Beer Stats

• Container:    12 Oz. Can
• ABV:             6.9%
• CraftBeer.Com Style: Belgian Dubbel
• Brewer: Reformation Brewery
• Beer Connoisseur:  80
• Ratebeer: 3.2 of 5
• Beer Advocate: 3.7 of 5

LUDB Notes:

• Bitterness Level:  Low
• Drinkability:
  • Would I purchase again?  Yes
  • Would I stock it?  Yes
• Comments: Malt leaning Belgian Dubbel Ale, balanced, subtle yet complex flavors with an attractive reddish, copper color.

One of the interesting characteristics of beer is how it has a long, rich history and tradition behind it.  I guess because I enjoy history so much, the history behind a beer or even the story behind the brewery is as compelling to me as the beer itself.  It certainly adds to the enjoyment of a beer to share in its history or story.  The Belgian Dubbel Ale style recalls much tradition and Reformation Brewery’s Cadence replicates the style well.

Monks, in particular Trappist, played an integral role in preserving and advancing brewing over the centuries.  As a result of the Trappist pledge to live in simplicity and austerity, they brewed their own beer to aid their efforts to be self-sufficient.  The monks were meticulous in controlling and recording their processes and they became a source of great knowledge in the practice of brewing.  Many of these monasteries became concentrated in Belgium and thus, the Belgian style ales were born.  Note, the Trappist name is a protected appellation; therefore, only the monestaries can use it.  There are many different iterations of the Trappist styles and they, generally, fall under the description of Belgian Dubbel, Tripel, Quadrupels, and Dark Strong Ales.  They can range from pale to dark and have ABV of 6.5% to 10.5%.  Apprently, the monks liked their drink strong!

The co-founders of  Reformation Brewery Spencer Nix and Nick Downs discovered Belgian style ales, as well as many other old world styles, on their many trips to Europe.  Because they had difficulty finding similar quality beer in Georgia, they decided to start making their own.  Eventually, the ended up founding Reformation Brewery 2013.  Cadence is one of the core, year around offerings from the Woodstock, GA brewery.

This Belgian Dubbel style ale pours a clear,  reddish copper color and produces a creamy, white head with lengthy retention.  The nose exhibits very mild fruity hops and almost toasted, caramel malts aromas.  Flavors are balanced, but do have a sweet malts lean.  In adherence with the Belgian Dubbel ale style, you get the expected restrained bitterness and medium sweetness with a relatively short aftertaste.  One interesting observation about the beer is that, unlike many beers, it gets better as it warms.  I have noticed that many beers, especially ones loaded with bittering hops, tend to less inviting as they warm.  The bittering hops tends to almost numb out the senses to other flavors and overwhelm the palate until almost all you taste is the bitterness.  Cadence is not like that.  The flavors become more detectable and inviting as it warms, making the last sip as pleasurable as the first.

Bottom line:  Reformation Cadence is a solid rendition of the Belgian Dubbel Ale style.  It is refreshing and drinkable.  If you like this style or you are looking for something in between the pale and dark ales, this would be a good choice.  It is not a “heavy” beer, so it should pair well with a variety of foods; but your traditional grilled meats in particular.

Thanks for reading and until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!