets may find it a bit much. I think the best comparison would be it is like drinking an alcoholic cherry Coke. Good, and I liked it, but may not be to all tastes.
Mar 20, 2016
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by Vixie from Florida
Reddish brown in color with a large creamy tan head. Looks a bit like root beer at first, but red hinst show through when held up to the light
Has a nice smell, seems malty with brown sugar, toffee, and caramel.
A but sweet up front, more like a fruity sweetness, mainly cherry. Has a touch of toffee as well, and with the sugar and carbonation, reminds me a lot of drinking a cola drink, but with alcohol warming at the finish.
Feel is a bit watery, and with the carbonation, feels like I am drinking a cola.
How much you like this one depends on your tolerance for sweetness. I didn't find it overly sweet, but those sensitive to sweets may find it a bit much. I think the best comparison would be it is like drinking an alcoholic cherry Coke. Good, and I liked it, but may not be to all tastes.
Mar 20, 2016
Brune from Brasserie de l'Abbaye du Val-Dieu
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
299 ratings