Dulle Teve (Mad Bitch)
Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Belgian Tripel
Ranked #9 - ABV:
- 10%
- Score:
- 93
Ranked #1,985 - Avg:
- 4.18 | pDev: 9.57%
- Reviews:
- 466
- Ratings:
- From:
- Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
- Belgium
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 71
- Gots
- 81
SCORE
93
Outstanding
93
Outstanding
Notes:
Reviews: 466
| Ratings: 888
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4.35/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from bottle into tulip, massive 4 finger off white head, epic retention and lacing. Hazy dark golden in the glass, some sediment floating around (I was rough on bottle, leaked in bag on the way home from store, was sure this was ruined). Smells of belgian esters, floral and lemon with a slight underlying funk. Taste is initially sweet malt, candi sugar, raisins, floral, warming spice, pear man lots going on here. Very good tripel, not your run off the mill one note job. This is a very enjoyable tripel.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from bottle into tulip, massive 4 finger off white head, epic retention and lacing. Hazy dark golden in the glass, some sediment floating around (I was rough on bottle, leaked in bag on the way home from store, was sure this was ruined). Smells of belgian esters, floral and lemon with a slight underlying funk. Taste is initially sweet malt, candi sugar, raisins, floral, warming spice, pear man lots going on here. Very good tripel, not your run off the mill one note job. This is a very enjoyable tripel.
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4.23/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
H... h....
Ho...
How...
How on earth have I not reviewed this?
It was never anymore rare than the other De Dolle beers. Which is to say, it's gotten harder to find stateside in the past several years, but if you were fortunate enough to live in an area where a distributor or two cared about Belgians pre-2010 or so, it could have been had at a price that at the time seemed high but now would cost about as much as an upstart blueberry NEIPA. So, erm, I guess I never felt much urgency to write a review. And I also always kinda assumed I already did.
The pour is dark for a tripel. It's fizzy, but not over carbed the way some otherwise good Belgians are. A very regular pour for the style.
The aroma is a nice, deep sweetness: nectar, flowers, yeast. It's not super complex, but it's balanced and interesting.
Flavor is very good, borderline great. The aforementioned floral sweetness of the aroma shines through up front, and if the beer had progressed along those lines it'd be be near-perfect. Alas, it melts down into a more alcoholic brew typical of a other tripels--which isn't to say it's not very good, just that it's not other-worldly. It's still pretty darn well balanced. Fruity in the middle, light alcohol burn on the back, and then some grain and yeast complimenting the fruit on the finish.
I think of this more like a very sweet Belgian Dark than a tripel. At any rate, it's a weird iteration of both styles, and pretty darn good no matter how you approach it. Not world-crushing, but certainly worth the 5 bucks I paid for a 12 ounce bottle.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
H... h....
Ho...
How...
How on earth have I not reviewed this?
It was never anymore rare than the other De Dolle beers. Which is to say, it's gotten harder to find stateside in the past several years, but if you were fortunate enough to live in an area where a distributor or two cared about Belgians pre-2010 or so, it could have been had at a price that at the time seemed high but now would cost about as much as an upstart blueberry NEIPA. So, erm, I guess I never felt much urgency to write a review. And I also always kinda assumed I already did.
The pour is dark for a tripel. It's fizzy, but not over carbed the way some otherwise good Belgians are. A very regular pour for the style.
The aroma is a nice, deep sweetness: nectar, flowers, yeast. It's not super complex, but it's balanced and interesting.
Flavor is very good, borderline great. The aforementioned floral sweetness of the aroma shines through up front, and if the beer had progressed along those lines it'd be be near-perfect. Alas, it melts down into a more alcoholic brew typical of a other tripels--which isn't to say it's not very good, just that it's not other-worldly. It's still pretty darn well balanced. Fruity in the middle, light alcohol burn on the back, and then some grain and yeast complimenting the fruit on the finish.
I think of this more like a very sweet Belgian Dark than a tripel. At any rate, it's a weird iteration of both styles, and pretty darn good no matter how you approach it. Not world-crushing, but certainly worth the 5 bucks I paid for a 12 ounce bottle.
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4.56/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Spot on saison! Good dark golden yellow (good color). Smells like a saison and wraps the nose in aroma and not too fresh. First sip is frothy and sweet but also has the earthy taste of the saison. Is it spring? Or is it in this glass? The bouquet is great and it is definitely a great beer with a story to tell.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Spot on saison! Good dark golden yellow (good color). Smells like a saison and wraps the nose in aroma and not too fresh. First sip is frothy and sweet but also has the earthy taste of the saison. Is it spring? Or is it in this glass? The bouquet is great and it is definitely a great beer with a story to tell.
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4.34/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Murky yellow hue.
Bright white head; decent lace.
