Mike's Beer of the Week

Beer Information

Brewery: Duvel (Belgium)
Beer Name: Tripel Hop

Beer Style: Belgian IPA
Abv.: 9.5%

Serving Glassware: Tulip, Chalice, Over-sized Wine Glass
Serving Temp.: 40-45 deg. F. (BeerAdvocate.com)

Local Availability: Table and Vine (Limited Release!)

Pairings: Salad, Shrimp, Lobster, Cheese, Chicken



http://www.theperfectlyhappyman.com/

Mike's Ratings (1-5)

Overall Grade/Rate: A/4.35

Appearance: 4.5

Aroma: 4

Taste: 4.5

Mouthfeel: 4

Drinkability: 4.5

BeerAdvocate Avg. Rate: A-/4.23

Mike's Description

Poured into a Tulip Glass.

Appearance - True to the tag's word, refermentation within the bottle is obvious. Pours about 5 inches of head that settles at around 2 inches of fluffy white whipped-cream-like bubbles. Strong head retention with a plethora of lacings. The beer itself is a bright golden/yellowish tint that can't be seen through due to the multitude of spices floating within it.

Aroma - Strong floral notes with sweeter citrusy profile. The large amount of head effectively traps the aromas for the length of the session.

Taste - Prevalent floral and citrusy character with slight hop bitterness. This beer is more sweet than bitter which I am grateful for because too much of a hop taste would overshadow the complex belgian spice and yeast flavors. Extremely smooth beer with no alcohol detectable despite the high abv. and lower hop bitterness.

Mouthfeel - Seems like a full-bodied beer, but it is so smooth that it may pass as a lighter-bodied brew. Pleasant hoppy aftertaste.

Drinkability - Overall I highly recommend this beer despite its steep price (~$20) as a special occasion beer. Easter was my excuse.