About This Beer
Westmalle Dubbel 75cl 7% is a traditional Belgian Trappist beer from the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Westmalle, near Antwerp. Presented in a larger sharing bottle, this celebrated dark ale combines rich malt flavours, fruity fermentation character and a balanced finish.
Westmalle Dubbel is one of the defining examples of the Belgian Dubbel style.
Its deep reddish-brown appearance, caramel malt character and complex fermentation aromas have helped establish the characteristics associated with traditional Belgian dark ales.
The modern recipe dates back to 1926, when the monks at Westmalle Abbey developed a stronger interpretation of their original dark beer.
This development became an important milestone in Belgian brewing history.
Today, Westmalle Dubbel remains an influential example of authentic Trappist brewing, appreciated for its balance of richness, complexity and drinkability.
The 75cl bottle provides an excellent way to enjoy this historic beer as a shared experience.
Whether served at a dinner party, opened for a special occasion or presented as a gift, the larger format allows several people to appreciate its distinctive flavour.
At 7% ABV, Westmalle Dubbel offers a substantial drinking experience without reaching the higher strength associated with Belgian quadrupels and stronger dark ales.
The beer pours a deep reddish-brown colour, with an attractive cream-coloured head.
Its appearance immediately distinguishes it from the golden colour of Westmalle Tripel.
The aroma combines caramel, toasted malt and fruity fermentation notes.
Impressions of dark fruit and gentle spice add complexity, creating an inviting introduction to the beer.
On the palate, Westmalle Dubbel offers a rounded combination of malt sweetness, caramel and subtle roasted flavours.
Its dark fruit character provides additional depth, while gentle bitterness helps balance the richer malt profile.
The finish is relatively dry, preventing the beer from becoming excessively sweet.
This balance is particularly important for a dark Belgian ale, allowing the flavour to remain rich without feeling heavy.
Westmalle Dubbel undergoes top fermentation followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle.
This traditional bottle-conditioning process contributes natural carbonation and allows the beer's character to develop after packaging.
The lively carbonation provides a refreshing contrast to the beer's fuller malt profile.
For customers considering the 75cl bottle, its appeal extends beyond the larger serving size.
It is particularly suited to sharing alongside a meal, where its rich flavour can complement several dishes.
The beer works especially well with slow-cooked meats, roasted vegetables, mature cheeses and savoury sauces.
Its presentation also makes it an attractive option for Belgian beer gifting.
Rather than choosing a conventional mixed selection, a single larger bottle of an authentic Trappist beer offers a distinctive and thoughtful alternative.
Westmalle Dubbel's historical importance adds another dimension to its appeal.
For someone interested in traditional Belgian brewing, the beer represents an opportunity to enjoy one of the styles that helped shape modern Belgian beer.
Explore our Belgian & Trappist Beer collection for more authentic Belgian ales.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep reddish-brown with a generous cream-coloured head and lively carbonation.
Aroma: Caramel, toasted malt, dark fruit and gentle spice, with complex fermentation-derived characteristics.
Taste: Rich malt sweetness, caramel, toasted bread and dark fruit, balanced by subtle roasted notes and gentle bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Rounded and moderately full-bodied, with lively carbonation and a smooth, gently warming finish.
About the Brewery
Westmalle Brewery is located within the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Westmalle, near Antwerp in Belgium.
The abbey is home to a community of Trappist monks whose brewing traditions date back to 1836.
Beer production originally served the needs of the monastic community, reflecting the Trappist commitment to prayer, work and self-sufficiency.
As the abbey developed, brewing became an important means of supporting the monastery and its activities.
Westmalle began occasionally selling beer at the abbey gate in 1856, gradually establishing a wider reputation for its brewing.
In 1921, the monks began distributing their beer through beer merchants, helping introduce Westmalle Trappist ales to a broader audience.
The brewery's history is closely connected with the development of two influential Belgian beer styles.
In 1926, the monks introduced a stronger version of their original dark beer, establishing the modern Westmalle Dubbel.
This beer became an important reference point for the Belgian Dubbel style, recognised for its darker appearance, rich malt character and complex fermentation profile.
In 1934, the brewery introduced Westmalle Tripel to celebrate the opening of a new brewing hall.
The golden Tripel subsequently became one of the most influential beers in Belgian brewing history.
Together, Dubbel and Tripel demonstrate the contrasting approaches to brewing that can emerge from the same monastery.
Westmalle Dubbel places greater emphasis on darker malt character, while Tripel combines a golden appearance with expressive fruitiness and hop bitterness.
Both beers are produced using traditional top fermentation and secondary fermentation in the bottle.
This approach contributes to their natural carbonation and distinctive flavour profiles.
Westmalle continues to brew within the abbey grounds under the supervision of the monastic community.
Its beers carry the Authentic Trappist Product designation, reflecting the requirements associated with production within a Trappist monastery and the use of revenue to support the community and charitable purposes.
This designation distinguishes authentic Trappist beers from commercial products that simply use abbey-inspired names or imagery.
The brewery also produces Westmalle Extra, a lighter-strength beer that offers another interpretation of the abbey's brewing traditions.