Clove, peach & banana nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Fresh apples, hint of vinegar, peach & mild clove. A touch of cinnamon bite on the lips.
Tons of flavor to enjoy here.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Murky yellow hue.
Bright white head; decent lace.
Clove, peach & banana nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Fresh apples, hint of vinegar, peach & mild clove. A touch of cinnamon bite on the lips.
Tons of flavor to enjoy here.
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4.15/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bottled in June 2016
Pours a cloudy brownish orange with noticeable specks of sediment floating in the glass; around a finger of white foam quickly recedes to a thick, persistent collar (poured just a shade above fridge temperature, as advised by both the store clerk selling me the bottle and the numerous reports warning of carbonation overflow) that lasts to the finish.
Aromas of flambéed orange peel, yeasty bread crusts, holiday baking spices, sweet apple, and pear; good mixture of fruit and spice here, all in harmony with a certain herbal undertone vaguely informing parts of the bouquet as a whole.
Tastes of yeasty spice with some light herbal/floral undertones upfront, soon giving way to sweet fruit with yeasty spice undertones carrying over and integrating smoothly; pear, apple, burnt orange peel, followed by baking spice and hints of oaky toffee on the back end.
Mouthfeel sits so smoothly on the palate, with a slight grit and crispy, yeasty carbonation bolstering a refreshing robustness; relatively light-bodied, but the carbonation plays a nice role in balancing things out; this all comes together excellently to create something both easy-drinking and complex on the palate.
Great tripel hovering on the sweeter side while toying with the grittier aspects of the yeastiness so prevalent in the profile. Even then, the fruitier tones make this feel different, and as well-executed as it is (along with that incredibly approachable mouthfeel), there isn’t a ton to complain about. This really shines as a lighter-feeling tripel that backs itself with no shortage of flavor.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bottled in June 2016
Pours a cloudy brownish orange with noticeable specks of sediment floating in the glass; around a finger of white foam quickly recedes to a thick, persistent collar (poured just a shade above fridge temperature, as advised by both the store clerk selling me the bottle and the numerous reports warning of carbonation overflow) that lasts to the finish.
Aromas of flambéed orange peel, yeasty bread crusts, holiday baking spices, sweet apple, and pear; good mixture of fruit and spice here, all in harmony with a certain herbal undertone vaguely informing parts of the bouquet as a whole.
Tastes of yeasty spice with some light herbal/floral undertones upfront, soon giving way to sweet fruit with yeasty spice undertones carrying over and integrating smoothly; pear, apple, burnt orange peel, followed by baking spice and hints of oaky toffee on the back end.
Mouthfeel sits so smoothly on the palate, with a slight grit and crispy, yeasty carbonation bolstering a refreshing robustness; relatively light-bodied, but the carbonation plays a nice role in balancing things out; this all comes together excellently to create something both easy-drinking and complex on the palate.
Great tripel hovering on the sweeter side while toying with the grittier aspects of the yeastiness so prevalent in the profile. Even then, the fruitier tones make this feel different, and as well-executed as it is (along with that incredibly approachable mouthfeel), there isn’t a ton to complain about. This really shines as a lighter-feeling tripel that backs itself with no shortage of flavor.
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4.35/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle into a tulip glass.
Beautiful foamy white head with great lacing atop a murky brownish yellow body. Sweet and fruit smell and taste. Pears and sweet apples with graham crackers and some saison pepper notes. Very good with food. Will get again.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle into a tulip glass.
Beautiful foamy white head with great lacing atop a murky brownish yellow body. Sweet and fruit smell and taste. Pears and sweet apples with graham crackers and some saison pepper notes. Very good with food. Will get again.
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4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
Beer is very fizzy-- in fact, the beer I am reviewing erupted when I opened the cap off the bottle, and roughly half of the beer got wasted-- and even then still poured with a 3/4" head from half a bottle! Beer is very carbonated for sure.
Pears, yeast, spice, apricot are all flavors that come out in the mouthful. Spice ends the mouthful with black pepper lingering. Overall it seems spicy for a Tripel.
I am a little disappointed with this beer, I heard so much about it, but from what I can tell, there are a few Tripels that are just as good. More importantly, for much less money-- a 12oz bottle from the liquor store was $6.49-- that is a bit steep, even for a world-class beer and much more so for an okay beer.
**Edited**
I tried the 2nd bottle I purchased, and once again as soon as I opened it, it violently erupted like a shook up bottle of champagne, leaving only half of the beer and a shitload of foam-- I've never had a beer do this to me, and that's several different beers I have tried too. However, the beer that remained, was very tasty, in fact more so than the previous beer I had. I am adjusting Taste and Overall just because of this-- now if they can just work on keeping most of the beer in the bottle this might be a winner of a Tripel.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
Beer is very fizzy-- in fact, the beer I am reviewing erupted when I opened the cap off the bottle, and roughly half of the beer got wasted-- and even then still poured with a 3/4" head from half a bottle! Beer is very carbonated for sure.
