St. Bernardus Prior 8 Abbey Ale 11.2 oz 1.5 lb

Belgian Brown Strong Abbey Dubbel

Brewed by: St. Bernardus Brewery
Country: Belgium
Style: Dubbel
Color: Brown

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 8.0%
Ratebeer.com rating: 98
BeerAdvocate.com rating: 93

St. Bernardus Prior 8 is a traditional abbey Dubbel ale (ABV 8%) made with one of the original recipes from the post-WWII years when the brewery was licensed to produce for the Trappist monks of Westvleteren.

It pours a deep, hazy mahogany with a foamy off-white head.

Aromas of sourdough bread and toffee like toasted malt, dried dark fruit and leather give an indication of the taste, which balances toasty malt and sweet fruit with the complex spice and slight tartness of Belgian yeast.

Mouthfeel is creamily rich and nicely effervescent.

Food Pairings

Try with rich, soft ripened cheeses such as Port Salut, St. Andre or Camembert. Nicely complements a salad with a tart vinaigrette, slow-cooked shoulder of lamb, ratatouille, or baked pasta. Pairs well with chocolate or caramel desserts. 

Brewery Information;

The St. Bernardus Brewery was founded in 1946 by Evarist Deconinck. When the Trappist monks of the St. Sixtus Monastery in Westvleteren, Belgium decided that brewing and promotional efforts had become a serious distraction from religious and contemplative activities, they granted Deconinck a license to brew and distribute Trappistine beers based on the monastery's recipe.

That arrangement continued for decades, but in 1992, when it was decreed that only beers brewed within the walls of a monastery under direct control of the monks could be called Trappist beers, St. Bernardus launched its own brand of abbey beers to huge success.

Today, the brewery distributes award winning ales to more than two dozen countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia and Japan.