Bornem Dubbel
The Bornem Dubbel was one of my first purchase of a Belgian. It poured a really thick, tannish head that has great retention. The lacing is pronounced. My first sniff gave me a presence of fruit and coffee. The roasted malt base threatened to overpower all other flavors but there was a slight fruitiness and a hit of toffee or caramel. The roasted malt is present in the initial taste of the beer with a wonderful sweetness that is not cloying. There seems to be hints of dates and figs with a pleasant hint of the hops in the finish. The beer has a very thick feel in the mouth, and is almost creamy. The only qualm I had was that it is a little sweet and heavy so one in a session was enough.