Espace Houblon Triple Galaxy
Brasseurs Illimités

 

Ludachris review is right on the money. Interesting and unique beer.

 

Its golden amber body has a bit of haze to its look and holds plenty of carbonation. An inch of dense white head leaves thick rings of lace as it slowly sinks.

The classic spicy, dry, crackery characteristics of a Tripel are inundated with strawberry jam and ripe pineapple, both of which come in waves. There's a green, leafy backing to it as well. Its bready character becomes more filled out and pronounced as it warms.

Its center is rich and fruity, split between sticky strawberry jam esters and the goodness of fresh Galaxy hops; ripe pineapple, mandarin orange and a lively green, grassy flavor. Its 9% ABV is an underlying strand through its peppery and bready base. Herbal and grassy with a soft pinch of bitterness is how I'd describe the finish.

There's some heft to its medium body, largely imparted by its alcohol content. The grain bill helps to flesh things out with filling notes of bread, cracker, and hay. It's dry, it's balanced, and hides its 9% ABV like a Tripel should.

I love how its yeast character combines with the characteristics of the Galaxy, giving the beer a mix of jammy esters and tropical fruitiness. It strays far enough from the archetypal Tripel to make it unique but still possesses the great qualities of a Belgian with its deceiving alcohol content and rounded and dry feel, making it all the more drinkable.

 

Bottle: Poured a bright yellow color ale with a large foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of lightly sweet malt notes with some fruity ester is enjoyable. Taste is a mix of lightly sweet malt notes with some hints of honey and some light fruity ester. Body is about average with good carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Interesting but I was expecting the Galaxy hops to shine even more.