Pears, yeast, spice, apricot are all flavors that come out in the mouthful. Spice ends the mouthful with black pepper lingering. Overall it seems spicy for a Tripel.
I am a little disappointed with this beer, I heard so much about it, but from what I can tell, there are a few Tripels that are just as good. More importantly, for much less money-- a 12oz bottle from the liquor store was $6.49-- that is a bit steep, even for a world-class beer and much more so for an okay beer.
**Edited**
I tried the 2nd bottle I purchased, and once again as soon as I opened it, it violently erupted like a shook up bottle of champagne, leaving only half of the beer and a shitload of foam-- I've never had a beer do this to me, and that's several different beers I have tried too. However, the beer that remained, was very tasty, in fact more so than the previous beer I had. I am adjusting Taste and Overall just because of this-- now if they can just work on keeping most of the beer in the bottle this might be a winner of a Tripel.
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4.23/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Caitlin and I made a quick stop into Gollem in Antwerp on 29SEP18. I had a 0.33l bottle of this to lead off, at a cost of €6.10.
My small chalice held a deep golden brew, which was clear until I swirled in the yeasties from the bottle. Had minimal carbo, and a fluffy, white head with good lace. Had a nice, fruity nose, with some pear, green apple and a hint of honey. It was a medium-bodied brew, with a fairly smooth feel.
Taste had decent sweetness, with light crackery action and a touch of breadyness. Like the aroma, there was green apple, pear and a smidge of spiciness. The finish was on the dry side, with the green fruit lingering somewhat. Solid!! Prosit!
4.23/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2035
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Caitlin and I made a quick stop into Gollem in Antwerp on 29SEP18. I had a 0.33l bottle of this to lead off, at a cost of €6.10.
My small chalice held a deep golden brew, which was clear until I swirled in the yeasties from the bottle. Had minimal carbo, and a fluffy, white head with good lace. Had a nice, fruity nose, with some pear, green apple and a hint of honey. It was a medium-bodied brew, with a fairly smooth feel.
Taste had decent sweetness, with light crackery action and a touch of breadyness. Like the aroma, there was green apple, pear and a smidge of spiciness. The finish was on the dry side, with the green fruit lingering somewhat. Solid!! Prosit!
4.23/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2035
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3.58/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Pours a golden to amber color with a huge, stable white head.
Smells of dried orange peel, black peppers, cinnamon and campfire. Offers a fruity note of unripe bananas, together with rich wheat and sun dried leaves.
Has a medium mouthfeel with a biting, alcoholic finish, toned down by an effervescent finish and a lasting, subtle dryness.
Tastes utmost peppery from its beginning, getting amped up by a bitter, herbal blend of cardamom and old hops, balanced by lots of hay, white bread dough and rock sugar. Turns even heavier on the peppers then, strenghtened by toffee malts and fermented plums, producing just a subtle sour whiff. Finishes with a warming bite, which is a little distracting, as it produces a harsh alcoholic appearance, covered up by the spicy yeast, straw and sugars. Has a lighter, pleasant aftertaste, freed of the booze, leaden by hops and wheat instead.
Pretty unique flavor profile, which, by accident or on purpose, pushes just a bit too far to be completely enjoyable.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Pours a golden to amber color with a huge, stable white head.
Smells of dried orange peel, black peppers, cinnamon and campfire. Offers a fruity note of unripe bananas, together with rich wheat and sun dried leaves.
Has a medium mouthfeel with a biting, alcoholic finish, toned down by an effervescent finish and a lasting, subtle dryness.
Tastes utmost peppery from its beginning, getting amped up by a bitter, herbal blend of cardamom and old hops, balanced by lots of hay, white bread dough and rock sugar. Turns even heavier on the peppers then, strenghtened by toffee malts and fermented plums, producing just a subtle sour whiff. Finishes with a warming bite, which is a little distracting, as it produces a harsh alcoholic appearance, covered up by the spicy yeast, straw and sugars. Has a lighter, pleasant aftertaste, freed of the booze, leaden by hops and wheat instead.
Pretty unique flavor profile, which, by accident or on purpose, pushes just a bit too far to be completely enjoyable.
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4.5/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Poured into a tulip glass to a light golden orange topped by a dense and rocky three finger white head which retains well and leaves decent lacing.
S: Smells of fruity esters and spice with some apples and honey.
T: Taste is orchard fruits and apples with some nice spicy yeast notes, honey sweetness and a lot more fruity esters. On the finish there's more honey sweetness and orchard fruits with some more spice.
