Troubadour Magma Special Edition 2012 - Sorachi Ace
The Musketeers Brouwerijcafé

 

 

 

Dark amber colour, nice dense off-white head, aroma of caramel, hints of prunes, not as fruity as the regular magma
Very malty, some hops
Medium feel, a lot of alcohol

In all honesty, I really prefer the regular, more bitterness and better balance

1pt. 9.4oz. - caged and corked brown bottle

Troubadour Magma Special Edition 2012 - Sorachi Ace changed the color of my tulip glass to a cloudy light amber hue. The head was nice looking, bubbly and off-white 2-fingers in height. Fine carbonation bubbles rushed to the top. The head had good retention and reduced to a collar of foam. The nose is a little lighter than anticipated. The first scent noticed was of sweet malt, lemon and a little yeast/bready. The flavor follows the nose but is stronger with a definite [medium] hop bitterness at the finish. The Ale is medium bodied with a light slick, and sticky mouth feel. The carbonation is medium-high.

Magma Special Edition 2012 [Belgian Triple IPA] is correctly classified as an Belgian IPA and not a Triple. The Ale is fruity like a Triple, however, has the bitterness of an IPA.

 

Never resting on their laurels, the Muskateers brewers engage the spicy, herbal, winey and juniper-like character found in the 'Sorachi Ace' hops to sculpt a strong beer that's restrained in robust character but is complex and drinkable. Well done brewers. Well done!

Its dark honey austere simply exudes a richer taste, but its billowing pillow of froth suggest something of more light fare. Once the nose hovers, fruity sweetness captivate the senses with candied apple, plum, berry and grape. But with that first sip, its candied effect hits home! Honey and cooked sugars lay on the tongue with a sultry and surly intrigue.

Flavors seem to duel out on the middle of the palate, seemingly sweet with steely caramel and hard candy in one sip, and then toasty and nutty the next. Once the vinous and hoppy notions latch on, the beer eventually achieves balance; taking on herbal tea, peppercorn, juniper and tart white grape. Its ester and phenol balance finishes the taste with white pepper and orange peel.

Though medium-full through the bulk of the session, the beer's fortified alcohol warmth adds spice to the soul and adds a much needed spice to the beer's overall balance. Aftertaste of fruit and vinous spice are long, warm and sweet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pours a cloudy, orange/copper color. 1/3 inch head of a white color. Great retention and great lacing. Smells of alcohol, sweet malt, slight caramel malt, hint of hop, hint of spice, and a hint of pale malt. Fits the style of a Belgian IPA. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of slight alcohol, sweet malt, hint of pale malt, hint of wheat, and slight spice. Overall, slightly muted body, but great aroma and blend.