Hoperation Tripel Cross Belgian IPA | Phillips Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Phillips Brewing Company
British Columbia, Canada | website
Style: Belgian IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 8.00%
Availability: Winter
Notes / Commercial Description:
You can almost hear the sirens as you pop the cap on this bomber. This IPA slams hop first into a classic belgian yeast to create a super fortress of flavour.
Added by canucklehead on 02-13-2011
Reviews: 51 | Ratings: 134
4.42/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A - poured into a tulip, a clear bright golden, solid white head left consistent lacing as it dissipated slowly
S - yeasty aromas of sour citrus and banana, herbal and grassy hop smells, very interesting
T - grassy hop bomb up front followed quickly by pungent ripe fruit yeastiness, finishing with earthy and floral flavours, the layering of the flavours is unique and special
M - light with medium carbonation, a strong bitterness dominates
O - an unique and outstanding blend of flavours that come through in layers, a hop bomb as the label depicts with the big belgian flavour creating a unique dichotomy, in my opinion Phillips is one of if not the absolute leader of Canadian craft brewing
★ 695 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A - poured into a tulip, a clear bright golden, solid white head left consistent lacing as it dissipated slowly
S - yeasty aromas of sour citrus and banana, herbal and grassy hop smells, very interesting
T - grassy hop bomb up front followed quickly by pungent ripe fruit yeastiness, finishing with earthy and floral flavours, the layering of the flavours is unique and special
M - light with medium carbonation, a strong bitterness dominates
O - an unique and outstanding blend of flavours that come through in layers, a hop bomb as the label depicts with the big belgian flavour creating a unique dichotomy, in my opinion Phillips is one of if not the absolute leader of Canadian craft brewing
★ 695 characters
4.42/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
650ml bomber poured into tulip 3/7/11
A very hazy golden orange with just enough clarity to see the slow raising bubbles that feed a tight two fingers of head that retains well leaving lots of lace on the way down
S big on the Belgian yeast with lots of tropical fruit, pineapple, faint grapefruit rind among others, and just a little peppery spice
T much like the smell but more rind and the yeast works very well for it, perhaps some faint caramel but more hops then anything and the booze is well hidden
M light and fluffy with a little bitter bite to it
O very nice representation of the the style with the yeast and hops leading the way, very solid beer that went down a little too easy
I think this is my first crack at Phillips, well first review anyways and I'm impressed for sure. I think they did a great job with this one and can't wait to try some of their other stuff. Its a hop bomb but not the west Coast style were all used too but I loved the yeast profile and will be drinking this again
★ 1,015 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
650ml bomber poured into tulip 3/7/11
A very hazy golden orange with just enough clarity to see the slow raising bubbles that feed a tight two fingers of head that retains well leaving lots of lace on the way down
S big on the Belgian yeast with lots of tropical fruit, pineapple, faint grapefruit rind among others, and just a little peppery spice
T much like the smell but more rind and the yeast works very well for it, perhaps some faint caramel but more hops then anything and the booze is well hidden
M light and fluffy with a little bitter bite to it
O very nice representation of the the style with the yeast and hops leading the way, very solid beer that went down a little too easy
I think this is my first crack at Phillips, well first review anyways and I'm impressed for sure. I think they did a great job with this one and can't wait to try some of their other stuff. Its a hop bomb but not the west Coast style were all used too but I loved the yeast profile and will be drinking this again
★ 1,015 characters
4.42/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Thanks CBA.
A - Golden in colour, dotted with very small chunks. Two finger fluffy white head fades to half finger cap that sustains. Bright, aside from the small chunks.
S - Amazing aroma. Wonderful Belgian yeast moves great with a modest amount of hops. It might be the hop variety used, but it's less aggressive than other Belgian IPAs in the hop profile, yet much more complimentary. Very fruity.
T - Wonderfully balanced between yeast and hop bite. Fruity combination in both profiles. Fruity yeast takes the cake but the hop profile is a nice compliment. Some toasted malt shows up as well with a vegetal element which is nice.
M - Medium carbonation, light body. Odd. Refreshing.
D - Very high drinkability. I like this alot. Body obviously brings the score down but just proof that Belgian IPAs are some delicious beers. Well done Phillips.
★ 853 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Thanks CBA.
A - Golden in colour, dotted with very small chunks. Two finger fluffy white head fades to half finger cap that sustains. Bright, aside from the small chunks.
