Abbey Belgian Style Ale - New Belgium Brewing

    Abbey Belgian Style Ale is brewed by New Belgium Brewing which is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This ale falls into a category of Belgian style ales called Dubbels. Quite commonly throughout history monks living in abbeys throughout Europe have brewed beer to sell as a means of income to support their religious activities. Abbey Belgian Style Ale seeks to imitate the popular style of Belgian ales crafted by these monks.

    This Belgian ale pours a dark caramel color with a small bubbly head.

    The ale smells strongly of Belgian yeast, which can be likened to the aroma of bananas. A sweet smell follows the powerful yeast smell as well as notes of clove and other spices.

A beer best enjoyed in introspective silence.

    New Belgium's take on an abbey style ale is medium bodied, with a medium-high level of carbonation that seemingly increases the body of the ale. Overall the ale makes for a pretty smooth drinking experience.

    Abbey Belgian Style Ale features a strong flavor of Belgian yeast. This yeast has an almost fruity quality to it; again, likened most to the flavor and scent of bananas. There is little to no bitterness to the ale. Sweet, bready malts are the main flavor on display with slight hints of spices.

    I make no claims of verity, but I bet monks throw one heck of a party. I mean, think about it, a bunch of guys studying hard nearly 24/7, brewing beer in the back of their house, rooting for their team over the evil team; we're just a few steps away from this abbey being a fraternity house! I bet Friday comes around and Brother Joseph (or Broseph) cracks open a cask of the abbey style ale and the party starts. Next thing you know, Brother James is wearing his rosary beads on his head and Brother Carlos is bobbing for apples in the holy water.

    Semi-offensive monk jokes aside, New Belgium's Abbey Belgian Style Ale is quite a good representation of the style. I personally am finding that I do not enjoy Belgian style beers as much as some, though I definitely can see their appeal to fans of sweeter ales.

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