Lucifer Golden Strong
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

 

Look - Clear yellow with a nice white rimming
Smell - grainy floral
Taste - chardonnay Belgium bubble gum yeast
Feel - pretty dry with a medium body and carb
Overall - nice

(12 oz bottle, purchased at the Paso Robles brewery in mid-September... review taken from basic recollections)

Despite its name, this isn't quite a Belgian strong golden in the Duvel vein. Yes, it's probably more of a tripel, due to its doughy yeast character and more heftier body and overall malty flavor expressions. Duvel and its ilk have more of a sharper, spicer, drier cut to them, while this beer was a bit more brioche and desert wine-like... the thing couldn't hold a head, and seemed slightly muddy in its visual and sensual clarities... maybe it would've popped more served at 42-45 F and not the cellared temp at which I tried it... just got to be tedious and indistinct shortly into it (2457)

12 oz bottle into a tulip

Classic, golden-tan appearance, high viscosity.

Boozy nose, earthy and floral, with hints of grape-like esters.

More complex on the palate, still boozy, and quite oaky. Definitely more floral than typical for the style. Long finish, slight bitter-sweet risiduals.

Interesting take on the style but not something I’d chase down. Probably lost some points cuz I was in the mood for a good Tripel.

Clear, golden color with a forced white head that fades pretty quickly. Nose is somewhat malty almost like a high ABV pilsner nose. Grapes notes come through a lot on this beer with a sweet flavor across the entire palate. Little bit of warmth on the throat, more that I expected.