S - Amazing aroma. Wonderful Belgian yeast moves great with a modest amount of hops. It might be the hop variety used, but it's less aggressive than other Belgian IPAs in the hop profile, yet much more complimentary. Very fruity.
T - Wonderfully balanced between yeast and hop bite. Fruity combination in both profiles. Fruity yeast takes the cake but the hop profile is a nice compliment. Some toasted malt shows up as well with a vegetal element which is nice.
M - Medium carbonation, light body. Odd. Refreshing.
D - Very high drinkability. I like this alot. Body obviously brings the score down but just proof that Belgian IPAs are some delicious beers. Well done Phillips.
★ 853 characters
4.4/5 rDev +12%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A: Clear, yellow straw, big white head, good retention, great lace.
S: Earthy funk, marmalade, lemon zest, floral with hints of grass & pine. More Belgian than American IPA & I like it.
T: Leathery, phenolic spicing, earthy, lemon zest, nectarine, hints of grass & pine, light biscuity malt, solid bitterness, alcohol is well-hidden. This is more Belgian, and less IPA than I thought it would be, and I really like it!
M: Really well-attenuated, moderate body, well carbonated, hint of acidity, drying finish. Very 'digestible' as a Belgian pale should be.
D: A good drinker.
Well-crafted, not at all over-the-top. Sort of a new-world rendition of Orval. Great stuff.
★ 673 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A: Clear, yellow straw, big white head, good retention, great lace.
S: Earthy funk, marmalade, lemon zest, floral with hints of grass & pine. More Belgian than American IPA & I like it.
T: Leathery, phenolic spicing, earthy, lemon zest, nectarine, hints of grass & pine, light biscuity malt, solid bitterness, alcohol is well-hidden. This is more Belgian, and less IPA than I thought it would be, and I really like it!
M: Really well-attenuated, moderate body, well carbonated, hint of acidity, drying finish. Very 'digestible' as a Belgian pale should be.
D: A good drinker.
Well-crafted, not at all over-the-top. Sort of a new-world rendition of Orval. Great stuff.
★ 673 characters
4.35/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
New bottle tried on 04-28-2013
A substantially better bottle than the first. Crisp bitterness with Juicy Fruit hop aromas & flavours coupled with Belgian esters. Very nice beer.
04-20-2013
650 mL bottle newly arrived at the MLCC Crestview. Bottle label appears to be notches 2 - Aug. WTF does that mean? I hope it is BB, not bottled last year!! Bottle claims to be 7.3% ABV. Served ~7-8C into a stemmed beer flute.
A: Crystal clear straw yellow with a nice white head that laces gloriously. (5)
S: Muted herbal hops and some peppery esters - expecting a lot more from an IPA's aroma. (3.75)
T: Meh. Not atrocious, just nothing like what I was expecting. Sweet malt, with a corn like finish along with some light belgian estery notes (pepper, maybe a hint of stone fruit) and some light earthy & herbal hop flavours. Very weak on the hops. (3.25)
M: Bitterness is low, but slowly builds. Carbonation comes off as being lower than expected, but it is a good amount.(3.75)
O: I was expecting so very much from this beer. Is this not always the way? Build something up, you will be disappointed. Come in with low expectations, be amazed. Sigh. (3.5)
★ 1,147 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
New bottle tried on 04-28-2013
A substantially better bottle than the first. Crisp bitterness with Juicy Fruit hop aromas & flavours coupled with Belgian esters. Very nice beer.
04-20-2013
650 mL bottle newly arrived at the MLCC Crestview. Bottle label appears to be notches 2 - Aug. WTF does that mean? I hope it is BB, not bottled last year!! Bottle claims to be 7.3% ABV. Served ~7-8C into a stemmed beer flute.
A: Crystal clear straw yellow with a nice white head that laces gloriously. (5)
S: Muted herbal hops and some peppery esters - expecting a lot more from an IPA's aroma. (3.75)
T: Meh. Not atrocious, just nothing like what I was expecting. Sweet malt, with a corn like finish along with some light belgian estery notes (pepper, maybe a hint of stone fruit) and some light earthy & herbal hop flavours. Very weak on the hops. (3.25)
M: Bitterness is low, but slowly builds. Carbonation comes off as being lower than expected, but it is a good amount.(3.75)
O: I was expecting so very much from this beer. Is this not always the way? Build something up, you will be disappointed. Come in with low expectations, be amazed. Sigh. (3.5)
★ 1,147 characters
4.3/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
3X is a really nice representation of a brewery doing a casual version of an experimental contemporary style. Pretty obvious the cross of typical Belgian pale ale yeast with a bright fruity NW hoppy profile... clearly cloned or at least inspired by Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel... this regular 22.oz. bomber at local Victoria shops is a welcome addition to the already impressive Phillips' hop styles...
