Brouwerij Het Anker Gouden Carolus Tripel

**Aroma:** “Fruity esters dominate the nose, with hints of green apple, pear, prune, plum, and raisin. Subtle caramel malt sweetness comes through, but more fruit than malt. Some earthy floral character and high phenolics, but no alcohol or hops notes.” **Flavor:** “Moderate sweet caramel malt is overtaken by flavors of green apple, raisin, date, and pear. A slight astringency lends a bit of tartness to the dry finish. Bright and citrusy up front with almost grapefruit-like notes. Slight phenolic, plastic character. Mild alcohol note toward the end of the sip but for the most part smooth. Aftertaste is slight alcohol and diminishes quickly. High carbonation levels help hide the alcohol. Medium body, finishes medium dry. ” **Overall:** “Sweet up front but finishes dry. Malt or fruit sweetness are enjoyable but lack complexity. Some darker fruits in the back but grapefruit dominates. Alcohol is subdued and balanced while body seems light for the style. The very dry finish and a bit of astringency detract from the overall score.”

“Aroma is a little off, funky but in an unpleasant way. Pungent ester and spice in the aroma. Slightly rubbery. Thin mouthfeel, slightly alcoholic, strawberry-banana flavor in the back with damp earth-flavored hops and light spiced hop flavor.”

**Aroma:** “High phenolics with notes of pepper and floral notes. Lemon, orange, black pepper, hints of fruit, some spicy Saaz-like hops notes and faint graininess.” **Flavor:** “Crisp! This beer exhibits a lovely crispness that sticks with you as it goes down. Nice blend of banana and citrus esters balanced by carbonation and sharp hops bitterness. The aromatic promises are fully delivered: lemon on the back of the tongue and spices near the front. A dark rich sweetness reminis- cent of a dark honey. A touch more fully bodied than expected, but the beer is so crisp that it works.” **Overall:** “Light and fruity. The brewer displays a subtle hand with yeast man- agement. Though the initial appearance could have been clearer, the aroma gives way to a generous palate of flavors that, while simple, create a wonderful drinking experience. A classic tripel that departs from the norm and does it well.”