Green's Dubbel Dark Ale 500ML

Green's Dubbel Dark Ale 500ML is a gluten-free Belgian-style dubbel brewed at 7% ABV using ancient grains in a 500ml bottle-conditioned format. Widely recognized as the world's first dubbel produced entirely without barley, it replaces traditional brewing grains with buckwheat, millet, brown rice, and sorghum — delivering a legitimate take on the classic Belgian dark ale style while remaining fully gluten-free.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7%  |  Origin: Lochristi, Belgium  |  Style: Belgian Dubbel (Gluten-Free)  |  Brewery: De Proefbrouwerij

Production & Heritage

Green's Dubbel Dark Ale is contract-brewed at De Proefbrouwerij in Lochristi, Belgium — a facility known for its versatility and technical expertise in producing specialty ales for brands across Europe. The grain bill swaps out conventional barley entirely for a blend of four ancient grains: buckwheat, millet, brown rice, and sorghum. Each bottle undergoes re-fermentation, a traditional Belgian technique where a secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, building natural carbonation and additional complexity. This approach mirrors the process used in classic abbey dubbels, lending Green's version an authenticity that sets it apart from most gluten-free beers on the market.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with mild brown sugar and dried fruits before moving into darker territory — dark cherry, dates, and a subtle thread of anise. A whisper of molasses rounds out the bouquet, evoking traditional Belgian yeast character.

Taste: On the palate, the entry delivers molasses and dark cherry, hitting a mid-palate of light anise and herbal spice. Dates and toffee develop as it warms, with a distinctive cola-like note threading through and lending unexpected depth. The dark-sugar sweetness characteristic of the dubbel style is present but restrained.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length, carrying fruity berry and apple notes that linger alongside residual toffee. A mild dryness from the ancient grains balances the sweetness and keeps the beer from becoming cloying.

How to Drink Green's Dubbel

Serve at cellar temperature (50–55°F) in a Belgian chalice or goblet to concentrate the aromatic complexity. Pouring slowly to leave a thin layer of bottle sediment preserves a cleaner presentation, though swirling in the yeast adds body and flavor. A Belgian Dubbel Float — pairing the ale with a scoop of vanilla gelato — plays off its dark-sugar and cherry notes. A Dark Ale Shandy mixing this with tart cherry juice lightens the body while amplifying the fruit character. In a Beer Cocktail Michelada variation, the molasses and spice backbone holds up well against lime and hot sauce.

Best For

• Anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity seeking a serious Belgian-style ale
• Autumn and winter evening sipping when richer, darker beers are in season
• Introducing gluten-free guests to Belgian beer traditions without compromise
• Building a diverse gluten-free beer collection with genuine style representation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Green's Dubbel taste like? Green's Dubbel delivers dark cherry, molasses, toffee, and dates with light anise spice — closely mirroring a traditional Belgian dubbel despite its entirely gluten-free grain bill.

How does Green's Dubbel compare to traditional barley-based dubbels? It shares the classic dark-sugar sweetness and Belgian yeast character of conventional dubbels, though the ancient grain base produces a slightly lighter body and a distinct dry grain finish not found in barley versions. Craft Beer & Brewing scored it 80 out of 100, reflecting a competent rendition of the style.

Is Green's Dubbel good for sipping? Yes — at 7% ABV with bottle-conditioned complexity, it rewards slow sipping at cellar temperature and develops additional nuance as it warms in the glass.

Where is Green's Dubbel made? Green's Dubbel Dark Ale is brewed at De Proefbrouwerij, a specialty brewery located in Lochristi, in the East Flanders province of Belgium.

What foods pair well with Green's Dubbel? Braised short ribs benefit from the beer's dark-sugar depth. Aged Gouda mirrors its caramel and toffee notes. Dark chocolate with dried cherries amplifies the fruit and molasses character. Roasted root vegetables complement the malty sweetness, and North African tagine dishes echo the ale's subtle anise and spice.

What sizes does Green's Dubbel come in? Green's Dubbel Dark Ale is available in a standard 500ml bottle, which is the traditional format for Belgian-style ales.

Is Green's Dubbel worth the price? Green's Dubbel positions as a mid-range specialty beer within the gluten-free segment, and its authentic Belgian dubbel character and bottle-conditioned production justify the modest premium over mass-market gluten-free lagers.

Why Green's Dubbel?

This ale holds a singular distinction: it is the world's first Belgian dubbel brewed entirely from gluten-free ancient grains. That alone gives it historical significance in the gluten-free beer category. But what matters more is execution — the combination of buckwheat, millet, brown rice, and sorghum, fermented at a Belgian brewery with genuine expertise, produces a beer that legitimately resembles the dubbel style rather than simply borrowing its name. For drinkers who cannot consume barley, Green's Dubbel remains one of the very few options that delivers real Belgian dark ale character without compromise.