Unibroue Maudite 4Pk

Unibroue Maudite 4Pk is a bottle-conditioned Belgian-style dubbel from Quebec, Canada, packaged as four 341ml bottles at 8% ABV. Named World's Best Dark Belgian Style Dubbel at the 2020 World Beer Awards and carrying a 98 rating on Ratebeer, Maudite ranks among the most decorated North American interpretations of the classic abbey ale tradition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Chambly, Quebec, Canada  |  Style: Belgian-Style Dubbel  |  Brewery: Unibroue

Production & Heritage

Unibroue brews Maudite at its facility in Chambly, Quebec, applying traditional Belgian brewing philosophy to Canadian craft production. The defining technique is bottle conditioning "on the lees" — live yeast sediment remains inside each bottle, driving a secondary fermentation that builds natural carbonation and contributes to Maudite's characteristic hazy appearance. This process also means the beer ages gracefully over time, developing new flavor dimensions much like a fine abbey ale, and distinguishes Maudite from conventionally force-carbonated competitors.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Forward yeasty character opens into cinnamon, clove, and toasted brioche drizzled with buttery caramel. Behind that first wave, subtle coriander, floral hop notes, and a wild-spice quality emerge as the beer warms in the glass.

Taste: The entry is rich and bready, with brown sugar and raisin riding a creamy, mouth-filling body. Mid-palate brings toasted spice, light oak, and dried black fruit, while buttery caramel and toffee weave throughout. A spicy, vinous quality builds toward the back, balanced by crisp hop bitterness that keeps the 8% ABV from tipping into cloying sweetness.

Finish: Medium-long with a soft, slightly oily texture and lingering toasted wood, brown sugar, and gentle warming alcohol. The yeast character carries through to the close, leaving a dry, subtly spiced farewell.

How to Drink Maudite

Pour into a tulip glass or Belgian goblet at cellar temperature (50–55°F) to fully express the aromatic complexity. Tilt the glass while pouring and leave the last half-inch in the bottle for a clearer pour, or swirl the sediment and add it for the full lees-enriched experience Unibroue intends.

Maudite works beautifully in a Belgian Flip — a warming combination of dark ale, whole egg, sugar, and nutmeg shaken and strained — where the caramel and clove notes amplify the cocktail's richness. It holds its own in a Black Velvet variation paired with dry sparkling wine, its malt depth adding body that lighter ales cannot match. For warmer weather, a Dubbel Shandy combining a half-pour of Maudite with fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey creates a refreshing yet complex long drink.

Best For

• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates Belgian brewing traditions
• Cold-weather evening sessions beside a fireplace or around a dinner table
• Pairing with hearty fall and winter meals like stews and roasted meats
• Cellaring experiments — comparing a fresh bottle against one aged six to twelve months

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Maudite taste like? Maudite presents rich caramel, brown sugar, and baking spice up front, followed by dried dark fruit, toasted brioche, and a vinous spiciness. The finish is dry and gently warming with lingering toasted wood and yeast character.

How does Maudite compare to Ommegang Abbey Ale? Both are North American Belgian-style dubbels, but Maudite's bottle conditioning on the lees gives it a distinctive hazy appearance and a more pronounced yeast-driven complexity. Ommegang Abbey Ale tends toward a cleaner, slightly sweeter malt profile, while Maudite leans spicier and more vinous.

Is Maudite good for sipping neat? Maudite is at its best poured into a proper goblet or tulip and sipped slowly at cellar temperature, where its layered spice, caramel, and fruit notes unfold gradually. The 8% ABV provides substance without overwhelming the palate.

Where is Maudite made? Maudite is brewed by Unibroue in Chambly, Quebec, Canada, a brewery recognized internationally for its Belgian-inspired ales. Chambly sits along the Richelieu River southeast of Montreal.

What foods pair well with Maudite? Carbonnade flamande (Flemish beef stew) mirrors its caramel and spice character. Aged cheddar plays off the malty sweetness with sharp contrast. Grilled sausages complement the clove and pepper notes. Dark chocolate echoes the dried fruit and toffee. Roasted pork shoulder benefits from the beer's malt richness cutting through the fat.

What sizes does Maudite come in? Maudite is commonly available in 341ml single bottles, 4-packs of 341ml bottles, and 750ml large-format bottles suited for sharing or cellaring.

Is Maudite worth the price? Maudite positions as a premium craft ale that punches well above typical domestic beer pricing, but its bottle-conditioned production, multiple World Beer Awards gold medals, and aging potential justify its place in the upper tier of widely available Belgian-style dubbels.

Why Maudite?

Three gold medals at the World Beer Awards — including the 2020 World's Best Dark Belgian Style Dubbel title — place Maudite in rare company for a North American-brewed abbey ale. The bottle-conditioning process sets it apart mechanically from most competitors, creating a living beer that rewards patience and proper cellaring. A BeerAdvocate score of 93 across nearly 5,000 ratings and a Ratebeer score of 98 confirm broad critical and community consensus. For drinkers seeking a Belgian dubbel with genuine depth, natural carbonation, and proven pedigree, Maudite delivers without relying on imported mystique.