M: This beer is one the heavier side of medium with some a little slickness to it. Carbonation is slightly prickly and effervescent while the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this one is very impressive. Great flavors and complexity while bringing everything that I expect from a Tripel. Definitely one that exemplifies the style well. It's definitely worth a try if you enjoy the style.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Poured into a tulip glass to a light golden orange topped by a dense and rocky three finger white head which retains well and leaves decent lacing.
S: Smells of fruity esters and spice with some apples and honey.
T: Taste is orchard fruits and apples with some nice spicy yeast notes, honey sweetness and a lot more fruity esters. On the finish there's more honey sweetness and orchard fruits with some more spice.
M: This beer is one the heavier side of medium with some a little slickness to it. Carbonation is slightly prickly and effervescent while the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this one is very impressive. Great flavors and complexity while bringing everything that I expect from a Tripel. Definitely one that exemplifies the style well. It's definitely worth a try if you enjoy the style.
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4.25/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottled April 2016.
Gentle pour from 330ml Btl into teku, leaving some sediment behind
Aroma is Dark fruit, raisin plum, clove, brown sugar, slight green banana, and faint orange zest.
No oxidation
Appearance is Murky opaque burnt orange
Full 3 finger fluffy foam off white head with great retention, dissipates slowly
Taste leans to the spicy elements of the aroma, some Earthy hops, malt breadiness, slight liqueur soaked banana bread
Body is med+, Dry but not crisp, Med carb, Med Bitterness
A rich beer with great body, creamy and dry all at once, and Tastefully boozy. A treat for sure.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottled April 2016.
Gentle pour from 330ml Btl into teku, leaving some sediment behind
Aroma is Dark fruit, raisin plum, clove, brown sugar, slight green banana, and faint orange zest.
No oxidation
Appearance is Murky opaque burnt orange
Full 3 finger fluffy foam off white head with great retention, dissipates slowly
Taste leans to the spicy elements of the aroma, some Earthy hops, malt breadiness, slight liqueur soaked banana bread
Body is med+, Dry but not crisp, Med carb, Med Bitterness
A rich beer with great body, creamy and dry all at once, and Tastefully boozy. A treat for sure.
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4.28/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
330 ml bottle, Beer Merchants, Manchester - Pours cloudy golden with a medium white foamy head. Medium carbonation. Nice lacing. Aroma - Burnt sugar , caramel, bready fruit esters, sour notes. Taste - Sweet, burnt sugar, bready notes, malty overtones, slight sour feel, dark stoned fruits, dry bitter finish with a nice touch of lingering alcoholic warmth. Great well balanced tripel.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
330 ml bottle, Beer Merchants, Manchester - Pours cloudy golden with a medium white foamy head. Medium carbonation. Nice lacing. Aroma - Burnt sugar , caramel, bready fruit esters, sour notes. Taste - Sweet, burnt sugar, bready notes, malty overtones, slight sour feel, dark stoned fruits, dry bitter finish with a nice touch of lingering alcoholic warmth. Great well balanced tripel.
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4.04/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A: Foamy and somewhat rocky 3 finger head, beautiful, cloudy golden body
S: White grape all down the line, dominates the nose with hints of estery belgian yeast, subtle hints of lemon zest as well very nice
T: Follows the nose mostly, thought it is much more malt heavy than the nose would lead you to believe and much more hop forward and bitter than the nose would have you believe, there is a definite herbal bitterness here that is very pleasant, it, along with the strong malt body helps balance out the heavy white grape notes (which are excellent but are aided by the supplementary notes mentioned)
M: Dry and crisp but full bodied
O: Excellent, the first tripel I have had in a long time that I will revisit, not that I don’t like tripels but outside of the classics (and even then) I rarely have them, seek them out or try them
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look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A: Foamy and somewhat rocky 3 finger head, beautiful, cloudy golden body
S: White grape all down the line, dominates the nose with hints of estery belgian yeast, subtle hints of lemon zest as well very nice
T: Follows the nose mostly, thought it is much more malt heavy than the nose would lead you to believe and much more hop forward and bitter than the nose would have you believe, there is a definite herbal bitterness here that is very pleasant, it, along with the strong malt body helps balance out the heavy white grape notes (which are excellent but are aided by the supplementary notes mentioned)
M: Dry and crisp but full bodied
O: Excellent, the first tripel I have had in a long time that I will revisit, not that I don’t like tripels but outside of the classics (and even then) I rarely have them, seek them out or try them
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4.06/5 rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This is a Tripel coming in at 10%. Poured from fridge temp and allowed to warm over 30 minutes. Pours a beautiful orange with a massive amount of head. I poured like a Belgian, which then required about 5 minutes for the head to calm down. Nose is incredible, with strong notes of pine, grapefruit, vanilla, funk, sour patch kid. Taste is amazing. Really smooth citrus and pine notes. This is so well balanced. Almost no bitterness, although the funky notes have a slight bitter finish. Definitely getting some raisin and fig on the taste, along with some nice earthy notes. Mouthfeel is fairly dry, and the alcohol is almost not detectable. Overall, a fantastic beer for the style.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This is a Tripel coming in at 10%. Poured from fridge temp and allowed to warm over 30 minutes. Pours a beautiful orange with a massive amount of head. I poured like a Belgian, which then required about 5 minutes for the head to calm down. Nose is incredible, with strong notes of pine, grapefruit, vanilla, funk, sour patch kid. Taste is amazing. Really smooth citrus and pine notes. This is so well balanced. Almost no bitterness, although the funky notes have a slight bitter finish. Definitely getting some raisin and fig on the taste, along with some nice earthy notes. Mouthfeel is fairly dry, and the alcohol is almost not detectable. Overall, a fantastic beer for the style.