Westmalle's continued focus on a relatively small selection of established beers reflects its commitment to preserving the character and quality of its brewing.
For customers interested in Belgian brewing heritage, Westmalle Dubbel is particularly significant because of its role in defining the modern Dubbel style.
It offers a direct connection to the development of Belgian Trappist brewing and remains a reference point for brewers producing darker Belgian ales around the world.
The 75cl format makes this experience particularly suitable for sharing with friends, family or fellow beer enthusiasts.
Discover more traditional Belgian beers in our Belgian & Trappist Beer collection.
Food Pairings
Westmalle Dubbel is particularly well suited to rich savoury dishes that complement its caramel, toasted malt and dark fruit character.
The 75cl bottle makes it an excellent choice for serving at the dinner table, where several people can appreciate the beer alongside different dishes.
Slow-cooked beef is one of the most appealing pairings.
Braised beef cheeks, beef short ribs and rich beef stews develop deep savoury flavours that complement the beer's darker malt profile.
The caramelised flavours of onions and roasted vegetables echo the beer's caramel character, while its carbonation helps balance the richness of the dish.
A Belgian-style beef stew is a particularly fitting choice.
The combination of slowly cooked beef, onions and dark beer creates a rich, savoury dish that complements Westmalle Dubbel's malt character.
Roast pork is another attractive option.
Pork shoulder, pork belly and grilled pork chops work well with the beer's malt sweetness and gentle bitterness.
A mustard-based sauce provides contrast to its rounded flavour, while apple-based accompaniments complement its fruity fermentation notes.
Westmalle Dubbel is also well suited to game.
Roast venison or a rich game stew can stand up to the beer's flavour without overwhelming it.
The beer's dark fruit impressions work particularly well with savoury sauces featuring herbs and roasted vegetables.
For cheese, consider aged Gouda, Comté and mature Cheddar.
Their nutty and savoury flavours complement the beer's caramel malt character.
Blue cheeses provide a more adventurous pairing, with their saltiness contrasting against the beer's sweetness.
Westmalle Abbey also has its own cheesemaking tradition, making Trappist cheese a particularly fitting accompaniment.
For a shared cheese board, combine mature cheeses with crackers, roasted nuts and crusty bread.
The larger bottle is particularly convenient for this type of relaxed tasting.
Vegetarian dishes can work equally well.
Mushroom risotto, roasted aubergine and lentil stew provide earthy, savoury flavours that complement the beer's darker malt profile.
A mushroom and caramelised onion tart is another excellent option, bringing together flavours that echo the beer's toasted and caramel notes.
Westmalle Dubbel can also accompany moderately spiced dishes.
Its malt sweetness complements aromatic spices, although very hot chilli may make the alcohol warmth more noticeable.
Desserts can work well too, particularly those featuring caramel, nuts or chocolate.
A dark chocolate tart, chocolate brownies or caramel-based dessert can complement the beer's malt character.
Choose desserts with enough richness to stand alongside the beer without overwhelming its more delicate fermentation notes.
When serving Westmalle Dubbel, use clean Belgian chalices or suitable stemmed beer glasses.
Pour gently and leave room for the generous head.
The brewery recommends serving Westmalle Dubbel at approximately 8–14°C, allowing its caramel, fruit and spice aromas to develop.
Because the beer undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, some yeast sediment may be present.
Pour carefully if you prefer a clearer appearance, or explore the yeast character separately.
For a shared 75cl bottle, smaller pours can be particularly enjoyable, allowing everyone to appreciate the beer while it remains fresh and aromatic.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Westmalle Dubbel 75cl, the 33cl bottle offers the same beer in a smaller format, ideal for an individual serving or comparing with other Belgian dark ales.
For a contrasting golden beer from the same abbey, Westmalle Tripel is the natural next choice.
Both beers share the same Trappist brewing heritage, but their flavour profiles are very different.
Westmalle Dubbel focuses on darker malt, caramel and rich fruit characteristics, while Tripel is golden, fruitier and more hop-forward, with a long, dry finish.
For another strong Belgian dark ale, explore Delirium Nocturnum 75cl.
Nocturnum offers a stronger interpretation of Belgian dark ale, with caramel, chocolate and roasted malt characteristics.
Chimay Red is another excellent choice for customers who enjoy traditional Belgian Dubbel-style beers.
Its dark malt character and fruity fermentation profile provide an interesting comparison with Westmalle Dubbel.
For a stronger Trappist beer, consider Rochefort 8 or Rochefort 10, which offer greater alcoholic strength and richer dark fruit characteristics.
You can also browse our Belgian & Trappist Beer collection for more traditional Belgian ales, dark beers and speciality releases.
For customers shopping for Belgian beer gifts, explore our Gifting collection for additional options.
Whether you're planning a special dinner, choosing an authentic Trappist beer gift or looking for a larger bottle of one of Belgium's most influential dark ales, Westmalle Dubbel 75cl offers a distinctive combination of brewing heritage, caramel malt, dark fruit and balanced bitterness.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15