I was going to start by saying that this is one of my favourite beers from De Dolle, but a mental roll-call of the portfolio made me realise there isn’t one that is not a favourite. All different, but all so good.
The name translates as ‘Mad Bitch’, which is quite amusing when you learn the origin of the beer. Brewer Chris proudly proclaims that this beer was made for his wife, who is represented by the caricature on the label.
Just as well then that this is a fantastic beer. A Belgian Tripel by style, but quite unique among the gaggle of tripels Belgium offers.
It has quite a heavy body for a tripel, thanks to a big pale malt bill and the addition of pale candi sugar. There is also lots of Belgian yeast character, with banana, coriander and other peppery spice notes. The sweetness comes across as caramel malt, orange peel, brown sugar and a little stewed fruit.
There is a lot going on, and this is a big beer. But it hides the ABV dangerously well. A seriously good beer, from a seriously good (not to mention brave) brewer!