This beer from Brouwerij St Bernardus is a traditional abbey ale, brewed in the classic ‘tripel’ style. It is an orange to pale amber colour, almost iridescent. Capped by a rocky snow white head, it lasts through the beer leading to impressive lacing on the glass.
The smell urges you on, with citrus and floral notes backed by the typical Belgian yeasty aromas, along with cloves and other soft spices.
The flavour is at once pleasant, and very light in the mouth for a beer of this strength. The clever taste combination suggests vanilla, citrus fruits, grassy notes and cookies. The hop bitterness is not strong, but does enough to cut through the sweet flavours.
It expertly melds the best of sweet and sour, leaving a slightly dry finish which encourages another taste. A beer that deserves its place among many people’s favourite tripels.