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4.12/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Classic gold color, nice foamy head. Lots of traditional tripel / phenol flavors on the nose and tongue - banana cream, Belgian yeast, hard candy sugar...thick on the tongue, a bit oily
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look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Classic gold color, nice foamy head. Lots of traditional tripel / phenol flavors on the nose and tongue - banana cream, Belgian yeast, hard candy sugar...thick on the tongue, a bit oily
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3.88/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
A 330ml bottle with a BB of Oct 2011, so this is well out of date. Purchased ages ago from Etre Gourmet and stashed away in a cupboard. I'm hoping the strength has had a preservative effect - lets give the Mad Bitch a go!
A: Poured into a chalice. Bottle conditioned. A deep orange-amber hue with intense carbonation and tons of chunky floating sediment. Produces a large head of creamy white foam with good retention; this slowly reduces to a persistent surface layer. Some lacing.
S: Aroma of rich fruity yeast with hints of phenolics, subtle dried fruit, apples, spice, sugar, earthiness, mild sherry and caramel malt. More than a touch of oxidation lurks in the background. Surprisingly good for its age.
T: Tastes of sweet, fruity yeast esters with notes of figs, raisins, dried fruit, apples, spice, phenolics, sugar, earthiness, caramel malt, subtle sherry and faint stewed leaves. A hint of oxidation and cardboard in the background; the booze is very well hidden. Possesses a lingering sweetness, followed by earthy yeast and a mild bitterness upon swallowing.
M: Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and dry, with lively carbonation and good body. Quite astringent; dries the palate. Aftertaste of fruity yeast esters, dried fruit, apples, malt and earthiness.
O: An interesting and complex tripel. Looks alright (if yeasty), while the aroma and flavour are a rich blend of fruity esters, dried fruit, malt and earthiness. Some oxidation is discernible but this doesn't derail the character too much. Nice body - smooth but not overly thick. While I suspect this is a bit too old, it has aged quite nicely. Perhaps I shall review a fresher version in the future. A big beer that is well worth sampling.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
A 330ml bottle with a BB of Oct 2011, so this is well out of date. Purchased ages ago from Etre Gourmet and stashed away in a cupboard. I'm hoping the strength has had a preservative effect - lets give the Mad Bitch a go!
A: Poured into a chalice. Bottle conditioned. A deep orange-amber hue with intense carbonation and tons of chunky floating sediment. Produces a large head of creamy white foam with good retention; this slowly reduces to a persistent surface layer. Some lacing.
S: Aroma of rich fruity yeast with hints of phenolics, subtle dried fruit, apples, spice, sugar, earthiness, mild sherry and caramel malt. More than a touch of oxidation lurks in the background. Surprisingly good for its age.
T: Tastes of sweet, fruity yeast esters with notes of figs, raisins, dried fruit, apples, spice, phenolics, sugar, earthiness, caramel malt, subtle sherry and faint stewed leaves. A hint of oxidation and cardboard in the background; the booze is very well hidden. Possesses a lingering sweetness, followed by earthy yeast and a mild bitterness upon swallowing.
M: Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and dry, with lively carbonation and good body. Quite astringent; dries the palate. Aftertaste of fruity yeast esters, dried fruit, apples, malt and earthiness.
O: An interesting and complex tripel. Looks alright (if yeasty), while the aroma and flavour are a rich blend of fruity esters, dried fruit, malt and earthiness. Some oxidation is discernible but this doesn't derail the character too much. Nice body - smooth but not overly thick. While I suspect this is a bit too old, it has aged quite nicely. Perhaps I shall review a fresher version in the future. A big beer that is well worth sampling.
