Additional notes 11/11/22 (pictured)

It’s so funny to look back at notes form twenty odd years previously. Not much has ever changed about the quinessential Tripel in the world for me. Drinkability, excellence and sheer pleasure rule, with all of the attributes that a classic Tripel description holds (white pepper, moderate spice, alcohol presence etc.), all wrapped up in that creamy Westmalle mouthfeel.

Original notes 12/11/04

I was extremely surprised by this beer, not by the quality or the general excellence – that reputation had gone before it – but by the drinkability and the creaminess. I wasn’t expecting such a drinkable beer considering the style and the ABV.

Some spice in the aroma and initial tastes that fades quickly to give way to a class ale. Lots of creaminess and retention in the head with significant lacing in the Westmalle chalice (thanks to meathookjones for the glass AND the beer).

There’s a complexity to the flavors here that is not overwhelming, unlike for example, I find Orval to have. I found that I had time to distinguish each different part of the beer before the next became apparent.

Unusually excellent mouthfeel and a crisp, dry finish completes the picture against the back drop of cream.