Presumably, if delving into this rare breed, you know what to expect... if not, good luck!
★ 502 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
3X is a really nice representation of a brewery doing a casual version of an experimental contemporary style. Pretty obvious the cross of typical Belgian pale ale yeast with a bright fruity NW hoppy profile... clearly cloned or at least inspired by Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel... this regular 22.oz. bomber at local Victoria shops is a welcome addition to the already impressive Phillips' hop styles...
Presumably, if delving into this rare breed, you know what to expect... if not, good luck!
★ 502 characters
4.3/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Oooh, IPAs....don't get me wrong, I love a good IPA, it just took me some time as a novice beernerd to get into them. But it's definitely a style I appreciate.
Appearance - Golden colour, very beautiful. One finger of head settling into a lacing of foam.
Smell - Hops right off the bat, as it should be. Smells like an atypical heavy IPA, as I believe it has a goodly number of IBU's. has a sweet, almost earthy pine-y smell (if that's a word)
Taste - Hoppy, of course. You taste them right away. It doesn't detract from the flavour though, like, say a a moylens hopsickle would. (There's another beer I need to re-try, as I had a bad experience the last time I had it.)
Mouthfeel - again, forest-y/pine-y...little carbonation (not so much that it hits you over the head.) it lingers, but not overlong.
Overall - Supremely drinkable. In my not so humble opinion, one of the better (read: sweeter) IPAs i've had. Definitely one i'm going to have again.
Plus. how can you not like the bombs dropping on the label? I love it.
★ 1,028 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Oooh, IPAs....don't get me wrong, I love a good IPA, it just took me some time as a novice beernerd to get into them. But it's definitely a style I appreciate.
Appearance - Golden colour, very beautiful. One finger of head settling into a lacing of foam.
Smell - Hops right off the bat, as it should be. Smells like an atypical heavy IPA, as I believe it has a goodly number of IBU's. has a sweet, almost earthy pine-y smell (if that's a word)
Taste - Hoppy, of course. You taste them right away. It doesn't detract from the flavour though, like, say a a moylens hopsickle would. (There's another beer I need to re-try, as I had a bad experience the last time I had it.)
Mouthfeel - again, forest-y/pine-y...little carbonation (not so much that it hits you over the head.) it lingers, but not overlong.
Overall - Supremely drinkable. In my not so humble opinion, one of the better (read: sweeter) IPAs i've had. Definitely one i'm going to have again.
Plus. how can you not like the bombs dropping on the label? I love it.
★ 1,028 characters
4.23/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Purchased at the LCBO for around $6.00 for a 650ml bottle. Served at 6deg C in a draught glass. Alcohol on the label now reads 7.3% not 8%.
A- Wicked good. Enjoyed the POP and super good head that lasted
S- Very good. Super good grapefruit etc. I like it a lot
T- Very good and I enjoyed it a lot. Tart and dry. There is a lot of malt but just can't say that is it overpowering or anything like that.
M- Dry. It is a refreshing IPA that is this dry
O- Very good. I like this one and will save one for the future although it is a Triple IPA. As time passes I can see the hops leaving but at least I have something to compare to.
Food Pairing
This nice little Triple IPA went well with...Spicy salmon sushi roll topped with Tabiko caviar and roasted sesame seeds
Enjoy
★ 778 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Purchased at the LCBO for around $6.00 for a 650ml bottle. Served at 6deg C in a draught glass. Alcohol on the label now reads 7.3% not 8%.
A- Wicked good. Enjoyed the POP and super good head that lasted
S- Very good. Super good grapefruit etc. I like it a lot
T- Very good and I enjoyed it a lot. Tart and dry. There is a lot of malt but just can't say that is it overpowering or anything like that.
M- Dry. It is a refreshing IPA that is this dry
O- Very good. I like this one and will save one for the future although it is a Triple IPA. As time passes I can see the hops leaving but at least I have something to compare to.
