Walk the hopbed streets of Bend, Oregon and you’ll struggle to find a true-to-tradition Belgian style brew, let alone an entire craft brewery dedicated to the style. At least that was the case before head brewer, Todd Clement, came to town.

Armed with a PhD in Organic Chemistry and an unbridled passion for Belgian beer, Todd moved to Bend with a purpose: to open a brewery that captured the same traditional brewing spirit embodied by ancient Belgian monks. True to its name, there are no monks working at Monkless Belgian Ales -- but rest assured you can taste the same dedication in each and every batch of beer.

Of course, no Belgian brewery is complete without an authentic Dubbel Ale. Created in homage to the traditional styles lacking in the surrounding area, Dubbel Or Nothing is a deep amber brew made with Belgian malts that build upon a backbone of chocolate-covered raisins and caramel. Subtle notes of banana crème brûlée and bright carbonation dance across a bready stage. Belgian Candi Syrup punctuates with a light sweetness that finishes dry and conceals its 7.2% ABV.

Monkless is the only Belgian-style brewery in the Bend area and Dubbel or Nothing is a malty oasis in a desert of hops brewed with patience and dedication. This Ale is for those of us who believe that tradition trumps trendy.