Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

Michael McGuire's picture

Judge's Review: 87 Rating - Dubbel or Nothing by Social Fox Brewing

January, 2023

Dubbel or Nothing

Dubbel or Nothing

Georgia
United States
Dubbel or Nothing, Social Fox Brewing
Description 

"Dubbel or Nothing" is an adage to living life in a big, bold, and expressive way. It is never too late to "shoot your shot", follow your dreams, or try something new. The BeeryGodmother believes that every beer has a story, and beer education is key to telling those stories, broadening exposure to new beer styles, and helping every consumer to find their "perfect fit".

Brewed with Maple syrup, Date Honey, and Homemade Amber Candi Sugar. Similar to a Belgian-Style Tripel, but lower in gravity and amber in color. Malty flavor of caramel, chocolate, and toast, with hints of banana and clove from the yeast. Additionally, the Date Honey and Maple Syrup add flavors of molasses and maple.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%
Served at: 
45º - 50º F

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating: 
87
Aroma: 
21 / 24
Appearance: 
5 / 6
Flavor: 
36 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
17 / 20

Dubbel or Nothing by Social Fox Brewing is a Belgian Dubbel brewed with maple syrup, date honey, and amber candi sugar and was judged as an Alternative Sugar Beer (BJCP sub-style 31B).

It poured dark brown into the glass beneath a moderate dissipating white head. Its aroma led off with rich caramel malt and muted dark fruit (especially prune) esters, and after warming, finished with lighter maple and honey notes. The flavor profile was identical to that of the aroma – a pleasant balance of malt and sweetness. The mouthfeel was characterized by a medium body, medium dryness, only modest carbonation for style , very slight alcohol warmth, no astringency or other off-flavors, all of which were to style. There were no distinctive hops present in either the aroma or flavor, but bittering hops evidently balanced the variety of sugars from the multiple malts and “alternative sugar” additives to avoid a cloyingly sweet palate in the finish.

The net result is a balanced novel American take on the traditional Trappist Dubbel style (see BJCP sub-style 26B), but one that lacks the depth and complexity of a true Dubbel. This beer would be enjoyable all by itself or in support of various meal courses. Drinkers who prefer stronger honey and maple flavors in their beers might have preferred, at the risk of upsetting the balance of the finished product, the brewer had used a somewhat heavier hand when adding those ingredients.

Advertisement