Polaris Winter Tripel
Reaver Beach Brewing Company

 

 

Poured a copper body with one finger head that left lace ring as I drank. The aroma is mostly a Belgian yeast type aroma with a little bit of booze and tartness. The beer is not great tasting as the spices and this grape/cranberry feel adds a sour aspect that overpowers any hops or sweet malts or other dark fruits tucked in there and the beer finishes a little boozy and hot as the alcohol bleeds into beer.

 

Visited the VA Beach Brewing tasting room today and had this on tap. The Brewery commercial describes this beer as, "A festive Belgian-style triple, brewed with spices and rock candy. After fermentation, we puree whole cranberries and add them to the beer, lending it a refreshing tartness".

A: Dark brown with red toned when held to the light. Poured a two finger white head that dissipated quickly, active bubbled below the surface. Minimal lacing and plenty of alcohol legs.

T: The taste follows the nose. Malt and bready Belgian yeast greet you. In the middle of the tongue you pick up spices and in particular clove. At the back of the tongue the cranberry in this beer comes in to play providing a slight tart, but not sour taste. Alcohol is well hidden and only becomes a bit more noticeable as the beer warms.

M: Medium bodied with thinner walls. Very drinkable, goes down very smooth and easy, almost too easy for a 9% beer. Semi-dry at finish.

O: This is a very solid offering from a young brewery. With some ageing this beer would get even better. The flavors will blend and be more in harmony. I bought a growler to take home. If you are in VA Beach stop by the Brewery and if it is on tap give it a try. Cheers.