Trappist Achel 8° Bruin
Brouwerij der St. Benedictusabdij de Achelse

Bottled 11/22/21

Here’s another classic Dubbel that I’ve wanted to try for quite a while. I’ve yet to have any beers from Achelse, so I think this is a good place to start with this classic Trappist brewery. Let’s pop it open and find out what it’s all about

Pours a cloudy light brown with 2 fingers of dense light tan head that slowly fades to a thin cap and leaves decent lacing

Things are a bit strange in the nose here but I dig it, even though it’s seemingly “lighter” than many other Dubbels. I’m picking up on aromas of fig, brown sugar, molasses, orange marmalade, biscuity malt, aged hops, toffee, bread crust, and a touch of lemon

It has that same gentle touch in taste but I’m still enjoying it. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting raisin, brown sugar, biscuity malt, sweet honey, clove, orange marmalade, light toffee, and molasses. The swallow brings notes of brown sugar, black cherry, raisin, cocoa powder, molasses, biscuity malt, bread crust, sweet honey, light orange marmalade, and toffee

A medium body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a rich beer. Finishes off dry with a balanced sweetness

This one is a bit strange for a Dubbel, but still quite good for what it is

Copper colored with a fingernail of beige on top. The aroma is of caramel and lightly toasted nuts. I’m tasting caramel and lightly toasted nuts. The mouth is moderately carbonated.

 

11.2oz bottle into a half pint glass. Bottled 11/22/21, so heading towards 18 months old.

Massive thick foamy off white head, dark brown body. Aroma is a little off, but the taste is full of mostly dried dark fruit with a little fresh thrown in.

Thought I'd buy one for old times sake since they've been delisted. Color is ruddy brown and clear. Nice thin veil of head to bottom. Nose is estery and mild. Taste is solid and reminds me of a Westy and/or St. Bernardus. Highly drinkable.

 

 

Beautiful aromatic Raisins, Figs. Smells and tastes like a fine Belgian Dubbel to me. Improves as it breathes & warms. Nicer than i expected. Perhaps the label misleads the experience. Maybe something more traditional looking will back up its true character? Just a thought. Very good Belgian Dubbel and I’ve sampled quite a few.

Picked up an 11.2 oz bottle from the Blue Door Bottleshop in Hendersonville 10-26-22 for $7.50. Bottle dated 11-22-21; consumed 3-7-23.

Beer poured brown with the perfect head that is long lasting even after 10 minutes.

Nose is yeasty with some notes of dark fruits and baked bread.

Taste is a malt base that comes across as baked bread with the yeast imparting notes of apples, pears, and some figs. Finishes perfectly balanced.

Mouthfeel is an ultra-light body where each sip is near perfect in terms of refreshment and smoothness.

Overall this is an amazing beer! I could get used to having this all the time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Body is a not quite clear medium brown with deep glimmers of copper and ruby, rapidly forming a dense, thick, sand coloured head with excellent retention. Inviting.
Apple juice and caramelized apple upside-down cake, raisins, sweet grain.
Flavours of fruitcake, with loads of dried fruit (raisin, dates, apricot), deep caramel malt, cola, light chocolate notes, a hint of warm spice; the first sip hits very sweet, but the experience grows more balanced, with some hop bitterness and alcohol heat coming through in the finish - although it's still a semi-dry beer; medium body, slightly syrupy, fine carbonation.

A solid example of the style, rich and sweet but not cloying. A warming cool weather choice.

Raisins, plums, chocolate, banana, some citrus.
not too sweet.

Decent beer with complex nose. Solid double taste and good mouthfeel. Some bread taste in this as well as dried fruit. Goes down smooth and very solid.