Westmalle Dubbel 750ML

Westmalle Dubbel 750ML is a 7% ABV Belgian Trappist dubbel ale brewed within the walls of Westmalle Abbey in Malle, Belgium. Scored 99 points on RateBeer and earning a near-perfect composite from Beer Connoisseur (97/100), this dark, reddish-brown ale has remained one of the most respected examples of the dubbel style since the recipe was first established in 1926.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7%  |  Origin: Malle, Antwerp Province, Belgium  |  Style: Trappist Dubbel  |  Brewery: Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle

Production & Heritage

Westmalle Abbey has been brewing beer since the mid-19th century, but the Dubbel as it exists today traces its lineage to 1926, when the monks doubled the raw ingredients of their original lighter Trappist ale to create a stronger, more complex beer. That 1926 recipe remains the foundation for every bottle produced today. Brewed with Pilsener, Caramel, and Dark malts alongside Tettnang, Styrian Golding, and Saaz hops — plus candi sugar and the abbey's proprietary yeast strain — Westmalle Dubbel undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, a hallmark of authentic Trappist brewing that contributes to its layered carbonation and evolving flavor profile. As one of only a handful of beers carrying the Authentic Trappist Product designation, every batch is brewed under the supervision of the monastic community, with proceeds directed toward the abbey and charitable work.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Belgian spicy yeast leads, followed by white pepper, a whisper of burnt sugar, and a subtle rum-like warmth. Dark malt underpins the nose without overwhelming the delicate fruity esters.

Taste: The entry is deeply malty with pronounced caramel sweetness that transitions into ripe banana and tropical fruit esters at mid-palate. A balanced bitterness emerges from the noble hop blend, keeping the sweetness in check as herbal, slightly spicy notes develop toward the peak.

Finish: Gentle and dry with impressive length, the aftertaste lingers with residual malt warmth and faint tropical fruit. The mouthfeel is soft and full-bodied, with fine carbonation from the bottle conditioning adding texture without heaviness.

How to Drink Westmalle Dubbel

Pour into a chalice or goblet at 12–14°C (54–57°F) to allow the complex aromatics to open fully; leave the last centimeter in the bottle if you prefer clarity, or swirl and pour for added yeast character. A Trappist Mule — substituting the dubbel for ginger beer alongside vodka and lime — plays off the ale's spice beautifully. A Belgian Shandy with fresh-squeezed lemon juice highlights the tropical fruit esters in warm weather. And a Dubbel Old Fashioned, reducing the beer into a syrup and pairing it with bourbon, bitters, and an orange twist, transforms the caramel-malt backbone into a deeply layered cocktail.

Best For

• Introducing a craft beer drinker to authentic Trappist brewing traditions
• Pairing with a slow-cooked Belgian beef stew or carbonnade flamande
• Building a Trappist tasting flight alongside Westmalle Tripel and other abbey ales
• Gifting a beer enthusiast a world-class, monastery-brewed dubbel

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Westmalle Dubbel taste like? Westmalle Dubbel delivers rich caramel malt sweetness balanced by ripe banana esters, Belgian yeast spice, and a fresh bitter finish. The mouthfeel is soft and full-bodied with a long, dry aftertaste.

How does Westmalle Dubbel compare to Rochefort 8? Both are highly regarded Belgian Trappist dark ales that score closely in comparative tastings, but Rochefort 8 is notably stronger at 9.2% ABV with darker fruit and fig-forward flavors. Westmalle Dubbel is lighter in body and alcohol, leaning more toward caramel, banana, and herbal bitterness for a drier overall impression.

Is Westmalle Dubbel good for sipping neat? Absolutely — poured into a chalice at cellar temperature, it reveals layers of complexity that reward slow, attentive drinking. Its 7% ABV is sessionable enough to enjoy without fatigue while still delivering substantial depth.

Where is Westmalle Dubbel made? Westmalle Dubbel is brewed at the Abdij der Trappisten van Westmalle, a Cistercian monastery located in Malle, within Belgium's Antwerp Province. It carries the official Authentic Trappist Product label, certifying it is brewed within abbey walls under monastic oversight.

What foods pair well with Westmalle Dubbel? Carbonnade flamande (Belgian beef stew braised in beer) mirrors the ale's malt depth. Aged Gouda or Chimay cheese echoes its caramel sweetness. Roasted duck with cherry glaze complements the fruit esters. Dark chocolate truffles match the burnt sugar and malt notes. Braised pork belly with apple compote balances the ale's dry finish with gentle acidity.

What sizes does Westmalle Dubbel come in? Westmalle Dubbel is available in the 750ML bottle as well as the standard 330ML bottle commonly found in Belgian beer markets.

Is Westmalle Dubbel worth the price? Westmalle Dubbel positions as a premium Trappist ale, and its 99-point RateBeer score and near-century-old recipe place it among the definitive examples of the dubbel style. For a genuine monastery-brewed beer with this level of critical acclaim, it represents strong value within the Trappist category.

Why Westmalle Dubbel?

The 1926 recipe that created this beer essentially defined the modern dubbel style — most Belgian abbey breweries that followed used Westmalle's approach as their template. That historical weight is matched by ongoing quality: a 99-point RateBeer score and a 97/100 composite from Beer Connoisseur confirm this is not simply a legacy product coasting on reputation. The combination of Pilsener, Caramel, and Dark malts with three noble hop varieties and candi sugar, followed by in-bottle secondary fermentation, produces a beer of uncommon balance — rich enough to reward contemplation, dry enough to invite another sip. Among the small number of beers worldwide that carry the Authentic Trappist Product seal, Westmalle Dubbel remains one of the most accessible and consistently excellent.