Our Score: 83/100
Anderson Valley Brewing Company Brother David’s Double Abbey-Style Ale Review
Initial Thoughts
Upon the first sip of Anderson Valley Brewing Company Brother David’s Double Abbey-Style Ale, it is clear this beverage is one you have to take your time with to fully appreciate. Boasting a score of 83 out of 100, this beer isn’t one to guzzle down hastily in a casual drinking setting, but rather slowly savor and ponder over its diverse layers of taste.
Aroma – 9/10
Off the bat, this beer has a complex aroma that seasoned beer enthusiasts will revel in. Scoring a 9 out of 10 on its aromatic appeal, this ale offers a rich bouquet with a pleasantly startling range. Classic Belgian ester profile is immediately evocative of warm, toasted bread, followed by the sweet, fruity notes of banana, apple, plum, and raisin. Fleeting traces of pepper spiral through the background – it’s an aromatic tale that weaves its own narrative before you’ve even taken the first sip.
Appearance – 3/10
The Double Abbey-Style Ale displays a dark brown body, not too different from many other beers of the same type. This unfortunately isn’t a standout visually, but don’t let that dictate your perception of this gem. It holds its own remarkable secrets within.
Flavor – 17/20
This is a flavorful beer that captures your attention from the very first sip. It boasts a toasty malt sweetness that infuses every mouthful with that comforting old-world pub feel. But it’s not all about the malt in this beer. The presence of bittering and flavor hops add a balance to the sweetness, making it complex and interesting. The flavors, from banana to the richness of cherries, raisins, prunes, and dark fruits,are amplified by a reasonable default of spicy phenols. Subtle hints of alcohol add warmth, contributing to a long, smooth, and off-dry finish.
Mouthfeel – 4/5
The mouthfeel of this beer is another area where it shines. It slides smoothly over your palate, boasting a robust texture that leaves a delightful, residual spiciness.
Overall Impressions
As a whole, the Brother David’s Double Abbey-Style Ale is an intriguing brew. The malt and ester balance are thoughtfully composed, though they feel a little disjointed from the hops. There is certainly a lot to dissect in this beer, both in terms of flavor and aroma. However, the complexity doesn’t overwhelm, and the longer you drink, the more flavors and notes that reveal themselves, like an orchestra slowly reaching its crescendo.
Despite the lackluster appearance, this beer harbors a depth and complexity that commands the utmost attention and respect. So, take your time when sipping the Brother David’s Double Abbey-Style Ale, and you’ll be sure to uncover its many delightful secrets
Ectar and a hint of clove. Not to over jQueryText that, but wow.
This beer definitely has a lot going on in terms of aroma and it’s clear that the reviewer thoroughly enjoyed it. As they mentioned, it’s not a beer you want to gulp down, but rather take your time with and appreciate the various flavors and scents. Overall, the high score of 83 out of 100 is a testament to the quality of this Abbey-style ale and a must-try for any beer connoisseur.
Ectar scents of plump cherries.
This beer is not only a delight to drink, but it also smells absolutely delicious. The combination of warm, toasty notes with sweet, fruity undertones sets the tone for a delicious tasting experience that you won’t want to miss. With an impressive score of 9/10 for aroma, this beer is definitely worth trying. It will take you on a flavor journey that you won’t soon forget.