New Belgium Trippel

Ever since I saw an eccentric accomplice of mine adorned in a full suit of armor made entirely of New Belgium six pack cardboard I knew I had to give their beers a try. With that impression fresh in my memory, I chose to first try the New Beligum Trippel upon the reccomendation of my distinctly (and forgivably) French friend. The beer experience begins before the bottle is opened. New Belgium chose a great color scheme for their beer labels. It maintains a sense of moderate pedantic selectiveness while frolicking with a theme of festive colors. Color choice and aesthetics aside, the beer pours a soothing gold. It’s not quite copper and it’s not quite amber, but I imagine it’s the color wealthy magnates would dream in if they could choose. Before the beer reaches the bottom of the bottle it pours very clear, but the yeast at the bottom drains out at the end, cluttering the clarity. The aromatic qualities suit the beer, but bely the taste. My nose is still untrained in the art of dissecting smells, but I was able to retrieve a slight whiff of banana, not unlike like being downwind of a Central American plantation. The fruity ester is not enough to scream "Banana Fosters", but enough to think fondly of a mild banana smoothie. At first taste I’m looking for that same banana odor, but can’t catch much of it. Instead I notice a poorly veiled alcohol taste. Fortunately it contrasts well with what banana flavor exists. More important and more prevalent in the taste is strong but succinct hops that jumps in at the end to steal the show. The exchange of flavors is always a welcome addition to any beer, provided the eclectic mix of tastes complement each other. The Trippel style is apparently a lighter beer. It’s easy nature hardly induces lofty thought, but is great for a relaxing lounge setting with an informal tinge. Perhaps a sophisticated college gathering? Also, good for drinking under an autumnal tree during a mediocre sunset. Bring It up to your eye like a great oversized monocle – it makes a great lens to view the world through. All the landscape, glowing with an treasure touch.

This blonde ale poured with a generous white head, eliciting a floral fruity aroma. The flavor was sweet, with banana esters and a slightly bitter finish. There was a highlly carbonated mouthfeel, and also a noticeable candy sugar taste. This is a nice example of the Tripel style.

Not a bad brew at all, quite enjoyable! Pours Orange-marmalade color. and it has a sweet intoxicating honey smell. Pretty head with some lacing left behind. Not bad from New Belgium!

Hazy golden color with a medium head. Sweet yeasty aromas of fruit and spices. Floral hops balance out the sweet malts and vanilla flavors. Smooth, with a slight bitter aftertaste, but pretty good overall.

Totally transparent and magnifying gold in color with a cloistered bubble sheet that encompasses about two-thirds of the width of the head. Aroma is rocking and woeful simultaneously - sourdough, pale malt, wet dog, corn flakes, sugarless banana crème, cloves and lemons. Flavor gently dances in. Cloves, pepper and coriander precede a pale malt profile, accentuated with a sour baguette crust persona. A hint at citric characteristics, but they never come full circle. Musky, with eclectic elements of cumin and cornstarch. Waxy palate and medium-bodied. Balance seems a bit off at first, then comes together ten minutes post-pour, and then it’s out of whack again, bringing in some dactylic alcohol. Finishes like lemon butter on sourdough. Glad to have tried it. Thanks to CaptainCougar for the bottle!

Gold pour with a big rocky white head. Aroma is mild and slightly malty with some spice. Flavor has some spice and alcohol with a sweet finish. Palate has too much alcohol burn. Trippels have been turning me off lately. The style seems overwhelmed with alcohol except for a few wonderful exceptions.

I am not very familiar with this brewer as they are not available in my state, fortunately my wife was able to bring me a couple of bottles from a trip out west. I love Abby Tripels in general so I was excited to try this one. Sampled from an attractive 12 oz bottle this beer poured a cloudy bright golden color with a huge yellow-white head that lingers for quite some time and leaves lots of lacing. The aroma is sweet with a strong yeasty presence and a hint of pear. The flavor is sweet and fruity with pear and apricot elements undertoned with a yeasty presence. The finish is tangy and fruity. I wish I could get some more of this one.

Surprisingly light in color with a tight, lively head. Salt cured meat dominates the doughy aroma. Prickly mouthfeel doesn’t fit the style for me - I want my Trippels creamy and smooth. More bacon, overripe banana, bourbon and plums in the body. Good, but thin throughout.