Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. -- Ovila Dubbel

Sierra Nevada's Ovila Dubbel is a collaboration with The Abby of New Clairvaux, 

in Vina, California-- only 20 miles from SN Brewery. 

A portion of Proceeds go to the restoration of New Clairvaux's medieval Spanish building. 

 7.5% ABV and only bottled in 750 ml. bottles.

Review:

You know, rating Sierra Nevada beers is getting to be a little boring and tedious. Beer after beer are made without flaws in bottling, carbonation, maturation, shipping conditions, recipe formation, or sanitation. There execution is almost flawless! To make things a little more interesting, I wish that I'd get a bad bottle once in a while--not bad beer though! Heaven forbid!-- But maybe just an upside-down label, or a bottle with the wrong cap... just a little something to criticize...

You want to know what this tastes like? Read the BJCP guidelines for the style HERE. The guys at BJCP should adjust the Belgian Dubble category description to say, "tastes like Sierra Nevada Ovila." I mean, take a look... 

Aroma: "Complex, rich malty sweetness; malt may have hints of chocolate, caramel and/or toast"--Check.

Appearance: "Dark amber to copper... reddish depth of color... Large... long-lasting creamy head."--Nailed. 

Flavor: "Rich, complex medium to medium-full malty... palate yet finishes moderately dry."--Yep.

Mouthfeel: "Medium-full body. Medium-high carbonation... Low alcohol warmth."--Ding, ding. 

Overall Impression: "A deep reddish, moderately strong, malty, complex Belgian ale."--Checkmate.

(Side Note: The project that the monks at New Clairvaux are working on is fascinating. Check out websites HERE and HERE to get an idea.)

Overall Impression: 

This is a textbook Belgian Dubbel. If you like Dubbels, go get one and try it! The only way I can criticize this beer is to say that it doesn't have the overwhelming yeasty esters that some people crave (not me, just some people). For those out there who don't know what I am talking about, I'll give this analogy: In the world of orange juice, this beer would be fresh-squeezed OJ. Other Dubbels that people crave would be more akin to Sunny Delight. 

Grade: A

(bottle purchased at The Liquor Collection)