Food Pairing
This nice little Triple IPA went well with...Spicy salmon sushi roll topped with Tabiko caviar and roasted sesame seeds
Enjoy
★ 778 characters
4.22/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
4oz taster @ The Island Beer Festival, Club 919
A: Hefeweizen-IPA-esq, light-gold with fair head but nice, clean lacing
S: Bananas, Clove, hoppy but still sugary, some malt
T: Light banana and clove, hoppy but more floral than scent, very complex palate!
M: Light and foamy like a weizen, lingers on tongue
O: Great fusion (IMO) of two of my fav styles, which I guess constitutes a Belgian IPA! Definitely a winner.
★ 420 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
4oz taster @ The Island Beer Festival, Club 919
A: Hefeweizen-IPA-esq, light-gold with fair head but nice, clean lacing
S: Bananas, Clove, hoppy but still sugary, some malt
T: Light banana and clove, hoppy but more floral than scent, very complex palate!
M: Light and foamy like a weizen, lingers on tongue
O: Great fusion (IMO) of two of my fav styles, which I guess constitutes a Belgian IPA! Definitely a winner.
★ 420 characters
4.18/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Got a couple of 650 mL bottles while in Vancouver.
It poured with good, creamy looking, off-white head. The head reduced in a few minutes and left good lacing. The body is cloudy with a gold colour.
It had a fruity (mostly grapes) and floral scent. Had something of a wine bouquet to it. The taste was big on ctirus hops, then yeast, and left with little aftertaste. I agree with one of the reviewers below that it has a 'boozy' quality to it. I found it had big carbonation (which I like) and a medium body.
Overall, I can see how this excels for its category. Though it isn't my favourite type of beer.
★ 609 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Got a couple of 650 mL bottles while in Vancouver.
It poured with good, creamy looking, off-white head. The head reduced in a few minutes and left good lacing. The body is cloudy with a gold colour.
It had a fruity (mostly grapes) and floral scent. Had something of a wine bouquet to it. The taste was big on ctirus hops, then yeast, and left with little aftertaste. I agree with one of the reviewers below that it has a 'boozy' quality to it. I found it had big carbonation (which I like) and a medium body.
Overall, I can see how this excels for its category. Though it isn't my favourite type of beer.
★ 609 characters
4.17/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Really didn't have and expectations going into this.
Gave it a quick shake to stir it up a bit. Poured a slightly cloudy light amber. A little heavier than a lager color. Small, white head dissipated fast but left amazing lacing. Belgian yeast is highlighted by great floral notes. Reminds me of a hefeweizen. Floral and citrus peel are the first flavors. The flavor digs deep and finishes with a starch/yeast/bread texture. This beer leaves the mouth with ease. No flavors linger behind. Once you finish a mouthful, you forget what you just drank and go back for more. For a 8% brew, this goes fast and nice.
I really wish Phillips made this a year-round beer. I think it would taste that much better during the hotter months. Either way, still a really good beer.
★ 768 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Really didn't have and expectations going into this.
Gave it a quick shake to stir it up a bit. Poured a slightly cloudy light amber. A little heavier than a lager color. Small, white head dissipated fast but left amazing lacing. Belgian yeast is highlighted by great floral notes. Reminds me of a hefeweizen. Floral and citrus peel are the first flavors. The flavor digs deep and finishes with a starch/yeast/bread texture. This beer leaves the mouth with ease. No flavors linger behind. Once you finish a mouthful, you forget what you just drank and go back for more. For a 8% brew, this goes fast and nice.
I really wish Phillips made this a year-round beer. I think it would taste that much better during the hotter months. Either way, still a really good beer.
