Flying Fish Brewing Co. - Abbey Dubbel

Brewed in the style of a Belgian Dubbel, this beer pours the expected deep brownish color, albeit with a noticeable and attractive reddish hue. On the nose look for notes of brown sugar and caramel, light touches of chocolate, and a significant spicy character contributed by both the famously spicy Belgian yeast as well as the dose of hops. These characteristics come through on the palate too, along with plenty of raisin-like fruitiness, a nut-like quality, and an impression of spiced rum. We really enjoy the duality and interaction between caramelized malts and yeast spiciness that Dubbels are known for, and this version doesn’t disappoint, delivering plenty of complexity. The brewery recommends pairing this GABF silver medalist with smoked foods, cheeses, sausages, sushi, and most desserts. Cheers!

When Gene Muller founded Flying Fish in 1995, his approach was a bit unusual. While working to build his brewery, he launched the company online – becoming a “virtual brewery” to allow microbrew fans to contribute their assistance and opinions by weighing in on upcoming beer styles, naming the beers, designing labels and merchandise, and even signing up to be volunteer taste testers and applying for employment. By late 1996 the brewery was finished and the first beer was released to a waiting fan base. A pretty clever approach if you ask us.

Muller, a graduate of America’s oldest brewing school at Chicago’s famed Siebel Institute, remains at the helm to this day, presiding over two decades of impressive growth. In 2012, having outgrown their original location in Cherry Hill, Flying Fish moved to a new facility in Somerdale. Here, they pursue sustainability as a top priority. Solar tubes provide natural light, solar panels provide power, a steam capture system reduces water and power consumption, high-efficiency boilers reduce gas usage, and all spent grain (over 2 million pounds per year) goes to a local dairy farmer for feed.

Winners of multiple Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medals, among many other awards, Flying Fish currently offers seven year-round beers along with various seasonal and special offerings, including super small batch one-offs and barrel aged beers that are only available at their Tasting Room. For more info about the brewery, their Tasting Room, tours and more, contact them at 856-504-3442 or visit www.flyingfish.com.