1001 Beers

Beer No: 56
Page No: 312
Category: Blond

Today (or maybe it was yesterday), the House of Representatives passed a Beer Resolution!  Saluting "the goals and ideals of American Craft Beer Week," the American Craft Beer Resolution passed the House and is now officially recognized - whatever that means.  Personally, I think they have bigger issues to deal with, but a quick vote on beer is never a bad thing I guess.  So I hope everyone is enjoying their American Craft Beer Week.  I know I am.

Back to the beer, the Allagash Tripel Reserve is made following the standards of a classic Belgian-style tripel without any special ingredients.  According to 1001 Beers, brewmaster Rob Tod says what makes this tripel special lies in the yeast.  Using primary fermentation and a secondary fermentation with bottle conditioning, it's the yeast that gives this tripel its special flavors.  Unfortunately, I just wasn't a fan.  I felt the herbs and spices brought out by the yeast was just too overpowering and completely overwhelmed the classic tripel flavors that should have been present.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Allagash Tripel Reserve from Allagash Brewing Company

Aroma: 8/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 6/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 12/20

Rating 3.2 / 5.0

Had from bottle from BevMo. Batch No. 144. Pours a hazy golden yellow with large, thick head. Aroma is sweet and spicy - fruity and yeasty with lots of herbs and spices. Taste is overwhelmed by spices. Also very sweet with sugar and herbs at the finish. A dry, astringent aftertaste lingered. I had higher hopes, but thought the spices completely took this beer over and were way too pronounced.