★ 768 characters
4.14/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: clear, dull orange/gold; big, fluffy white head with great retention
Aroma: fresh cut grass, citrus - grapefruit, some herbals reminiscent of a wheat beer - coriander, clove - quite a lot of it actually
Taste & Mouthfeel: texture stands out, thick and buttery relative to a typical IPA, a solid but smooth body; hops tend to the fruity side, more of banana, mango, before turning to some spice and resin bitterness in the finish; interesting compliments going on, between the solid body and complex flavour, fruity start and bitter finish; very different from the usual IPA, would pair easily with food
Overall: it's called a Belgian IPA and the distinction provided by a unique yeast is easily noted and very welcome
★ 732 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: clear, dull orange/gold; big, fluffy white head with great retention
Aroma: fresh cut grass, citrus - grapefruit, some herbals reminiscent of a wheat beer - coriander, clove - quite a lot of it actually
Taste & Mouthfeel: texture stands out, thick and buttery relative to a typical IPA, a solid but smooth body; hops tend to the fruity side, more of banana, mango, before turning to some spice and resin bitterness in the finish; interesting compliments going on, between the solid body and complex flavour, fruity start and bitter finish; very different from the usual IPA, would pair easily with food
Overall: it's called a Belgian IPA and the distinction provided by a unique yeast is easily noted and very welcome
★ 732 characters
4.11/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: It has a nice golden/orange color to it. It has a nice fluffy white head that dies down moderately and leaves some nice lacing.
Smell: The aromas definitely give out hints of Belgian yeast, peppery spices, citrus/lime, grapefruit and coriander.
Taste: Like the aromas, it has some Belgian yeast, faint pepper, coriander, grapefruit, lime and some pine bitterness.
Mouthfeel: It has a low carbonation with a nice overall balance and feel.
Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied by good flavors and aromas.
★ 544 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: It has a nice golden/orange color to it. It has a nice fluffy white head that dies down moderately and leaves some nice lacing.
Smell: The aromas definitely give out hints of Belgian yeast, peppery spices, citrus/lime, grapefruit and coriander.
Taste: Like the aromas, it has some Belgian yeast, faint pepper, coriander, grapefruit, lime and some pine bitterness.
Mouthfeel: It has a low carbonation with a nice overall balance and feel.
Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied by good flavors and aromas.
★ 544 characters
4.1/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Another gem of a trade care of my western care package partner.
A - Pours a hazy golden orange colour, finger of head with solid retention and some nice sticky lacing.
S - Sweet citrus, soapy notes, cedar and earthy scents.
T - Citrus dominates, the earthy cedar and pine come through, bitter grapefruit and a hint of cloves and spice. The higher ABV is undetectable, making for a dangerously drinkable ale.
M - Medium, smooth and a touch of dryness on the finish.
O - I can understand why this one is so highly rated. Perfect fit for the style, solid hop presence with the Belgian flavours providing a solid backbone for a full flavoured ale. Do yourself a favour and snatch up a few extra bottles when this is available, because you'll wish you had more to grab at once you take one down.
★ 795 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Another gem of a trade care of my western care package partner.
A - Pours a hazy golden orange colour, finger of head with solid retention and some nice sticky lacing.
S - Sweet citrus, soapy notes, cedar and earthy scents.
T - Citrus dominates, the earthy cedar and pine come through, bitter grapefruit and a hint of cloves and spice. The higher ABV is undetectable, making for a dangerously drinkable ale.
M - Medium, smooth and a touch of dryness on the finish.
O - I can understand why this one is so highly rated. Perfect fit for the style, solid hop presence with the Belgian flavours providing a solid backbone for a full flavoured ale. Do yourself a favour and snatch up a few extra bottles when this is available, because you'll wish you had more to grab at once you take one down.
★ 795 characters
4.09/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance. Light golden straw with a little haze. A finger of white head that doesn't last too long but leaves a little nice lacing.
Smell. Fruity belgian yeast and grassy hops. Lemon, orange and berries. Smells good.
Taste. Light grains and belgian yeast. Grassy, herbal hops and a little spice. A little fruit, maybe melon, but not as much as the smell would suggest. Some lasting, grassy hops.
Mouthfeel. Lighter body, medium strong carbonation.
Overall. Nice belgian ipa. Could go though a few glasses of this pretty easy ...and fully intend to.
★ 555 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance. Light golden straw with a little haze. A finger of white head that doesn't last too long but leaves a little nice lacing.
Smell. Fruity belgian yeast and grassy hops. Lemon, orange and berries. Smells good.
Taste. Light grains and belgian yeast. Grassy, herbal hops and a little spice. A little fruit, maybe melon, but not as much as the smell would suggest. Some lasting, grassy hops.
Mouthfeel. Lighter body, medium strong carbonation.
Overall. Nice belgian ipa. Could go though a few glasses of this pretty easy ...and fully intend to.
★ 555 characters
4.08/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance - Hazy golden yellow with a finger-width of white head.
Smell - Pine, citrus fruits, pineapple.
