'T Smisje Dubbel

Connoisseur Tom came over to the house with Jenny and a new beer to try.  Always up for a challenge, we poured the bottle into three very classy opaque solo cups and proceeded with the tasting.

The beer was named ‘T Smisje Dubbel, and was a Belgian beer brewed with honey and dates.  I think Tom and Jenny picked it out because of the crazy old man on the label.  The bottle was 11.2 oz. and touted a strong 9% ABV.  It had also been marked down from $6.20 to $4.20, surely another reason for the purchase.  After we split the beer into three cups, we looked in at a horrifying sight.  All of the cups had a thick tan head with many chunks suspended in them.  This head sat on top of a swampy brown liquid.  The look was not appetizing, but Connoisseurs do not turn their noses up at the new and foreign.  The nose of the beer was sweet, with honey and date notes that were expected from the brewing process.  There was also a weird, sort of off-putting underfunk that snuck in, which we weren’t keen on.  Well, bottoms up.  The flavor was very sweet on the attack, with the dates shining through.  There was also an unexpected hoppy flavor, which we surmise was added as a finishing hop flavor to correct to overpowering other flavors.  We actually liked this surprise.  Despite our doubts, this was a very unique beer.  The floaties were date puree that had made it into the bottle, and that added to the overall experience.  Though weird, the flavor was unique, and would be a nice dessert beer to bring a new face to a dinner party.  We liked this beer, and would love to see what else this company has to offer.

- Connoisseur Jon