Westmalle Tripel

Certainly one of the world’s great beers. MJ recommends a bit of age and I am certainly in agreement with the man. The assertive banana of youth rounds out to incorporate more orange, apricot and spice, sometimes some other citrus flavours, honey and more spicy hops. I think it is a hugely complex beer. There are a wealth of different notes coming from each ingredient and it all comes together extremely well. A refreshing quality alongside a sipping quality. Excellent carbonation. The beer is truly alive!

Pours a cloudy golden orange color with a moderate white head that lasts and leaves good lacing. Aroma is honey, dried cherries and yeast. Flavor is complex, with citrus to go along with bread and sweet fruits. For such a high ABV, it really masks the alcohol well. Finish is fantastic, as the alcohol dissipates and leaves a spicy but smooth aftertaste.

A lot more concentrated compared to the Dubbel. Aroma is complex with dark mixed dried fruit and malts, yeast and wheat bread. Appearance is elegant and bubbles like champagne, not a typical beer head. Flavor is strong as the aromas and the palate is crisp and acidic like brut bubbly. A great beer, no doubt, but I’m new to tripels and dubbel so hard for me to quantify at this time. I’ll have to revisit later.

It gets a 4.9 from me only if I ever come across a beer that is better than this one. It was expensive at over $4 a bottle! But man was it worth the price tag. Best beer I’ve had so far.

Orange with creamy white head. Flowery, peppery, yeasty. Sweet flavour, spicy, toward a bitter dry end. A bit alcoholic if not aged properly.