Taste - Very strong hoppy flavour with a bitterness that lingers around the roof of your mouth. There is a piney quality, as well as a hint of the pineapple and citrus.
Mouthfeel - Medium bodied ale with good carbonation. Slightly tingly from the bubbles. Overall, pretty smooth.
Overall - Good tripel from Phillips. Not for those who are faint of strongly-hopped brews. The flavours balance fairly well, leading to easy drinkability.
★ 546 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance - Hazy golden yellow with a finger-width of white head.
Smell - Pine, citrus fruits, pineapple.
Taste - Very strong hoppy flavour with a bitterness that lingers around the roof of your mouth. There is a piney quality, as well as a hint of the pineapple and citrus.
Mouthfeel - Medium bodied ale with good carbonation. Slightly tingly from the bubbles. Overall, pretty smooth.
Overall - Good tripel from Phillips. Not for those who are faint of strongly-hopped brews. The flavours balance fairly well, leading to easy drinkability.
★ 546 characters
4.05/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A: 5/8" soapy white head. Beer is copper coloured and somewhat cloudy.
S: Very hoppy smelling. Plus floral, and citrus.
T: Bitter, hops, grapefruit. Slightly boozy finish. This bottle isn't nearly as good as some other bottles I have had so possibly it is a bit dated...
M: Slippery with medium to low carbonation.
O: I really enjoy this beer normally but was a bit disappointed with this bottle. Regardless of this bottle, this is an excellent Belgian IPA and a great summer beer.
★ 485 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A: 5/8" soapy white head. Beer is copper coloured and somewhat cloudy.
S: Very hoppy smelling. Plus floral, and citrus.
T: Bitter, hops, grapefruit. Slightly boozy finish. This bottle isn't nearly as good as some other bottles I have had so possibly it is a bit dated...
M: Slippery with medium to low carbonation.
O: I really enjoy this beer normally but was a bit disappointed with this bottle. Regardless of this bottle, this is an excellent Belgian IPA and a great summer beer.
★ 485 characters
4.05/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Very excited to see this hoppy belgium come across the pond to Vancouver. Too few of phillips beers make it here. or elsewhere outside Vancouver Island.
Slighty cloudy appearance with lasting carbonation, pours a 1.5 finger head which dissipates to a modest persistent 1cm that leaves random lacing as you drink.
Smell is belgium yeast and nice with medium hop aroma but can't distinguish. Taste is great with properly balanced belgium flavour and a medium west coast IPA flavour with a lasting bitterness. Mouthfeel is good carbonation and lasting flavour, bitterness.
Great drinkability, easy to have 2 bombers even for $5.10 each in the gov't stores at 8%. Wish they could sell more phillips in the gov't stores and regulation hurdles were less.
I'm very happy to hear this will be a regular in the gov't stores, if I could choose I would buy all their IPAs.
★ 868 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Very excited to see this hoppy belgium come across the pond to Vancouver. Too few of phillips beers make it here. or elsewhere outside Vancouver Island.
Slighty cloudy appearance with lasting carbonation, pours a 1.5 finger head which dissipates to a modest persistent 1cm that leaves random lacing as you drink.
Smell is belgium yeast and nice with medium hop aroma but can't distinguish. Taste is great with properly balanced belgium flavour and a medium west coast IPA flavour with a lasting bitterness. Mouthfeel is good carbonation and lasting flavour, bitterness.
Great drinkability, easy to have 2 bombers even for $5.10 each in the gov't stores at 8%. Wish they could sell more phillips in the gov't stores and regulation hurdles were less.
I'm very happy to hear this will be a regular in the gov't stores, if I could choose I would buy all their IPAs.
★ 868 characters
4.04/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bomber into a stemmed tulip glass
Pours clear and copper in color with a massive, white fluffy cloudy head that resemble merange as it slowly settles leaving islands of sudsy islands floating on the beer surface and massive amounts of lacing. The nose and taste are quite similar though the nose is soft. They highlight all though wonderful typical Belgian notes (bananas, cloves, yeast, raw dough) but has a nice fruity hop profile finishing long and dryish. I pick up a metallic aftertaste that more or less disappears after the beer warms a bit. Medium body and carbonation keeping this beer smooth and drinkable.
