It is not often that I go searching for specific beers, so I leave myself open to outside influences wherever I happen to be shopping for my brews. You probably already know that I am a sucker for interesting labels if I have not had the beer before, but I am also one for limited release offerings. Now I am generally not as crazed about those beers like some who make special trips to breweries or order ahead or whatever, but I do like to grab them when I can. I do think that in the back of my mind I hold limited release beers at a higher standard going in and I do think that probably influences my evaluation of them. This is likely one of those cases.
For the Tuesday review this week . . .
Brewery: Redhook Ale Brewery (Woodinville, WA & Portsmouth, NH)
Name: Tripel
Style: Belgian Tripel
ABV: 10.20%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the wine fridge (51 degrees +/-) and served in a goblet. Limited release – $4.99 for 22 ounces.
Aroma: Light malty aroma with a moderate level of clove-like spice and some slight sweetness that seems to have a bit of vanilla character to it.
Appearance: Full coppery gold color. Slight, off-white head that quickly dissipates with some slight legs on the glass. Clear with many rising bubbles visible (at first then becoming few).
Flavor: Slight, almost banana-like fruitiness with an even spiciness throughout. Very low bitterness and a low, smooth malty sweetness.
Mouthfeel: Medium to light body and very carbonated (effervescent). Creamy on the palate with warmth noticed evenly at the finish.
Overall Impressions: All flavors work pretty well with none being overpowering. More harshness at the finish as it warms a bit. No need for me to buy again (if available) as I just did not love the flavor and body overall. The Wife quickly limited her intake of this limited release with just a reaction of “No.”
Grade: C+
Redhook Ale Brewery - Tripel
The close up.
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