New Glarus Chocolate Abbey

New Glarus Chocolate Abbey

New Glarus Chocolate Abbey
Brewery: New Glarus Brewing Co.
Style: Dubbel
ABV: 7.0%
Availability: Limited; Thumbprint Series
Serving Type: 12 oz. bottle

Label: This decadent Chocolate Abbey Ale is a lovely trifle for your senses. Brewed with a proprietary Belgian yeast and English Maris Otter Malt it is smooth and rich. Inspired by a recent tour of Europe and brewed with chocolate we enjoyed there. Subtle Segal Ranch hops promote the rich dark chocolate flavors of this rather strong Dubbel. Best served at 48 °F. An elegant excuse to linger after dinner.

Beer Review: Chocolate Abbey pours dark brown with a thick, creamy khaki head. The nose consists of cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, along with a Belgian yeast character to it. Medium-bodied. The initial taste very much reflects what was revealed in the nose: chocolate malt, cocoa powder, and that unique Belgian yeast quality.  Midway there’s a roasted bitterness that helps to balance the sweetness and add even more depth. A touch of banana follows and leads into a dry finish that carries some sourness to it.

I’ve been holding on to this since last Fall and finally opened it up on Valentine’s Day. I think this is a great combination of the Belgian Dubbel style with the added bonus of chocolate in the flavor. If you’re a fan of either this is a must try- although it might be a tough find now. I can definitely recommend this as more of a dessert beer or to be enjoyed on its own due the the sweetness that the chocolate imparts.