★ 631 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bomber into a stemmed tulip glass
Pours clear and copper in color with a massive, white fluffy cloudy head that resemble merange as it slowly settles leaving islands of sudsy islands floating on the beer surface and massive amounts of lacing. The nose and taste are quite similar though the nose is soft. They highlight all though wonderful typical Belgian notes (bananas, cloves, yeast, raw dough) but has a nice fruity hop profile finishing long and dryish. I pick up a metallic aftertaste that more or less disappears after the beer warms a bit. Medium body and carbonation keeping this beer smooth and drinkable.
★ 631 characters
4.03/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Part of a gift from my aunt that my brother brought back on a recent trip to their place in Surrey.
Poured from a 650ml. bottle and shared with my dad.
Appearance: A banana gold color, with good lacing. Sheets rather than chunks.
Smell: Banana, pineapple and hops.
Taste: Herb-like upfront with a touch of tropical fruit and some yeast. Hops are felt.
Mouthfeel: Low carbonation with some nice bittering.
Overall: It was quite good. Has a decent hop bite with overtaking the Belgian side of it.
★ 500 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Part of a gift from my aunt that my brother brought back on a recent trip to their place in Surrey.
Poured from a 650ml. bottle and shared with my dad.
Appearance: A banana gold color, with good lacing. Sheets rather than chunks.
Smell: Banana, pineapple and hops.
Taste: Herb-like upfront with a touch of tropical fruit and some yeast. Hops are felt.
Mouthfeel: Low carbonation with some nice bittering.
Overall: It was quite good. Has a decent hop bite with overtaking the Belgian side of it.
★ 500 characters
4.03/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Grabbed this bottle on a recent trip to BC. Poured into a Summit EPA glass.
Light golden hay color. Very thick (at least two fingers), billowy white head that only seems to keep growing because of the scoring on the bottom of this particular glass.
Aroma is very reminiscent of a nice, spicy Belgian tripel. Banana, clove, spice. For being a Belgian style IPA, I'm definitely getting more of the Belgian and less of the IPA.
The taste certainly highlights the hops more than the aroma. A very biter IPA with not a whole lot of malt to back it up. There's plenty of bready, sweet character to support the Belgian style but it's still a very bitter, dry beer.
Mouthfeel is quite dry and bitter. Good carbonation to create a nice full feel to it but fades quickly and the crisp finish doesn't leave much lingering on the tongue.
Overall, a pretty balanced, flavorful beer. Not a style I have a whole lot but this one has a good balance for hop flavor and spicy characteristics that I associate with a Belgian tripel.
★ 1,018 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Grabbed this bottle on a recent trip to BC. Poured into a Summit EPA glass.
Light golden hay color. Very thick (at least two fingers), billowy white head that only seems to keep growing because of the scoring on the bottom of this particular glass.
Aroma is very reminiscent of a nice, spicy Belgian tripel. Banana, clove, spice. For being a Belgian style IPA, I'm definitely getting more of the Belgian and less of the IPA.
The taste certainly highlights the hops more than the aroma. A very biter IPA with not a whole lot of malt to back it up. There's plenty of bready, sweet character to support the Belgian style but it's still a very bitter, dry beer.
Mouthfeel is quite dry and bitter. Good carbonation to create a nice full feel to it but fades quickly and the crisp finish doesn't leave much lingering on the tongue.
Overall, a pretty balanced, flavorful beer. Not a style I have a whole lot but this one has a good balance for hop flavor and spicy characteristics that I associate with a Belgian tripel.
★ 1,018 characters
4/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
650ml bomber from a trip through Abbotsford, BC., earlier this year.
This beer pours a slightly hazy pale golden yellow colour, with two fingers of thinly puffy, foamy white head, which leaves a decent layered array of webbed lace around the glass as it gently fades away.
It smells of orange, pineapple, and kiwi, amongst a pervasive, but subtle yeasty character, over top a dry grainy, bready malt. The taste is somewhat sweet and tangy, fruity bready caramel malt, the zestiness lingering - grapefruit and pineapple rind the most culpable - some mild Belgian yeast edginess, and mildly grassy, floral hops.
The carbonation is average, just a wee bit frothy here and there, the body medium-light in weight, and fairly smooth given all those yeast and hops conspiring and colluding. It finishes mostly dry, with a slight grainy, crackery malt push amongst the latent hop zig and yeast zag.
