Belgian Conspiracy
Bristol Beer Factory

A 500ml bottle with a BB of Nov 2014, so it's a bit out of date. Acquired a while back from Trembling Madness in York. The label describes it as a New World Tripel - fermented with Belgian yeast and hopped with Nugget, Summit and Amarillo.

A: Poured into a Duvel tulip. Bottle conditioned. A deep orange-amber hue with tons of chunky floating sediment and intense carbonation. Produces a huge head of creamy white foam with good retention; this slowly subsides to a thick surface layer. Some lacing.

S: Aroma of fruity yeast esters and hops with hints of Belgian yeast, mild bubblegum, a touch of banana, earthiness, subtle coriander, faint spice, subdued white grape, vague floral notes, grainy malt and a whisper of stewed hops. Pretty good, though the hops could be more prominent.

T: Tastes of fruity yeast esters and subdued hops with a lingering dry finish. Notes of earthiness, mild bubblegum, faint banana, subtle coriander, white pepper, spice, grainy malt, floral hints, white grape, vague citrus and stewed hops. A twinge of harsh cardboard in the background. Well-attenuated, followed by a yeasty character and a delicate bitterness upon swallowing.

M: Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and dry, with pleasant carbonation and good body. Light hop action on the palate. Mildly astringent, accompanied by an aftertaste of fruity yeast esters, faint floral hops, grain and stewed leaves/cardboard.

O: The Belgian component is quite forthright, the IPA component somewhat less so - but perhaps the bottle age has something to do with it. Looks good, in spite of the plentiful swirling yeast. The aroma and flavour are satisfying; plenty of spicy yeast esters and phenolics in evidence along with some subtle aromatic hops and a general earthiness. Good body. Despite the subdued hop character this brew still packs a punch. Worth sampling if you have the opportunity.

Pours amber with a fading head.
Nose shows Belgian phenols, fruity hops, a soft fruity Brett note and sweet clean malt.
Flavours include more spicy phenols, slight sweet malt, soft fruity confectionery. Finishes very dry.
Could use a bit more carbonation.