Tallgrass Brewing Company Velvet Rooster

**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.”

“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: “Raspberry character is strong and jammy. Slightly tart with hints of floral hops and only a touch of grain.” Flavor: “More raspberry. Slight moderate sweetness into slight acidity and very low bitterness. Well-balanced with a nice interplay of malt, fruit, and clean hops. Finish is pleasantly dry and crisp with a smack of tart. The quality of the raspberry flavor is fantastic—natural, deep, and nuanced.” Overall: “The raspberry is pleasant and noticeable but not over the top or cloyingly sweet. A bit thin, but a nice, easy-drinking summer beer for someone who doesn’t want something heavy-handed. It avoided the cliché of sweet fruit beer and almost shifts a bit too far to the opposite end of the spectrum, where you find yourself wanting a touch more sweetness.”