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4.5/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Cloudy orange gold color. Medium,really fine carbonation which helps produce a great full deep feel. Aroma is complex like the taste with so many different sides to it. It is a truly amazing tripel,sweet, spice,yeast,dried fruit, a decent hop element,and even more layers as it warms. I am a huge tripel fan and this is a unique,amazing representatation of the style
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Cloudy orange gold color. Medium,really fine carbonation which helps produce a great full deep feel. Aroma is complex like the taste with so many different sides to it. It is a truly amazing tripel,sweet, spice,yeast,dried fruit, a decent hop element,and even more layers as it warms. I am a huge tripel fan and this is a unique,amazing representatation of the style
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4.29/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A huge yellowish moose forms above an almost clear honey amber beer. Meanwhile, tiny columns of carbonation ensure the head never fades. Puffy rings of lace cling to the Antiek snifter. Initially, the yeast was left in the bottle.
Distinct apple cider lends light tartness. Floral perfume yields to sweet lemon. Slight warmth brings out unmistakable lemon meringue pie.
Initially bold, the flavor becomes an assortment of subtle touches, including lemon, horse blanket, orange, pear, and herbal notes. The finish is mild and lingering, bringing out coriander. There is a balance of mild sweetness, bitterness and tartness.
This beer has a full, silky body with fine scrubbing carbonation. Alcohol is as expected but not hot.
This beer would serve well for relaxing or celebration, as it has lots of character and layers. The addition of yeast added chunks, while darkening the color to a ruddy orange. The aroma and flavor became earthy. This beer is clearly better with the yeast left in the bottle.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A huge yellowish moose forms above an almost clear honey amber beer. Meanwhile, tiny columns of carbonation ensure the head never fades. Puffy rings of lace cling to the Antiek snifter. Initially, the yeast was left in the bottle.
Distinct apple cider lends light tartness. Floral perfume yields to sweet lemon. Slight warmth brings out unmistakable lemon meringue pie.
Initially bold, the flavor becomes an assortment of subtle touches, including lemon, horse blanket, orange, pear, and herbal notes. The finish is mild and lingering, bringing out coriander. There is a balance of mild sweetness, bitterness and tartness.
This beer has a full, silky body with fine scrubbing carbonation. Alcohol is as expected but not hot.
This beer would serve well for relaxing or celebration, as it has lots of character and layers. The addition of yeast added chunks, while darkening the color to a ruddy orange. The aroma and flavor became earthy. This beer is clearly better with the yeast left in the bottle.
1,004 characters
4.47/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This mad bitch of a beer is in the upper reaches of all triple beers.
A) Open carefully as it's sure to over spill the precious brew. When poured forms a rocky lasting, seemingly alive head of off white meringue, over a clod-filled sediment shrouded golden orange body. Sticks & laces.
S): Orchard side apple peels, and cider press with lemon grass and wet earthiness. Floral hops, sweeter hop oil, and flower store atmosphere. (humid and perfumed but attenuated, not cloying)
T) Follows the complex flower store aroma. Fruit flavors of melon, overripe tangerines with their perfume balanced by the sweet spicy alcohol that warms. Spice in play: cinnamon, anise, black pepper and bitter greens. Keeps a good acute see saw from sweet to dry.
BIG! Rare. Worth the $7 price.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This mad bitch of a beer is in the upper reaches of all triple beers.
A) Open carefully as it's sure to over spill the precious brew. When poured forms a rocky lasting, seemingly alive head of off white meringue, over a clod-filled sediment shrouded golden orange body. Sticks & laces.
S): Orchard side apple peels, and cider press with lemon grass and wet earthiness. Floral hops, sweeter hop oil, and flower store atmosphere. (humid and perfumed but attenuated, not cloying)
T) Follows the complex flower store aroma. Fruit flavors of melon, overripe tangerines with their perfume balanced by the sweet spicy alcohol that warms. Spice in play: cinnamon, anise, black pepper and bitter greens. Keeps a good acute see saw from sweet to dry.
BIG! Rare. Worth the $7 price.
779 characters
4.51/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is an extremely tasty beer. I enjoy tripels but never this much before. The flavor is incredibly balanced but yeast, malt, and hops all singing in unity. Truly blown away with how drinkable yet potent this beer is. World class for sure.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is an extremely tasty beer. I enjoy tripels but never this much before. The flavor is incredibly balanced but yeast, malt, and hops all singing in unity. Truly blown away with how drinkable yet potent this beer is. World class for sure.
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4.3/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25
330ml bottle into a De Dolle long-stemmed tulip. Paid £4.00 for a single.
Pours a bright and clear, golden-orange body with masses of fine, streaming carbonation visible. A huge, rocky, three-finger in height, white coloured head with fantastic retention slowly condenses to a thick, resilient cap, that lasts for the duration of the glass and leaves behind substantial clumps of sticky lace.
