Friday, January 22, 2010

Try This Beer

Westmalle Tripel

I can't think of a better way to start off the weekend than with a strong Trappist ale. This week started off with snow and cold here in New England. But drinking this wonderful tripel makes all that bad weather just disappear.

This ale pours out with an aggressive carbonation at first, due to it's secondary fermentation in the bottle. The tiny bubbles race to the top of this golden ale to form a thick, dense, creamy head. The aroma is of light fruit and subtle hop. On the first sip all I can think about is the wonderful champagne-like sensation. It is crisp and tingly, but then gives way to a great full bodied mouthfeel. A burst of alcohol, and then a complex dance of fruit, yeast, and hops linger on the palate. This beer would pair well with a fine aged gouda, some slices of pear, and a warm crackling fire.

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