Hypnotic reddish mahogany color. Rich aromas of toasted banana-raisin muffin and spicy vanilla custard with a satiny, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a long, elegant finish with notes of caramelized nuts and dried fruits, peppery spice, and earth. A fantastic flavor ride and an archetype of the style.
98 points, Beverage Testing Institute (May 2014)
Caramel aroma and fruity esters. Smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Lovely sweet malts with caramel and cholocate flavours. Underlining fruit flavours of date and banana. Hits a dry point in the middle and become crisp for a moment. A slight coarseness, from the yeast, follows in the form of a moderately spicy characteristic that mixes with a prickly alcohol presence. Bitterness is thin, with faint floral flavours. Finishes slightly dry with some residual spiciness, sweetness and alcohol on the breath. Warming. This is just an overall amazing beer. One of the most famous of the Trappist beers, Westmalle Double can be found on tap at many Beglian establishments. 6.5% abv.
97 points, BeerAdvocate (Nov 2000)