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Phantom Limb
Bellwoods Brewery
Definitely on the lighter end of the Tripel style, Phantom Limb is the perfect marriage between the subtle bitterness of a pale ale, and the dryness of a Belgian Tripel. Floral aromatics, notes of dried apricot, and a slightly spicy finish.
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Ratings by biegaman:
Reviewed by biegaman from Canada (ON)
4.04/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
4.04/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Tripel is a style credited to monastic monks and is fittingly always expected to pour with a puffy head that simulates the clouds of the heavens. Phantom Limb, despite its gloomy name, does indeed possess the virgin white foam, pure complexion and angelic golden radiance to fit that celestial bill.
Another requisite of the style is an aroma fueled by a yeast abundantly generous with esters and phenols. It's fair to expect fruits and spices galore and, indeed, this delivers the goods. Lavish notes of apricot, nectarine, peach, and plum are doused in citrus juice and dashed with fragrant ginger-y spice.
That acre worth of orchard fruits and the lemonade stand situated on it are also present on the palate. The alcohol (a reasonable 8%) is far more evident than it should be but does have to compete with pleasant tastes of bubblegum, orange rind, creamy malt and a mix of spices. We'll call it a wash.
My test for Phantom Limb was whether or not it'd prove worthy of being drunk out of my Westmalle chalice (nevermind comparing it to the beer itself, that's arguably the highest standard there is). Final verdict? Hell yes. This fruitier, fresher, more summery take on the style definitely works for me...
Mind you, this different take on the style, this added 'zingy' dimension, won't be for everyone. In fact, the first time I tried it I was not so impressed. But that was before I learned the emphasis on citrus and hops was intentional. While Phantom Limb may fit the classic Abbaye tripel profile where it ultimately counts, it's obviously meant to be its own beer.
Consider this: I don't think Bellwoods has ever brewed a bad beer (and I've tried a considerable amount, going back to their first batches). That's not to say that I, personally, liked every one of their beers, but I can't recall a single off bottle or substandard recipe. Even those offerings I wasn't crazy about had no shortage of others that were. Orthodox or not, anything by these guys is a safe bet.
Mar 12, 2015Another requisite of the style is an aroma fueled by a yeast abundantly generous with esters and phenols. It's fair to expect fruits and spices galore and, indeed, this delivers the goods. Lavish notes of apricot, nectarine, peach, and plum are doused in citrus juice and dashed with fragrant ginger-y spice.
That acre worth of orchard fruits and the lemonade stand situated on it are also present on the palate. The alcohol (a reasonable 8%) is far more evident than it should be but does have to compete with pleasant tastes of bubblegum, orange rind, creamy malt and a mix of spices. We'll call it a wash.
My test for Phantom Limb was whether or not it'd prove worthy of being drunk out of my Westmalle chalice (nevermind comparing it to the beer itself, that's arguably the highest standard there is). Final verdict? Hell yes. This fruitier, fresher, more summery take on the style definitely works for me...
Mind you, this different take on the style, this added 'zingy' dimension, won't be for everyone. In fact, the first time I tried it I was not so impressed. But that was before I learned the emphasis on citrus and hops was intentional. While Phantom Limb may fit the classic Abbaye tripel profile where it ultimately counts, it's obviously meant to be its own beer.
Consider this: I don't think Bellwoods has ever brewed a bad beer (and I've tried a considerable amount, going back to their first batches). That's not to say that I, personally, liked every one of their beers, but I can't recall a single off bottle or substandard recipe. Even those offerings I wasn't crazy about had no shortage of others that were. Orthodox or not, anything by these guys is a safe bet.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by andrenaline from Canada (ON)
4.15/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.15/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Stoked to have the opportunity to share this brew with my buddy who visited the brewery. Nose is tart and spicy with hints of banana and leafy hops. Bright and vibrant on the tongue, dried apricots and candied apple notes with hints of grassy hops. A solid triple with loads of flavour and a great representation of the style.
Aug 22, 2015Reviewed by peensteen from Canada (ON)
4.07/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.07/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Hazy radiant golden orange colour, just over a finger of white head, some lace. Smell is distinctly belgian yeast, spicy and phenolic, banana and tropical fruit, fairly hop forward as well. Taste is spicy and earthy before giving way to fruity green apple and tropical fruit with just a bit of banana detected, moderate bitterness with a light mid palate sweetness, finishes yeasty with a bit of hops in the aftertaste. Medium carbonation, medium body and lightly creamy. A solid Tripel, well executed and easily drinkable, can certainly hang with some of its Belgian counterparts.
Feb 26, 2015
Phantom Limb from Bellwoods Brewery
Beer rating:
89 out of
100 with
30 ratings
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