An agreeable Belgian IPA from Canada's English culture central - the yeast and booze perception both kept rather restrained. So, in essence, we're left with a nice and drinkable hoppy IPA, one with a slight Flanders predilection.
★ 1,126 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
650ml bomber from a trip through Abbotsford, BC., earlier this year.
This beer pours a slightly hazy pale golden yellow colour, with two fingers of thinly puffy, foamy white head, which leaves a decent layered array of webbed lace around the glass as it gently fades away.
It smells of orange, pineapple, and kiwi, amongst a pervasive, but subtle yeasty character, over top a dry grainy, bready malt. The taste is somewhat sweet and tangy, fruity bready caramel malt, the zestiness lingering - grapefruit and pineapple rind the most culpable - some mild Belgian yeast edginess, and mildly grassy, floral hops.
The carbonation is average, just a wee bit frothy here and there, the body medium-light in weight, and fairly smooth given all those yeast and hops conspiring and colluding. It finishes mostly dry, with a slight grainy, crackery malt push amongst the latent hop zig and yeast zag.
An agreeable Belgian IPA from Canada's English culture central - the yeast and booze perception both kept rather restrained. So, in essence, we're left with a nice and drinkable hoppy IPA, one with a slight Flanders predilection.
★ 1,126 characters
4/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From a 650 ml brown bottle. Pours out a bright clear golden hue, short creamy white head that settles to a thin cap.
Leafy and citrus rind hops on the nose, some peppery spice, and dry grainy malt in the background.
Dry grains and spice up front in the flavour, finishing with dry grapefruit rind and pith, more herbal down the line and into the aftertaste, with an astringent mouthfeel long into the aftertaste.
Lighter-bodied mouthfeel, texture gets a bit sticky from the hops, moderate carbonation.
Reminds me a lot of a Saison with its dryness, but since this is a new-ish style anything kind of goes at the moment. Quite enjoyable for what it is, I'd go back for more.
★ 677 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From a 650 ml brown bottle. Pours out a bright clear golden hue, short creamy white head that settles to a thin cap.
Leafy and citrus rind hops on the nose, some peppery spice, and dry grainy malt in the background.
Dry grains and spice up front in the flavour, finishing with dry grapefruit rind and pith, more herbal down the line and into the aftertaste, with an astringent mouthfeel long into the aftertaste.
Lighter-bodied mouthfeel, texture gets a bit sticky from the hops, moderate carbonation.
Reminds me a lot of a Saison with its dryness, but since this is a new-ish style anything kind of goes at the moment. Quite enjoyable for what it is, I'd go back for more.
★ 677 characters
4/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Beer is light golden, quite clear. A nice solid white head on top. Good retention, good lacing.
Smell consists of yeast, soapy and grassy hops, pine, a bit of a damp scent. As it opens up, a nice light fruit scent makes itself known.
Taste is similar to the nose. Belgian yeast, some light fruit (banana, apple), grassy hops, lemon, pineapple. Fairly bitter.
Medium bodied, moderate carbonation, somewhat oily.
Overall, pretty good. Not one of the top Belgian IPAs by any stretch, but pretty tasty.
★ 504 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Beer is light golden, quite clear. A nice solid white head on top. Good retention, good lacing.
Smell consists of yeast, soapy and grassy hops, pine, a bit of a damp scent. As it opens up, a nice light fruit scent makes itself known.
Taste is similar to the nose. Belgian yeast, some light fruit (banana, apple), grassy hops, lemon, pineapple. Fairly bitter.
Medium bodied, moderate carbonation, somewhat oily.
Overall, pretty good. Not one of the top Belgian IPAs by any stretch, but pretty tasty.
★ 504 characters
Hoperation Tripel Cross Belgian IPA from Phillips Brewing Company
3.93
out of 5
based on 134 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Phillips Hoperation pours a bright, gold, with some orange and a nice fluffy head. The aroma is fruity and slightly estery with herbal and mildly citrusy hops, as well as a nice phenolic character. The flavor is a delicious mix of spicy, citrusy hops, fruity and dry chalky yeast. The fruity esters start sweet, but the beer finishes dry with a nice balance of phenols and bitterness. A slight resiny character lingers in the finish. The alcohol is hidden completely.
Overall this is one of the best Belgian IPA's I've had. There is a great balance of bitterness, hop flavor and yeast. It definitely tastes like more thought went into it besides just throwing a Belgian yeast into an IPA.
★ 690 characters