Brasserie Dubuisson - Scaldis Caractère

Brasserie Dubuisson's Scaldis Caractère (which at different times and in different markets has been labeled under the names Ambrée and Amber Ale Refermentée) is a strong Belgian amber ale with a rich and complex profile, known for its moderately high alcohol content (12% ABV) and deep, malty flavors. The Caractère pours a deep amber to copper hue with a slight reddish tint. The color is indicative of its malt-forward nature. It has a clear body with good carbonation, producing a thick, creamy, off-white head that dissipates slowly, leaving a distinct lacing on the glass after every sip..

The nose is dominated by rich, ripe fruit notes—think of dark fruits like figs, dates, and raisins. There’s also an underlying hint of orchard fruits such as baked apples and pears. Next, we encountered slightly sweet, caramelized sugars coming through, giving the beer a toffee-like quality. These malty scents are complemented by notes of cocoa, light roast coffee, dark brown sugar, and a touch of molasses. Light spicy undertones are present, likely due to the Belgian yeast strain. We detected subtle notes of clove, coriander, and a hint of white pepper. The yeast also brings a slightly earthy, herbal quality, providing a nice depth to the overall character of this fine brew. After a few sips and swirls, subtle warm aromas like a fine brandy or sherry come to the forefront.

The first sip of Dubuisson Scaldis Caractere brings a rich wave of malt sweetness. Expect caramel, toffee, and dark brown sugar to be prominent. The malt complexity is layered, making each sip feel luxurious. Similar to the aroma, we found notes of dark fruit like plums, dates, and dried cherries. The fruitiness melds beautifully with the toasty sweetness of the malt. The Belgian yeast adds a layer of complexity, contributing slight spiciness—clove and a touch of pepper—that balances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor. Though malt-forward, there’s a moderate bitterness from the hops that helps balance the overall experience, giving the beer a clean finish. The bitterness also brings hints of herbal and earthy tones. At 12% ABV, the Dubuisson Scaldis Caratere doesn’t feel too boozy, but the strength lends a warming sensation to the palate without being harsh. It adds a vinous character, reminiscent of sherry, and leaves a pleasant, lingering warmth.

The Dubuisson Scaldis Caractere is full-bodied with a smooth, creamy mousse and slightly viscous texture. It coats the palate delivering a rich drinking experience that is more pleasant with every sip. Moderate carbonation helps to lift the sweetness and keep the beer from feeling too heavy, adding a bit of brightness to each sip. The finish is long, with lingering notes of caramel, dried fruit, and leaving a balance of sweet malt and light bitterness.

Dubuisson Scaldis Caractère is a decadent, bold beer with a complex array of flavors and aromas that cater to those who appreciate rich, malty Belgian ales. It combines sweetness, fruitiness, and spice in a well-balanced, robust package. The 12%ABV adds a pleasant warmth, making it an excellent sipping beer, especially for the approaching colder weather. This beer exemplifies Dubuisson's craftsmanship and dedication to producing full-flavored, distinctive brews.

We recommend drinking Dubuisson Scaldis Caractere now, but it has the ability to develop more complexity over time, between 1 to 5 years. Expect a mellowing of the alcohol warmth and increased malt presence. Paired alongside rich foods like roasted meats and stews, the Scaldis Caractere shows its adaptability. We also recommend desserts like caramelized pears, chocolate cake, or pecan pie with maple-bourbon whipped cream. Cheers!

Brasserie Dubuisson, initially established as the brewery of the Domaine de Ghyssegnies estate, located just across from where it stands today, has been brewing continuously since 1769. To put it in perspective, this was well before Belgium became a nation or the rise of the famous Trappist breweries. The Dubuisson family has owned the brewery since at least the 1890s, with "Dubuisson" translating to "bush" in English. After World War I, a British battalion liberated the brewery, and in gratitude, the brewery adopted the English spelling of their name for their beers. At the time, the English spelling of “bière” was widely used in Belgium, which led to the creation of the alliterative "Bush Beer" in 1933. While American consumers might associate the name with Busch Beer, a well-known light lager, in Belgium, Bush is celebrated for its strength and quality, often reaching 12%–13% ABV. However, when Bush Beer was introduced to the U.S., it ran into legal issues with Anheuser-Busch, prompting a rebrand to "Scaldis" in the U.S. and other export markets. The name Scaldis is derived from the Latin name for the Schelde River, a prominent waterway in Belgium.

Today, under the leadership of Hugues Dubuisson, the eighth generation to run the brewery, Brasserie Dubuisson remains rooted in Hainaut, Belgium's most fertile agricultural region. It's no wonder that Scaldis beers are renowned for their complex orchard fruit aromas and nutty, crisp malt flavors. Despite the brewery’s growth, Dubuisson stays true to its historical roots and dedication to quality. Hugues Dubuisson is also a co-founder of the Belgian Family Brewers Guild, an organization that promotes the work of independent brewers and helps consumers identify authentic Belgian beers from those merely imitating them. Over the past 30 years, Brasserie Dubuisson has worked to prevent confusion, whether differentiating "Busch" from "Bush" or distinguishing themselves from larger corporate Belgian breweries. In doing so, they have influenced the global beer scene, consistently offering top-tier, distinctive brews.

Brasserie Dubuisson has a minimal footprint in the US. We managed to secure not one but two outstanding beers from Brasserie Dubuisson this month, this Scaldis Caratere Amber and the Scaldis Tripel. These variants were bottled and imported in 750ml bottles specifically for the Rare Beer Club. The beers will only be available through the Rare Beer Club. Production is extremely limited, so it’s wise to stock up before they’re gone.