A robust and complex combination of sweet malts and fruity yeast initially comprise the majority of the intensely aromatic and inviting nose. Honeyed pale malt, cereal grains and Belgian candi sugar lead alongside notes of apple, peach, apricot and orange blossom. Impressions of floral hopping follow, while traces of clove, allspice and hints of alcohol become faintly perceptible towards the back-end. Taste roughly follows suit, leading initially with a hugely complex and varied array of semi-sweet fruity esters. Apple, lemon, pear, banana and apricot are present in abundance, while subtler, less clearly defined notes of peach, nectarine, plum and raisin trail closely behind. Mid-palate, bready pale malts and caramelised brown sugars add a trace of soft, doughy sweetness to the beers substantial malt backbone. Towards the back-end, phenolic notes of clove, white pepper and coriander seed join zesty lemon and orange to provide enough subtle spice to balance the sweet initial start. In the mouth, a medium body and plenty of fine, champagne-like carbonation combine to give a feel that is wonderfully soft, smooth and creamy. After the swallow, spicy, floral and earthy hop bitterness expertly tame lingering malt and fruity esters, lightly drying the palate to finish crisp and superbly well-rounded, but still fractionally closer to sweet than bitter.
Overall this is an incredible beer. Big and bold, it combines astounding levels of complexity and depth with dangerous drinkability by expertly hiding all but a trace of the 10% ABV. Perhaps a touch sweeter than other examples of the style, its yeast profile slightly favours fruit over spice, but still maintains incredible balance throughout. Recommended.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25
330ml bottle into a De Dolle long-stemmed tulip. Paid £4.00 for a single.
Pours a bright and clear, golden-orange body with masses of fine, streaming carbonation visible. A huge, rocky, three-finger in height, white coloured head with fantastic retention slowly condenses to a thick, resilient cap, that lasts for the duration of the glass and leaves behind substantial clumps of sticky lace.
A robust and complex combination of sweet malts and fruity yeast initially comprise the majority of the intensely aromatic and inviting nose. Honeyed pale malt, cereal grains and Belgian candi sugar lead alongside notes of apple, peach, apricot and orange blossom. Impressions of floral hopping follow, while traces of clove, allspice and hints of alcohol become faintly perceptible towards the back-end. Taste roughly follows suit, leading initially with a hugely complex and varied array of semi-sweet fruity esters. Apple, lemon, pear, banana and apricot are present in abundance, while subtler, less clearly defined notes of peach, nectarine, plum and raisin trail closely behind. Mid-palate, bready pale malts and caramelised brown sugars add a trace of soft, doughy sweetness to the beers substantial malt backbone. Towards the back-end, phenolic notes of clove, white pepper and coriander seed join zesty lemon and orange to provide enough subtle spice to balance the sweet initial start. In the mouth, a medium body and plenty of fine, champagne-like carbonation combine to give a feel that is wonderfully soft, smooth and creamy. After the swallow, spicy, floral and earthy hop bitterness expertly tame lingering malt and fruity esters, lightly drying the palate to finish crisp and superbly well-rounded, but still fractionally closer to sweet than bitter.
Overall this is an incredible beer. Big and bold, it combines astounding levels of complexity and depth with dangerous drinkability by expertly hiding all but a trace of the 10% ABV. Perhaps a touch sweeter than other examples of the style, its yeast profile slightly favours fruit over spice, but still maintains incredible balance throughout. Recommended.
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4.34/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottled June 2016
Poured a cloudy honey color with a 1/2 finger head in a Orval Trappist glass.
Wonderful aroma: raisins, stone fruit, sweet.
Sharp, bitter, peppery MF in a light body which is perfect for the style.
Highly complex taste with lots of nuance: sweet, stone fruit, raisin, banana. One of the finest tastes in a Tripel I have tasted.
Great tripel. world class. I'll be sure to buy more.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottled June 2016
Poured a cloudy honey color with a 1/2 finger head in a Orval Trappist glass.
Wonderful aroma: raisins, stone fruit, sweet.
Sharp, bitter, peppery MF in a light body which is perfect for the style.
Highly complex taste with lots of nuance: sweet, stone fruit, raisin, banana. One of the finest tastes in a Tripel I have tasted.
Great tripel. world class. I'll be sure to buy more.
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4.32/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
L - An exceedingly voluminous and frothy active off-white colored head comprised of delicate uniform small to medium sized bubbles... There is a rocky top that turns a bit creamier as it settles... Rock star retention... The color is slightly hazed 50/50 mix of medium gold and amber... A light bit of lacing clings to the sides of the glass...
S - Golden raisins... Sweet honey... A rich Belgian yeast... Overly ripened grapes... Pears... Apples... Light vanilla... A touch of sugary cereal... Just a touch of sweet pineapple... A bit musky as well... Loads of complexity... Quite intoxicating... Each whiff reveals a slightly subtle nuance... A few small carbonation bubbles a small streaks rise throughout with a few additional carbonation bubbles anchored on the bottom of the tulip glass...
