La Trappe Tripel

Brewed by De Koningshoeven (Bavaria - Netherlands)
Style: Abbey Tripel
Tilburg, Netherlands

My first La Trappe product, I cannot compare it to their other varities. That being said, I found the aroma to be spicy, alcoholic, and very enticing. Flavor was that of a very, very well crafted Triple, with just the right balance of malt, spice, and yeast. Had a noticable alcoholic kick, too, and of of the better aftertastes I’ve experienced within the style. I honestly don’t know what I would do different...very, very nice!

I notice some level of controversy in the ratings below, but I found i this beer delectable. Tasted at Chris & Jack’s Belgian Bar in Namur, Wisconsin, which is the place to stop for Belgians when you’re driving from Green Bay to Door County.

an example of how good dutch people can brew belgian strong ale (not as good as belgians but still)

A vintage 11.2 oz. bottle, exact year unknown. This is my first tasting of an aged beer, but I didn’t do the aging, it was a gift from the distributor’s sales rep. "Six or seven years old," he said, "Original recipe, with the x’s on it, we were just storing it in the office, and it’s probably reached it’s peak. Had the dubbel last night, nice and chocolately." So why give it to me? Is he gunning for the title of Coolest Sales Rep Ever? There’s actually a "best by" stamp, but it’s hard to read. "08:46 02 04"? Does it have another 10 months to go? I certainly don’t care, I’m drinking it now! Color: murky, peachy orange, with a few brown flecks nestled at the bottle of the glass. Head is white, ample, but short-lived. Aroma feels arcane and hoary, like something from seven centuries ago, not seven years. Deep with citrus and spice, but mellowed, too. I almost don’t want to drink it, and would keep this mysterious and lovely smell in my nose as long as it can last! Most akin to orange candy, glittered with spice. Taste? Delirious, and a trifle devastating. ABV is kicking a little from the start, but the light, but complex flavor is a bit overwhelming. Hops are in charge, and fandango along the tongue for a turn or two, never really quitting the spotlight. A certain tartness soon overtakes at the end, while sugar and spice continue to cameo. Sadly, at the very end, my initial excitement has worn off, as has the brews complexities. Mouthfeel is a bit thin, and the flavors have died down quite a bit. No doubt, my friend was right, and this bottle is in it’s final stages. In my last few swallows, a little extra something reaches the back of the mouth. Is it the yeast? I pour the entire contents of the bottle in, and down it all...fuller, darker, boozier, an excellent end. That was nice. But not earth-shattering. Maybe that other vintage bottle, the dubbel, will be different?

Smelled like wine but tasted phenominal. Probabley the best trappist tripel yet. Thanks to Deepak at Kingdom liquors in Brandon.

Close to my idea of perfection. This beer has a clear and beautiful orange body with a small off white head. It smells of sweet malts along with a whole bouquet of ripening fruits, slight ginger and citrus as well. The taste is a beautiful marriage of fruit, sweets, and spice. It begins with caramel and cinnamon, ends with spices and hints of bittersweet fruits. Medium fill to the plate, playfully fizzy with a wonderfully long warm finish. Stare into the fire and ponder the shaping of the world. Irresistible.

This triple pours a respectable full head that diminishes quickly, but leaves a creamy lace that maintains to the end (clinging slightly). Its tones are a rose gold with a hazy translucence. The aroma is of malt and caramel, with a distinctive freshness that hints of melon. An exceptional balance of sweet and bitter with a slightly dry finish. Not overwhelming and not boring.

Sour, cloudy, amber looking in my Chimay glass. Effervescent grapes in the nose following into the taste. For me, this is the perfect mix of their dubbel and their quad: nice fruitiness with a little extra kick.