Smuttynose Brewing Company Tripel
What the brewers say
“Sweet, round, and full of fruity esters from our Belgian-style yeast strain, Smuttynose Tripel is a nice sipping beer that is best enjoyed from your favorite tulip glass, especially the official Big Beer Series one.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Perfect Belgian tripel aroma: black pepper, faint Pilsner sweetness, and those lively Belgian fruity esters— lots of banana and peach. Light clove aroma. Slight green-apple note that fades as it warms.”
Flavor: “Bigger than usual malt back- ground with a little more caramel flavor than expected, but sufficiently balanced by the moderate spicy hops bitterness. The typical banana esters and clove phenols round out the palate. Moderate carbonation and moderate body, plus a medium alcohol note that continues through the aftertaste.”
Overall: “A slightly heavier than normal tripel that works well. Esters have a nice mix of pepper and banana. Some caramel sweetness. Could use a smidge more carbonic acid to brighten it, but otherwise, all of the classic components are there. No major risks taken, but no major mistakes made.”
