Boulevard Brewing Long Strange Tripel
What the brewers say
“A golden-amber colored, full-bodied beer with an intense fruity aroma of bananas, a prominent sweet malt flavor containing a hint of toffee, and a low to medium citrusy hops flavor and bitterness.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Everything is there: black pepper, bananas, tree fruits, and hint of alcohol, but it’s all a bit subdued. Light refreshing spiciness with a hint of hops and a breath of sweet malt.”
Flavor: “Initially sweet and spicy with some citrus. Appropriate level of bitterness and carbonation. Grain malt sweetness followed by restrained but obvious esters of bubblegum and ba- nanas and a touch of lemon peel. Floral hops flavor followed by a not unpleasant bitterness. Off-dry finish could benefit from just a smidge more attenuation. High carbonation, and the beer finishes with a fruity alcohol kick.”
Overall: “A little more subtle than the usual tripel. Neither 100 percent classic nor 100 percent avant garde, this take on a tripel will satisfy fans of the style looking for something a touch different while still pleasing those who prefer a classic interpretation.”