Craftsman Triple White Sage

Draught at Lucky Baldwins, Pasadena
What a fantastic brew! I consider Craftsman to be my "local" brewery, even though it is over 40 miles away it is the nearest producer of fine hand made, hand crafted, quality ales that I have available to me and this beer is by far their best offering.
Pours a hazy, golden-apricot colour with a thick, two-finger off-white head. Mild spicy hop aroma, almost smells of stale or aged hops. The aroma of candi sugar pokes through as well, with a pleasant earthy/spicy smell. To say this beer has quite a flavor is an understatement. An absurdly sage flavored belgian triple might be closer to the truth. The taste is lightly malty sweet, quite herbal, and yet still light, refreshing and tasty. The earthy-herbal sage is definitely evident, from the aroma through to the finish.

This was the most memorable beer at Boonville this year for me. That’s saying a helluva lot considering this is arguably the West Coast’s best fest. A luminous warm gold color and a perfect thick white foam, a detailed herbal peppery sage aroma and flavor that also suggests thyme, curacao, soft aged bitter, plenty of tang, witbierisch and mildly and pleasantly phenolic. A whopping 9% and supremely delicious.

Tried this at the Stone open house. I went back for three tastings of this one, that’s how good it was. The strong sage scent reminded me of hiking in the Fall. Sweet spice, orange zest and ripe fruit filled my palate. I must track down more of this beer, it’s excellent!

Had a couple 4oz tasters of this at Stone’s VI annual festival. This, along with Speedway Stout, were the stars of the festival for ol’ 40oz. Very fruity citrusy aroma, even out of the ridiculously small 4oz tasting glass. Present but not overpowering herby flavor and wheaty acidic twang. A subtle and well balanced Belgian strong ale, more refined than many Belgian made products.

On tap at Stone. Hazy golden amber with fizzy white head. Sweet malty aroma, sage, and notes of hoppy boquet. Velvet mouthfeel. Sweet malty taste, honey, sage, and a semi-dry finish.