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Originally brewed exclusively for the 25th anniversary of Whole Foods,
Cru D'or (in French: "gold vintage") is a Belgian-style Abbey Dubbel
from the North Coast Brewery in Fort Bragg, California-the same
brewery that produces Old Rasputin and PranQster.

Thanks to the unique traits lent by Belgian yeast strains, the Belgian
Dubbel is a rich, malty beer with some spicy, phenolic mild-to-warming
alcoholic characteristics, often quite aromatic and exhibiting notes
of dark, ripe fruit. Hop bitterness is mild, with no lingering hop
flavors, though it may show traits of a steely caramel flavor from the
use of crystal malt or dark candi sugar. Look for a medium-to-full
body with expressive carbonation, too.

North Coast Brewing Company Cru D'or - Certified Organic Belgian-style
Abbey Dubbel for Whole FoodsWhat's different about North Coast's
version is that it's also 100 percent certified organic. To date, many
organic beers haven't gained a mass audience, but let's see how this
one stacks up.

The Taste
Poured from a stubby 12-ounce brown bottle into a Belgian-style
chalice, the beer appears a rich, semi-hazed, deep brown with ruddy
hues; a creamy beige head dresses the top, with a wispy center and
ringed lace. Malty aromatics make their way to the nose as soon as the
bottle is cracked, full with toffee, fruit, soft spices, metallics,
faint flora, earth, fresh roots, a bready yeast edge and a deep, spicy
and warming alcohol. Lush feel on the palate, with creamy, smooth
carbonation. Malt base is even, with the taste of dark overripe stone
fruits, a distinct prune edge, and rounded juiciness-not overly sweet.
Light charring in the background, some burnt sugars, a touch of orange
blossom honey and some steeliness. Dry toward the finish, with a
lingering alcohol warmth and spice, root and earth character, and a
big yeasty smack at the very end.

Final Thoughts
Available in four-packs and weighing in at 8 percent alcohol by volume
(ABV), Cru D'or is a fairly decent Dubbel. It's a bit rough around the
edges, yeast-wise, and could use some cleaning up, but it's flavorful
enough to keep you interested. We highly recommend allowing this beer
to warm up a bit before serving (15 minutes out of the fridge should
do); otherwise, you run the risk of masking aromas and flavors. Whole
Foods suggests pairing with chèvre and balsamic-vinegar-soaked
seasonal fruits. They're spot-on with the goat cheese suggestion; for
the adventurous, try baked goat cheese and balsamic-soaked cherries
wrapped in bacon.

For more info: northcoastbrewing.com

Respect Beer.