Dubbel beer is a beloved style rooted in Belgian brewing tradition, known for its rich maltiness, dark fruit flavors, and complex aroma. While the classic Dubbel offers a timeless drinking experience, brewers around the world continually push boundaries by introducing variations that bring new dimensions without losing the essence of this traditional brew. In this article, we’ll explore the traditional characteristics of Dubbel, the different brewing variations, how these affect flavor and aroma, examples from renowned breweries, adaptations by homebrewers, and current trends shaping the future of Dubbel innovation.
Traditional Dubbel Style Overview
The traditional Dubbel style traces its origins to Trappist breweries in Belgium, particularly Westmalle Abbey in the early 19th century. Typically, a Dubbel is a strong, dark ale that clocks in around 6% to 8% alcohol by volume (ABV). The beer is characterized by its deep amber to brown color and a rich malt backbone that often delivers sweet caramel, toffee, and dark fruit notes such as raisins, plums, and sometimes figs. The yeast plays a vital role, contributing subtle spicy and peppery nuances as well as a slightly dry finish that balances sweetness.
Traditionally, dubbels are brewed with pale malted barley, sugar additions like candi sugar or beet sugar, and a moderate hopping rate, emphasizing malt complexity over bitterness. The carbonation level tends to be medium to medium-high, offering a creamy mouthfeel that complements its robust flavors. This style reflects hundreds of years of monastic brewing heritage and highlights the skillful balance of malt, yeast character, and fermentation techniques.
Common Brewing Variations
While the classic Dubbel formula is revered, craft brewers and homebrewers alike love to experiment with variations that add unique twists or regional influences. Some of the most common variations in Dubbel brewing include:
- Alternative Sugar Sources: Instead of traditional Belgian candi sugar, some brewers use maple syrup, honey, molasses, or even fruit syrups to influence flavor and fermentability.
- Adjunct Malts and Grains: Adding specialty malts such as chocolate malt or crystal malt can deepen color and add roasted or sweet caramel notes. Some brewers incorporate oats or wheat for increased body and head retention.
- Fruit Infusions: Natural or dried fruits like cherries, figs, or raisins are sometimes added during fermentation or conditioning to amplify the fruity character and lend complexity.
- Spice Additions: A touch of spices such as coriander, orange peel, or even cloves can echo traditional Belgian saison influences and heighten the beer’s aromatic profile.
- Yeast Strain Variations: While traditional Dubbel yeast strains have specific traits, experimenting with different Belgian ale yeasts or even blending strains can shift phenol and ester profiles.
- Barrel Aging: Incorporating oak barrel aging, sometimes in bourbon, wine, or whiskey barrels, imparts woody notes and adds depth through slow oxidative processes.
Impact on Flavor and Aroma
Each brewing variation dramatically shapes the taste and smelling experience of a Dubbel. For example, swapping out sugar sources often changes fermentability and sweetness. Maple syrup adds a smoky, woody sweetness, while honey could lend floral subtlety. Fruit additions boost the natural esters typical of the style, sometimes intensifying notes of cherry or plum.
Adjunct malts broaden the malt complexity—chocolate malt may introduce a slight roastiness that balances the sweet fruitiness, while caramel malts reinforce toffee and buttery notes. Spice additions enhance aromatic complexity, introducing fresh, bright layers that complement the yeast-driven phenols.
Variations in yeast strains affect the distinct peppery, clove, and fruity esters that help define traditional dubbels. Some experimental yeast blends produce a more pronounced bubblegum or candied fruit aroma, appealing to drinkers looking for something novel.
Finally, barrel aging adds a whole new dimension, introducing notes of vanilla, oak, and sometimes smokiness or tannins, depending on the barrel type used. This process also mellows the beer and can lend a subtle boozy warmth. As a result, the beer feels more layered and sophisticated, often reserved for special releases or limited editions.
Examples from Famous Breweries
Several notable breweries have put their own spin on the Dubbel style, showcasing the range of possible variations while honoring tradition:
- Westmalle Dubbel: The benchmark for traditional Dubbel, brewed by the Trappist monastery with classic caramel, dark fruit, and mild spiciness—simple yet complex.
- Chimay Première (Red Label): Another Trappist classic that features additional malt richness and soft caramel, with some subtle candi sugar sweetness.
- St. Bernardus Prior 8: Modeled after Westmalle but with a slightly fuller body and increased hop presence, offering a bit more bitterness and pronounced fruitiness.
- Rochefort 6: A darker and maltier variation with more roasted character and intense yeast spice, resulting in a rich, chewy Dubbel experience.
- Ommegang Three Philosophers: This American take on Belgian dubbels blends a Trappist-style dubbel with a Belgian quadrupel, adding more complexity and subtle sourness from mixed fermentation.
- Founders Curmudgeon’s Better Half: An American craft brewery example, using barrel aging and adjunct malts to create a heavier, warming version with bourbon notes.
Homebrew Adaptations
Homebrewers cherish Dubbel recipes as a chance to explore complex malts and yeast interactions along with sugar additions. Common homebrew adaptations might include experimenting with different yeast strains or adding local honey or fruit for unique twists. Some homebrewers also try to replicate traditional candi sugar with homemade syrup or experimenting with semi-carbonated conditioning to mimic authentic mouthfeel.
Barrel aging at home is growing in popularity, with many brewers using small oak chips or spirals soaked in spirits to simulate barrel notes without the long wait and expense of full barrel aging. Homebrewers often enjoy pitching in Belgian yeast blends from specialist suppliers to achieve the characteristic spicy and fruity aroma.
Because Dubbels demand careful temperature control during fermentation—typically cooler ranges to maintain yeast balance—brewers who master that can produce remarkably authentic results at home or add creative variations to suit personal taste.
Trends in Dubbel Innovation
The craft beer renaissance has helped spur creative new trends in Dubbel brewing. Some current directions gaining traction include:
- Mixed Fermentation Dubbels: Combining traditional Belgian dubbels with wild yeast or souring bacteria to create sour or funky hybrid styles that still retain malt backbone.
- Low Alcohol or Session Dubbel: Attempts to scale back ABV to create easier-drinking versions while preserving signature fruity, spicy profiles.
- Global Ingredient Incorporation: Using unique regional ingredients like exotic fruits, spices (e.g. Sichuan pepper, cardamom), or specialty malts sourced outside Europe.
- Non-traditional Barrel Aging: Aging Dubbels in wine, rum, or tequila barrels to add novel layering and surprises in flavor.
- Collaborative Brews: Breweries working together to blend their interpretations of dubbels, encouraging cross-cultural flavor profiles.
These trends reflect a broader commitment in the craft beer world: preserving the soul of classic styles like Dubbel while exploring new expressions that keep drinking experiences fresh and exciting.
Honoring Tradition While Celebrating Creativity
The beauty of Dubbel beer lies in its deep roots and timeless characteristics—malt sweetness, fruity esters, touch of spice, and balanced bitterness. Yet, it also represents an open invitation to brewers to innovate. Whether it’s adjusting fermentation, introducing new sugars, adding spices, or exploring barrel aging, the key is maintaining harmony. Too much deviation risks losing the essence, but thoughtful experimentation can rejuvenate the style and delight modern palates.
For both seasoned brewers and eager homebrewers, the journey of brewing variations of Dubbel is a fascinating exploration—one that respects centuries of brewing craftsmanship while inviting new ideas to flow. As more breweries and enthusiasts embrace this dynamic balance, Dubbel beer will continue to evolve and inspire across generations.
