I’ve recently fallen into an IPA hole. I love the hoppiness, the slight citrus taste and, of course, the alcohol content. So when I found out that Santa Fe-based Duel Brewing had opened a second location Downtown and boasted a Belgian style IPA, I had to go check it out.I decided to take a break from the grueling demands of my awesome job and walked down the street to the bar. Being that it was about 2pm on a Wednesday, the place was dead. With no other patrons but me, the main room seemed way too big for its purpose and almost made me feel like I wasn’t allowed to be in there. But Kelly, the sweet lady slingin’ suds at that time, was incredibly welcoming and willing to chat.We talked a bit about our beer tastes and I told her what I had come to try: Fiction, their 7.2% ABV Belgian IPA. Served in a pretty tulip style snifter glass, this beautiful amber-colored liquid was exactly what I wanted: not too bitter but still hoppy, and very smooth with an almost sweet and perfume-y citrus flavor profile all the while staying true to the Belgian style— floral and slightly spiced like fermenting fruit (but not in a gross way). I give it a thumbs up.I was also fortunate enough to get a sample of the Goya, their 14.9%ABV imperial stout. And, even though it tastes very “Belgian” still, it was a nice, thick and chocolaty stout. My next time around this promising brewery, I vow to enjoy more of that.Duel Brewing beers can be found in bottles at multiple locations around Albuquerque including Jubilation Wine & Spirits and Total Wine.
Wish You Were Beer: Fanfiction
2 min read
One long bar
Courtney Foster