T - The flavors are a bit more muddled than the aroma... All the facets are present, but nothing real sticks out among one another... There is also a slightly metallic or medicinal finish part way through... The finish has a slightly surprising spice complexity of sage and white pepper which adds a whole other layer of depth...
F - On the fuller side of medium bodied... The initial sip is among the smoothest and sleekest beers I have ever encountered... Sturdy with some chalkiness throughout... A slight carbonated bite...
O - A truly world class, one of a kind and exceptional Tripel... Both the look and smell are among the best there are... The taste and feel lag a bit but are both excellent as well... The end result is a Tripel certainly worth seeking out and one that I'll gladly enjoy again in the future when presented the opportunity...
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
L - An exceedingly voluminous and frothy active off-white colored head comprised of delicate uniform small to medium sized bubbles... There is a rocky top that turns a bit creamier as it settles... Rock star retention... The color is slightly hazed 50/50 mix of medium gold and amber... A light bit of lacing clings to the sides of the glass...
S - Golden raisins... Sweet honey... A rich Belgian yeast... Overly ripened grapes... Pears... Apples... Light vanilla... A touch of sugary cereal... Just a touch of sweet pineapple... A bit musky as well... Loads of complexity... Quite intoxicating... Each whiff reveals a slightly subtle nuance... A few small carbonation bubbles a small streaks rise throughout with a few additional carbonation bubbles anchored on the bottom of the tulip glass...
T - The flavors are a bit more muddled than the aroma... All the facets are present, but nothing real sticks out among one another... There is also a slightly metallic or medicinal finish part way through... The finish has a slightly surprising spice complexity of sage and white pepper which adds a whole other layer of depth...
F - On the fuller side of medium bodied... The initial sip is among the smoothest and sleekest beers I have ever encountered... Sturdy with some chalkiness throughout... A slight carbonated bite...
O - A truly world class, one of a kind and exceptional Tripel... Both the look and smell are among the best there are... The taste and feel lag a bit but are both excellent as well... The end result is a Tripel certainly worth seeking out and one that I'll gladly enjoy again in the future when presented the opportunity...
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4/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Coriander, pear, honey in the aroma. Perfumey. Graham cracker and grassy hops. Spicy alcohol. Sweet honey creeps up as it warms.
Pours hazy gold, yellow, with a thin whispy white head, but some lacing.
Big, rich, graham cracker, honey, and apples. Warming spicy alcohol. Light vanilla and almond. Juicy fruit, chamomile, with a subtle grassy, bitter hop balancing things out a bit.
Rich, decadent, low carbonation. Slow sipper.
Not your average tripel. Sweeter, boozier, but have it with a droopy, gooey, washed rind cheese, and you're golden.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Coriander, pear, honey in the aroma. Perfumey. Graham cracker and grassy hops. Spicy alcohol. Sweet honey creeps up as it warms.
Pours hazy gold, yellow, with a thin whispy white head, but some lacing.
Big, rich, graham cracker, honey, and apples. Warming spicy alcohol. Light vanilla and almond. Juicy fruit, chamomile, with a subtle grassy, bitter hop balancing things out a bit.
Rich, decadent, low carbonation. Slow sipper.
Not your average tripel. Sweeter, boozier, but have it with a droopy, gooey, washed rind cheese, and you're golden.
548 characters
4.5/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a tulip
L: Pours a cloudy light golden copper color. A mound of foamy head grows out of the glass despite a careful pour... keeping it's form rather than spilling over the sides. A dash of sediment at the bottom that I couldn't keep back.
S: Belgian all the way... citrus and yeasts with complex spices.
T/F: Honeyed sweetness up front... lots of fruits, with pear and apple rind mixing it up with some citrus notes. Spices mixed in... coriander and lemongrass, phenols and pepper. Effervescent with brisk carbonation. Medium in body and warming at the finish with a bit of bitterness to close.
O: An absolutely outstanding Tripel. Complex, delicious, and a cut above the crowd. The only thing better than buying 1... was buying 2.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a tulip
L: Pours a cloudy light golden copper color. A mound of foamy head grows out of the glass despite a careful pour... keeping it's form rather than spilling over the sides. A dash of sediment at the bottom that I couldn't keep back.
S: Belgian all the way... citrus and yeasts with complex spices.
T/F: Honeyed sweetness up front... lots of fruits, with pear and apple rind mixing it up with some citrus notes. Spices mixed in... coriander and lemongrass, phenols and pepper. Effervescent with brisk carbonation. Medium in body and warming at the finish with a bit of bitterness to close.
O: An absolutely outstanding Tripel. Complex, delicious, and a cut above the crowd. The only thing better than buying 1... was buying 2.
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Dulle Teve (Mad Bitch) from Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Beer rating:
93 out of
100 with
888 ratings
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